Copyright 2007 - James W. Goll All rights reserved. This book is protected by the copyright la s o!

the "#ited $tates o! America. This book may #ot be copied or repri#ted !or commercial gai# or pro!it. The %se o! short &%otatio#s or occasio#al page copyi#g !or perso#al or gro%p st%dy is permitted a#d e#co%raged. 'ermissio# ill be gra#ted %po# re&%est. "#less other ise ide#ti!ied( $cript%re &%otatio#s are !rom the )e America# $ta#dard *ible. $cript%res marked +J,( )-,( A.'( a#d T/* are take# !rom the +i#g James ,ersio#( )e -#ter#atio#al ,ersio#( Ampli!ied *ible( a#d The /ivi#g *ible respectively. all emphasis ithi# script%re &%otatio#s is the a%thors o #. 'lease #ote that 0esti#y -mage1s p%blishi#g style capitali2es certai# pro#o%#s i# $cript%re that re!er to the 3ather( $o#( a#d 4oly $pirit( a#d may di!!er !rom some p%blishers1 styles. Take #ote that the #ame sata# a#d related #ames are #ot capitali2ed. We choose #ot to ack#o ledge him( eve# to the poi#t o! violati#g grammatical r%les. 05$T-)6 -.AG5 7 '"*/-$458$( -)C. '.9. *o: ;<0( $hippe#sb%rg( 'A <72=7-0;<0

"Speaking to the Purposes of God for this Generation and for the Generations to Come."
This book a#d all other 0esti#y -mage( 8evival 'ress( .ercy 'lace( 3resh *read( 0esti#y -mage 3ictio#( a#d Treas%re 4o%se books are available at Christia# bookstores a#d distrib%tors orld ide. 3or a ".$. bookstore #earest yo%( call <->00-722-?77@. 3or more i#!ormatio# o# !oreig# distrib%tors( call 7<7-=;2-;0@0. 9r reach %s o# the -#ter#etA .desti#yimage.com -$*) <;A B7>-0-7?>@-2@2>-7 'revio%sly p%blished as -$*) <-=?0@;-?B7-2 3or World ide 0istrib%tio#( 'ri#ted i# the ".$.A. ; @ = ? 7 > B <0 << C 0B 0> 07

Table of Contents

*ook 9#eA THE LOST ART OF INTERCESSION by James W. Goll

Ack#o ledgme#t...................................................................................................7 5#dorseme#ts..........................................................................................................B 3ore ord................................................................................................................<< -#trod%ctio#...........................................................................................................<; Chapter < Chapter 2 Chapter ; Chapter @ Chapter = Chapter ? Chapter 7 Chapter > Chapter B 8estori#g the .oravia# 3ire................................................................................<= 8estori#g the 3ire o# the Altar............................................................................2; 8estori#g the 'riestly 8ole o! -#tercessio#........................................................;< 8estori#g the Art o! 'leadi#g 6o%r Case...........................................................@; 8estori#g the Watch o! the /ord.........................................................................== 8estori#g the 'ath 3rom 'rayer to 4is 'rese#ce..............................................?7 8estori#g the 4o%se o! 'rayer !or All )atio#s.................................................77 8estori#g the 5:pectatio# o! the $%per#at%ral..................................................>B 8estori#g the AT. DApostolic Team .i#istryE...............................................<0=

Chapter <0

The 0ay o! the Watch 4as Come......................................................................<<7

*ook T oA POWER THROUGH PRAYER by E. M. ounds

Abo%t the A%thor................................................................................................<2B Chapter < Chapter 2 Chapter ; Chapter @ Chapter = Chapter ? Chapter 7 Chapter > Chapter B Chapter <0 Chapter << Chapter <2 Chapter <; Chapter <@ Chapter <= Chapter <? Chapter <7 Chapter <> Chapter <B Chapter 20 .e# o! 'rayer )eeded.......................................................................................<;< 9%r $%!!icie#cy -s o! God...................................................................................<;= The /etter +illeth................................................................................................<;7 Te#de#cies to *e Avoided.................................................................................<;B 'rayer( the Great 5sse#tial.................................................................................<@< A 'rayi#g .i#istry $%ccess!%l..........................................................................<@= .%ch Time $ho%ld *e Give# to 'rayer............................................................<@7 5:amples o! 'rayi#g .e#..................................................................................<@B *egi# the 0ay With 'rayer................................................................................<=; 'rayer a#d 0evotio# "#ited..............................................................................<== A# 5:ample o! 0evotio#....................................................................................<=7 4eart 'reparatio# )ecessary.............................................................................<?< Grace 3rom the 4eart 8ather Tha# the 4ead..................................................<?= "#ctio#( a )ecessity...........................................................................................<?7 "#ctio#( the .ark o! Tr%e Gospel 'reachi#g..................................................<?B .%ch 'rayer( the 'rice o! "#ctio#....................................................................<7; 'rayer .arks $pirit%al /eadership...................................................................<77 'reachers )eed the 'rayers o! the 'eople.......................................................<>< 0eliberatio# )ecessary to /argest 8es%lts 3rom 'rayer................................<>= A 'rayi#g '%lpit *egets a 'rayi#g 'e ...........................................................<>B Abo%t the A%thor................................................................................................<B<

BOOK ONE

THE LOST

ART OF

INTERCESSION

Restoring the Power and Passion of the Watch of the Lord

JAMES W. GOLL

!"kno#ledgment

9ver the years( - have had the high privilege o! bei#g impacted by some o! the greatest teachers a#d ge#erals o! prayer. Their deposits i#to my li!e have bee# rich a#d irreplaceable. *%t( it is to the Flittle b%tlersF that - o e the most tha#ks to. - tha#k the /ord !or all those sacri!icial serva#ts ho have helped to hold %p my arms as e co#ti#%e ith e#d%ra#ce to r%# the race that is set be!ore %s. - have also had the blessi#g o! a !amily ho has released a#d blessed me to be all that - ca# be i# God( to be the %#i&%e vessel God has created me to be. - a#t to tha#k my !amilyGespecially my pare#ts( Way#e a#d Ama#da GollG ho both have go#e o# to be ith the /ord i# rece#t years. Tha#ks !or marki#g my li!e ith the spirit o! prayer !or o%r +i#g.

Endorsements

FA%thority a#d po er reside i# this book beca%se it comes o%t o! a li!e that has 1do#e(1 a#d the# ta%ght. 3i#ally( these precio%s( !orged gems are o%t be!ore %s. 3east yo%r eyes a#d let these tr%ths cha#ge yo%r li!eH Get ready to take a ride i#to #e dime#sio#s o! i#tercessio# a#d orship i# yo%r perso#al a#d corporate prayer li!e.F Wesley T%llis 0irector( .a##a 8elie! 0allas( Te:as FJames Goll is o#e o! the most passio#ate( i#tercessory-prophetic perso#s( regardi#g the thi#gs o! God( hom - have met. 4is teachi#gs have bee# very help!%l to me a#d k#o they ill be very e#richi#g to those ho read this book.F 8a#dy Clark Global A ake#i#g Team /eader 4arrisb%rg( 'A F-! yo% a#t to be co#s%med o# the altar o! God( i! yo% a#t yo%r heart to be e#larged !or God1s !%ll p%rposes i# o%r ge#eratio#( the# yo% ill pro!it !rom this book. The 'salmist says that God co#!ides i# those ho !ear 4im. The /ord co#!ides di!!ere#t thi#gs to di!!ere#t people so that e #eed each other to become hole. James W. Goll !ears the /ord a#d the /ord has co#!ided some thi#gs to him that - #eeded. 6o% #eed them too.F 0r. 0o# 3i#to 'astor( Caleb Compa#y )ashville( Te##essee

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) FJames Goll has had a sig#i!ica#t impact o# my li!e perso#ally a#d o# that o! 4arvest 8ock Ch%rch. 4e1s a ma# ho hears !rom God a#d has the character to obey accordi#gly. - highly comme#d hat he has to say abo%t the %rge#cy a#d art o! i#tercessio# i# this cr%cial ho%r.F Che Ah#( 0. .i#. $e#ior 'astor( 4arvest 8ock Ch%rch 3o%#der o! 4arvest -#ter#atio#al .i#istries 'asade#a( Cali!or#ia F- have k#o # James Goll !or more tha# 2= years( a#d - appreciate his passio# !or Jes%s a#d gi!ti#g i# i#tercessio# a#d the prophetic. Jim as the 0irector o! the $chool o! the $pirit at o%r Grace Trai#i#g Ce#ter i# +a#sas City !or si: years( a#d his classes ere amo#g the !avorites o! o%r st%de#ts.F .ike *ickle 0irector( -#ter#atio#al 4o%se o! 'rayer +a#sas City( .isso%ri A%thor o! Passion for Jesus F5#o%gh ca##ot be said !or James W. Goll1s latest additio# to the arse#al o! pro!o%#d yet practical books o# prayer. The $ost !rt of %nter"ession is #ot some dry( academic treatise o# prayer. )oH -t p%lsates ith prophetic li!e( complete ith a#gelic visitatio#s( visio#s( a#d miracles. -t1s I%st plai# e:citi#g st%!!H Also( k#o i#g both James a#d .ichal A## as do( these stories are #ot merely the seco#dha#d recitatio# o! other people1s e:perie#ces( b%t rather !irstha#d visitatio#s like those i# *ible days. -1ve heard ma#y people speak a#d teach o# prayer( b%t James Goll is o#e o! the best yet. 0o#1t let this book get by yo%.F Wesley a#d $tacey Campbell Co-!o%#ders o! 8evival )o H .i#istries +elo #a( *ritish Col%mbia( Ca#ada 1FWe are epistles ritte# a#d read o! all me#.1 What makes this book credible is #ot o#ly its i#sight i#to the mi#istry o! i#tercessio#( b%t also the a%thor. James is #o #oviceG he is a seaso#ed arrior. 4is riti#gs are #ot the glea#i#gs o! a researcherJ rather they are the lesso#s gai#ed i# the tre#ches o! e:perie#ce. James lives the li!e o! a# i#tercessorG read a#d !ollo his e:ample.F 0avid 8ave#hill Teacher /i#dale( Te:as A%thor o! &or God's Safe( Gro# )p*

<0

&ore#ord

-# Ja#%ary o! <BB= the /ord said to %s( FWatch ith .e.F -# respo#se e i#vited abo%t 20 people to spe#d !rom <0A00 '... 3riday till ?A00 A... $at%rday keepi#g the F)ight Watch(F hich is goi#g itho%t sleep !or spirit%al reaso#s. We aited o# God i# orship a#d prayer a#d shared i# comm%#io# thro%gh Jes%s1 body a#d blood i# the /ord1s $%pper. 5very 3riday #ight si#ce the# e have do#e the same. We have celebrated the Watch ith as ma#y as @(000 atchme# prese#t. Watch gro%ps are #o spri#gi#g %p here a#d abroad. We !i#d o%rselves i# the midst o! a re#e ed visitatio# that is ma#i!esti#g the glory o! the /ordH 'rayer is the backbo#e o! the Ch%rch. God is restori#g o%r spirit%al ge#etics as e keep the Watch. We are e:perie#ci#g a #e dime#sio# o! comm%#io# ith the /ord. 4e is rede!i#i#g o%r %#dersta#di#g o! prayer. The /ord is speaki#g a #e ord abo%t a# old ord. The old ord is "Pray!" The #e ord is "Pray corporately!" The /ord is ope#i#g o%r eyes to this simple tr%thA Prayer is #here e+erything begins and ends in the realm of the spirit. -t is here everythi#g is accomplished. 'rayer is the tr%e ge#etic code o! the Ch%rch. We have e:perie#ced other m%ta#t ge#es that have ca%sed %s to evolve a ay !rom God1s tr%e desig# !or 4is *ody. ut nothing God is going to do #ill happen #ithout prayer. Watchi#g is a historical part o! every great mi#istry a#d every great revival. A# e:cerpt !rom Joh# Wesley1s Io%r#al o! <7;B readsA Mr. ,all( -in"hin( %ngham( Whitefield( ,ut"hins( and my brother Charles #ere present at our lo+e.feast at &etter $ane( #ith about si/ty of our brethren. !t about three in the morning( as #e #ere "ontinuing instant in prayer( the po#er of God "ame mightily upon us( inasmu"h that many "ried out for e/"eeding 0oy( and many fell to the ground. !s soon as #e re"o+ered a little from that a#e and ama1ement at the presen"e of ,is ma0esty( #e broke out #ith one +oi"e( "We praise Thee( 2 God3 #e a"kno#ledge Thee to be the $ord*"4 <<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) Joel a#d the people o! -srael( Wesley( the .oravia#s( a#d other gro%ps have pio#eered i# all-#ight prayer. They tilled the gro%#d a#d pla#ted the seeds o! God1s heart !or corporate prayer. God is #o ateri#g the seeds o! revival a#d raisi#g %p atchme# to reap a #e harvest thro%gh prayer. 9#e o! the atchme# the /ord has bee# raisi#g %p is Jim Goll. -t has bee# *o##ie1s a#d my privilege to be i#timately i#volved i# the lives o! Jim a#d .ichal A## Goll !or several years. We love their passio#ate h%#ger !or seei#g a ge#eratio# o! prayer arriors arise. -# 3ebr%ary o! <BB? at a co#!ere#ce here e both mi#istered( - se#t !orth a call !or F atchme# to take their sta#d o# the all.F 9#e o! the !irst i# li#e as( o! co%rse( my dear !rie#d( Jim Goll. As he stood be!ore me as a soldier aiti#g !or his #e:t orders( the 4oly $pirit rose %p i#side me a#d - released a proclamatio#( F6o% are called as a Ge#eral i# the Watch o! the /ordHF /ittle did - k#o at the time that Jim o%ld be %sed to rite this #eeded book o# The $ost !rt of %nter"ession5 6estoring the Po#er and Passion of the Wat"h of the $ord. -t is ith great Ioy that - comme#d this book to yo%. As the atchme# o! the /ord( e are sta#di#g i# the breaches a#d keepi#g the #ight vigil !or delivera#ce a#d revival !or o%r people( o%r #atio#s( a#d o%r orld. We hope that yo% ill Ioi# %s o# the all o! prayer i# keepi#g the Watch of the Lord .ahesh Chavda .ahesh Chavda .i#istries -#ter#atio#al All )atio#s Ch%rch Charlotte( )orth Caroli#a

EN!NOTE
<. The Works of John Wesley DJackso#E( repri#t ed. D+a#sas CityA *eaco# 4ill 'ress( <B7BE( <70( accessed o# the -#ter#et atA httpACC esley.##%.ed%C esleya#KtheologyCtheoIr#lC;<-;=C;2-2-;.htmL)i#e.

<2

%ntrodu"tion

Are yo% h%#gry !or a%the#tic revival i# the la#dM 0oes yo%r heart b%r# ith a passio# to see Jes%s receive the re ards o! 4is s%!!eri#gM 0o yo% a#t to do the orks o! ChristM -! so( the# - thi#k God had yo% i# mi#d he# 4e prompted me to rite The $ost !rt of %nter"ession. - #eed to tell yo% !rom the start that - am determi#ed to i#!ect yo% ith a holy disease a#d a righteo%s obsessio#. - hope yo% become a total prayera.holi"7 - believe God a#ts to see a hole ge#eratio# o! h%mble( priestly people rise %p ith the passio# a#d a#oi#ti#g to lay hold o! God as 4e has laid hold o! them. - desperately a#t to see this dream come to pass. *y the grace o! God the origi#al ma#%script o! The $ost !rt of %nter"ession has to%ched the lives o! tho%sa#ds aro%#d the orld a#d has bee# o#e o! the tools to help ig#ite the greatest global prayer moveme#t the Ch%rch has ever see#. The copy yo% hold i# yo%r ha#d is a #e release ith added material to eve# better e&%ip yo%. )ot o#ly have reedited the book to make it %p to date( b%t e added a sectio# take# !rom the riti#gs o! pastor( i#tercessor a#d riter 5. .. *o%#ds. 5d ard .c+e#dree *o%#ds D<>;=-<B<;E( .ethodist mi#ister a#d devotio#al riter( as bor# i# $helby Co%#ty( .isso%ri. 4e st%died la a#d as admitted to the bar at age 2<. A!ter practici#g la !or three years( he bega# preachi#g !or the .ethodist 5piscopal Ch%rch( $o%th. At the time o! his pastorate at *r%#s ick( .isso%ri( as declared( a#d he as made a priso#er o! ar !or re!%si#g to take the oath o! allegia#ce to the 3ederal Gover#me#t. A!ter his release he served as chaplai# o! the 3i!th .isso%ri regime#t D!or the Co#!ederate ArmyE %#til the close o! the ar( he# he as capt%red a#d held priso#er at )ashville( Te##essee. 5. .. *o%#ds led the troops i# i#tercessio# a#d eve#t%ally pastored i# my home to # o! 3ra#kli#( Te##essee. -# !act( he led the troops marchi#g do # 4e#peck /a#e i# 3ra#kli#( right here o%r 5#co%#ters .i#istry Ce#ter is today. - have st%died this ma#1s <;

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) prayer!%l li!e a#d !o%#d the !ollo i#g parallels to my o #. We ere both .isso%ria#s a#d came !rom a .ethodist ch%rch heritage. We both pastored i# .isso%ri a#d had a spirit o! prayer %po# o%r lives. We both moved to 3ra#kli# to help lead i# prayer d%ri#g a time o! ar. -#teresti#g( ehM $o( i# a book o# restori#g the po er a#d the passio# o! the atch o! the /ord( it seemed appropriate to add vi#tage material !rom o#e o! o%r great !orer%##ers. As yo% read these ords( Jes%s Christ co#ti#%o%sly i#tercedes !or yo% a#d the Ch%rch be!ore 4is 3ather. !nd ,e in+ites you to do the same. Accordi#g to 8oma#s >A;@ a#d 4ebre s 7A2=( this mi#istry o! i#tercessio# is co#ti#%o%s a#d %#broke#. Jes%s( o%r mag#i!ice#t obsessio#( is o%r most e:celle#t advocate Dde!e#se attor#ey( represe#tative( a#d go-bet ee#E ith the 3ather. 4e took 4is sta#d bet ee# %s a#d o%r si#( a#d 4e remai#s the -#tercessor ho sta#ds bet ee# %s a#d o%r arch e#emy( sata#. 4e perso#ally ide#ti!ied ith o%r total depravity a#d took %po# 4imsel! the si#s o! every h%ma# ge#eratio#. The# Jes%s( the %#blemished a#d g%iltless /amb o! God( carried o%r si# to the cross a#d !orever removed it by dyi#g the death o! the g%ilty ma# o! si# so e o%ld be !ree. 4e has do#e it allH Jes%s Christ a#ts yo% a#d - to Ioi# 4im there i# the 3ather1s 'rese#ce. Will yo% Ioi# 4im i# Fthis road less traveledFM 4e is searchi#g thro%gho%t the earth !or spirit%al adve#t%rers ho ill search a#d e:cavate !or lost treas%res o! the 4oly ki#d. Will yo% pay the price to help restore the glory o! God to the earthM 0o yo% a#t to Ioi# meM The# read o#( brave so%l. This book as ritte# I%st !or yo%. James W. Goll( A%thor 5#co%#ters )et ork A%thor o! The Seer( The $ost !rt of Pra"ti"ing ,is Presen"e( 8ream $anguage a#d ma#y more

<@

C4A'T58 <

6estoring the Mora+ian &ire

/ike 52ekiel o! old ho sat i# the valley !illed ith old bo#es( e ere sitti#g i# a great cemetery !illed ith gravesto#es that marked the resti#g place o! h%#dreds o! .oravia# sai#ts. These #early !orgotte# prayer arriors had pio#eered some o! the richest a#d most dari#g missio#ary ork i# the history o! the Ch%rch( b%t o# this day all as sile#t. 0ra # there by a prophetic missio# o# that pleasa#t a!ter#oo# i# 3ebr%ary o! <BB;( <B i#tercessors( i#cl%di#g my i!e( .ichal A##( a#d mysel!( pa%sed !or prayer be!ore completi#g o%r alk thro%gh the cemetery. 9%r goal as to reach the oode# prayer to er overlooki#g the cemetery a#d the .oravia# village o! 4err#h%t( hich is located o# the so%theaster# border o! Germa#y( across !rom 'ola#d a#d the C2ech 8ep%blic. While sitti#g i# the cemetery d%ri#g that time o! somber prayer( the /ord spoke to my heart( F$o# o! ma#( ca# these bo#es liveMF A#d - respo#ded ith the same a#s er give# by 52ekiel tho%sa#ds o! years be!ore me( F$overeig# /ord( 6o% alo#e k#o .F .ome#ts later( e &%ietly le!t the cemetery a#d climbed the hill to the prayer to er. A!ter - %#locked the door( e climbed a spiral staircase to the circ%lar me22a#i#e at the top o! the .oravia# atchto er. 3rom that va#tage poi#t( e co%ld see !ar beyo#d the borders o! easter# Germa#y i#to the #eighbori#g C2ech 8ep%blic a#d 'ola#d( b%t some i#visible ha#d seemed to dra %s all a ay !rom simply vie i#g. As e sile#tly gathered together i# a loose circle( e co%ld se#se a eighti#ess a#d deep a#ticipatio# gro i#g i# o%r hearts. $omethi#g as abo%t to happe#. $%dde#ly( every perso# i# the to er as over helmed ith a compelli#g spirit o! i#tercessio# %#like a#ythi#g e had ever e:perie#ced. As e prayed( ago#i2ed( a#d groa#ed %#der the obvio%s i#!l%e#ce o! the 4oly $pirit( a stro#g i#d s%dde#ly ble <=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) abo%t the to er here e ere sta#di#g( hippi#g a ay hats a#d scarves i# its po er. We all k#e that this #at%ral phe#ome#o# as a# o%t ard ma#i!estatio# o! a mighty moveme#t by the $pirit o! God. As o#e perso#( e ere gripped i# deep( groa#i#g travail. We k#e hat as happe#i#g. We had traveled te#s o! tho%sa#ds o! miles as a team a#d e:perie#ced i#credible provisio# a#d g%ida#ce all alo#g o%r Io%r#ey to !%l!ill the 4oly $pirit1s comma#d. 9%r missio# as to seek God !or the a#oi#ti#g o! the spirit o! prayer that o#ce rested %po# Co%#t )ikola%s /%d- ig vo# Ni#2e#dor! a#d the .oravia# comm%#ity o! !aith. )o ( I%st as the prophet 52ekiel called !orth the i#ds o! God i# 52ekiel ;7( e had called !orth the i#ds o! God1s a#oi#ti#g( a#d that i#d as blo i#g amo#g %s. We se#sed that it bore ith it the same a#oi#ti#g that God o#ce gave to the .oravia# prayer arriors o! the eightee#th ce#t%ryH

We had called forth the winds of God's anointing, and that wind was blowing among us. We sensed that it bore with it the same anointing that God once gave to the Moravian prayer warriors of the eighteenth century!

Whe# the i#d died do #( e aited. Was o%r missio# completeM Was it over as &%ickly as it bega#M $omeho e all k#e that God as#1t !i#ished ith %s yet. We co#!irmed it later( b%t at the time e se#sed that as a oma# i# the midst o! givi#g birth( e ere i# a l%ll bet ee# Fco#tractio#s.F $%dde#ly( e ere hit spo#ta#eo%sly as o#e perso# ith a# eve# stro#ger spirit o! travail( a#d a seco#d i#d bega# to roar across the valley a#d %p the prayer to er me22a#i#e here e ere positio#ed. - se#sed that this seco#d i#d had bro%ght a #e ave o! !aith a#d a#oi#ti#g to !%l!ill a holy ma#date to blo this spirit o! prayer o%t i#to the #atio#s. -mmediately( - !elt a# impressio# Flight %pF i#side o! me that God a#ted to raise %p the Fho%se o! prayer !or all #atio#sF i# <20 cities( I%st as 4e breathed 4is $pirit i#to the <20 prayer arriors o# the day o! 'e#tecost Dsee .att. 2<A<;J Acts 2E. 3rom those <20 cities o! prayer( God i#te#ded to cover the earth ith 4is glory. )early everythi#g i# my li!e had bee# leadi#g %p to that divi#e appoi#tme#t ith God i# 4err#h%t. - k#e that the rest o! my days o%ld be i#!l%e#ced by hat tra#spired that day i# a to er above the graves o! Co%#t vo# Ni#2e#dor! a#d the .oravia# brethre#.

THREE STRAN!S OF TRUTH

What did the believers at 4err#h%t have that <? e do#1t have todayM

6estoring the Mora+ian &ire /o#g be!ore - ever set !oot i# the C2ech 8ep%blic D!ormerly part o! C2echoslovakiaE !or the !irst time( - had read books a#d articles describi#g the Christia# comm%#ity commo#ly called the F.oravia#s.F Their story is i#tert i#ed ith the lives a#d mi#istries o! some o! the most importa#t ch%rch leaders i# the Great A ake#i#gs a#d revivals that tra#s!ormed Wester# society i# the eightee#th ce#t%ry. - lear#ed that God gave them Fthree stra#dsF aro%#d hich they ove their lives( a#d these stra#ds helped the .oravia#s become orld-cha#gersA <. T"ey "ad relat#o$al %$#ty& 'p#r#t%al co((%$#ty& a$d 'acr#f#c#al l#)#$* 2. T"e po+er of t"e#r per'#'te$t prayer prod%ced a d#)#$e pa''#o$ a$d ,eal for (#''#o$ary o%treac" to t"e lo't .a#y o! them eve# sold themselves i#to slavery i# places like $%ri#am i# $o%th America I%st so they co%ld carry the light o! the gospel i#to closed societies. The .oravia#s ere the !irst missio#aries to the slaves o! $t. Thomas i# the ,irgi# -sla#dsJ they e#t to stra#ge places called /apla#d a#d Gree#la#d a#d to ma#y places i# A!rica. ;. T"e t"#rd 'tra$d +a' de'cr#-ed -y a (otto t"at t"ey l#)ed -y. "No o$e +or/' %$le'' 'o(eo$e pray' " This took the !orm o! a corporate commitme#t to s%stai#ed prayer a#d mi#istry to the /ord. This prayer e#t o# %#broke# !or 2@ ho%rs a day( seve# days a eek( every day o! each year !or over <00 yearsH The .oravia#s1 over <00-year prayer vigil a#d global missio#ary e:ploits marked o#e o! the p%rest moves o! the $pirit i# ch%rch history( a#d it radically cha#ged the e:pressio# o! Christia#ity i# their age. .a#y leaders today !eel that virt%ally every great missio#ary e#deavor o! the eightee#th a#d #i#etee#th ce#t%riesGregardless o! de#omi#atio#al a!!iliatio#G as i# a very real se#se part o! the !r%it o! the .oravia#s1 sacri!icial service a#d prophetic i#tercessory prayer. Their i#!l%e#ce co#ti#%es to be !elt eve# i# o%r day. The /ord is clearly pla##i#g to i#crease that i#!l%e#ce o#ce agai#. J%st as the <20 believers tarryi#g i# the %pper room i# Jer%salem o# 'e#tecost ere Fbapti2ed i# !ireF by the 4oly $pirit o! promise( so those ho a#s er God1s call to tarry be!ore 4is !ace ill also be bapti2ed ith a holy !ire. The gro%p o! believers ho gathered at 4err#h%t to p%rs%e their dream o! religio%s !reedom ere i# m%ch the same state as most Christia#s are today. They came !rom idely diverse religio%s backgro%#ds. 0%ri#g the !irst !ive years o! their comm%#al e:iste#ce a!ter the comm%#ity1s !o%#di#g i# <722( they e:perie#ced bickeri#g( disse#sio#( a#d stri!e. They ere #o better or orse tha# yo% or -( b%t they made a deep commitme#t to Jes%s Christ a#d to prayer( hich tra#s!ormed a#d cha#ged them !orever. They bega# to thi#k God-si2ed tho%ghts a#d !eel a b%r#i#g( God-like compassio# !or the lost. They received s%per#at%ral !aith to tackle challe#ges that o%ld( i# ma#y cases( cost them their !reedom or their very lives. 6et( they did it all i# !aith!%l#ess a#d Ioy. The .oravia#s cha#ged the orld beca%se they allo ed God to cha#ge them. God a#ts to cha#ge the orld agai# a#d 4e is looki#g at yo% a#d me. Are yo% illi#g to seek the same !ire that i#spired the .oravia# believers t o ce#t%ries agoM The Ioy a#d peace!%l co#!ide#ce that the .oravia#s e:hibited i# the !ace o! adversity <7

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) a#d death as lege#dary. FCo%#t vo# Ni#2e#dor! ta%ght the .oravia#s to be God1s tro%bado%rsA They !irst looked at the Cross a#d reIoiced beca%se they !o%#d there a coveri#g !or all their si#s. Ni#2e#dor! o#ce declaredA 1We are the $avio%r1s happy people1...The .oravia#s have bee# called the 15aster 'eople(1 a#d perhaps #o other body o! Christia#s has so compelli#gly e:pressed their adoratio# o! the rise# /amb.F<

WESLEY0S ENCOUNTER
Joh# Wesley !irst e#co%#tered .oravia#s d%ri#g a stormy ocea# voyage. Their i#!l%e#ce as desti#ed to !orever tra#s!orm his li!e a#d %ltimately helped to la%#ch the Great A ake#i#g that s ept thro%gh 5#gla#d a#d AmericaH A%thor a#d prophetic teacher( 8ick Joy#er( rece#tly p%blished a booklet titled( Three Witnesses( hich describes the mirac%lo%s ork o! the .oravia#s alo#g ith their e!!ect o# Joh# Wesley i# partic%larA 0%ri#g Ja#%ary <7;?( Wesley as o# a ship bo%#d !or America that also carried a #%mber o! .oravia# missio#aries. 4e as challe#ged by their great serio%s#ess a#d their h%mility i# per!ormi#g !or other passe#gers the most servile tasks( hich #o#e o! the 5#glish passe#gers o%ld do. Whe# they ere o!!ered pay !or this( they re!%sed( replyi#g that Fit as good !or their pro%d hearts(F a#d Ftheir lovi#g $avior had do#e more !or them.F $ome o! the passe#gers ab%sed them terribly( eve# striki#g them or k#ocki#g them do #( b%t they o%ld #ever strike back or eve# take o!!e#se. .a#y perceived these Germa# missio#aries as co ards %#til a great storm broke over the ship. As the mai# sail split a#d the sea bega# to po%r i#to the ship( the 5#glish pa#icked( their terri!ied screams risi#g eve# above the t%m%lt o! the storm. 6et the .oravia#s sat &%ietly( si#gi#g their hym#s. A!ter ards( he# o#e o! the .oravia#s as asked i! he as a!raid d%ri#g the storm( he a#s ered( F- tha#k God( #o.F The# he as asked i! their ome# a#d childre# ere a!raid( a#d he replied( F)oJ o%r ome# a#d childre# are #ot a!raid to die.F Wesley recorded this i# his diary a#d addedA F3rom them Othe .oravia#sP - e#t to their cryi#g( trembli#g #eighbors( a#d poi#ted o%t to them the di!!ere#ce i# the ho%r o! trial( bet ee# him that !eareth God( a#d him that !eareth #ot. At t elve the i#d !ell. This as the most glorio%s day hich - have hitherto see#.F2 Wesley k#e that he did#1t possess hat he sa i# those simple people o! !aith( those people called .oravia#s. 4e as a# ordai#ed mi#ister( yet he had#1t eve# received Christ as his $avior. 4e as !asci#ated by the .oravia#s1 co#!ide#ce i# the !ace o! impe#di#g death. 4e k#e that he did#1t have hat they had( a#d he decided that he a#ted itG hatever it as. The !ire o! the .oravia# believers seemed to ig#ite h%#ger !or God <> herever they

6estoring the Mora+ian &ire e#t. That h%#ger co%ld o#ly be satis!ied by a# e#co%#ter ith the livi#g God they served. Wo%ld to God that every believer( missio#ary( a#d mi#ister today o%ld alk( ork( a#d orship ith the same !ire that the .oravia#s carried ith them to co%#tless c%lt%res a#d citiesH God is o%t to ig#ite that !ire agai#H 9#ly this time 4e a#ts to see 4is !ire roar across e#tire co#ti#e#ts a#d c%lt%res thro%gh the mea#s o! 4is hole *ody( the Ch%rch. As yo% read these ords( the $pirit o! God is ig#iti#g hearts aro%#d the orld( dra i#g believers to their k#ees a#d si##ers to the cross. 4e is o%t to cover the earth ith the 3ather1s glory( b%t 4e has bee# commissio#ed to do it thro%gh the tra#s!ormed lives o! !alle# h%ma# bei#gs ho have bee# redeemed by the blood o! Jes%s Christ( the /amb o! God.

John Wesley was an ordained minister, yet he hadn't even received Christ as his avior. !e was fascinated by the Moravians' confidence in the face of impending death. !e "new that he didn't have what they had, and he decided that he wanted it#whatever it was.

There is a# i#cide#t i#volvi#g Aaro#( the priest( a#d the !ire o! God that pict%res the b%rde# o! my heart !or this book a#d the ork o! God i# this ge#eratio#. -t is !o%#d i# )%mbers <?A !nd the $ord spoke to Moses( saying( "Get a#ay from among this "ongregation( that % may "onsume them instantly." Then they fell on their fa"es. Moses said to !aron( "Take your "enser and put in it fire from the altar( and lay in"ense on it3 then bring it 9ui"kly to the "ongregation and make atonement for them( for #rath has gone forth from the $ord( the plague has begun*" Then !aron took it as Moses had spoken( and ran into the midst of the assembly( for behold( the plague had begun among the people. So he put on the in"ense and made atonement for the people. !nd he took his stand bet#een the dead and the li+ing( so that the plague #as "he"ked. ut those #ho died by the plague #ere 4:(;<<( besides those #ho died on a""ount of -orah =>umbers 4?5::.:@A. Aaro# provides a vivid pict%re o! the i#tercessor. Whe# the co#gregatio# o! -srael si##ed by rebelli#g agai#st their leaders( God se#t a I%dgme#t %po# them i# the !orm o! a plag%e that killed #early <=(000 people. 3ar more o%ld have died( b%t .oses told Aaro#( the high priest( to &%ickly p%t !ire !rom God1s altar i#to his ce#ser( or co#tai#er( alo#g ith i#ce#se. The# Aaro# literally ra# o%t i#to the midst o! the co#gregatio# ith the !ire

<B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) o! God. The $cript%re says that Aaro# Ftook his sta#d bet ee# the dead a#d the livi#g.F The !ragra#t smoke asce#di#g !rom the b%r#i#g ce#ser( as Aaro# s %#g it to a#d !ro( !ormed a li#e o! demarcatio# bet ee# t o gro%psGthe dead a#d the livi#g.

WHAT ARE THE APPLICATIONS FOR TO!AY1

What does that mea# !or %sM - atte#ded a 8%ssia# 9rthodo: service i# a# e!!ort to better %#dersta#d the pri#ciples i# this 9ld Testame#t passage. The ord "antor re!ers to a priest ho prays a#d si#gs cha#ts. -! yo% have ever heard a Gregoria# cha#t s%#g ith po er a#d a#oi#ti#g( the# yo% k#o ho bea%ti!%l a#d absol%tely i#credible the so#g o! a ca#tor ca# be. The ca#tor has a ce#ser or a ca#tor( a co#tai#er( a ca# that is !illed ith i#ce#se. Thro%gho%t the ca#tor1s mi#istry( it co#ti#%ally releases a s eet !ragra#ce a#d smoke that ill !ill the sa#ct%ary. .a#y times this ca#tor-priest ill be dressed i# royal priestly regalia as he alks amo#g the people ith his i#str%me#ts o! sacri!ice Dthe ce#ser a#d i#ce#seE. - remember the 8%ssia# 9rthodo: ca#tor si#gi#g !rom the 'salms i# high praise( FThe /ord is good. A#d 4is mercy e#d%res !orever.F The# - heard the people say e#d%res !orever. Ame#.F ith o#e voice( FAme#. The /ord is good( a#d 4is mercy

What - sa i# the 9rthodo: service as hat - believe to be a very acc%rate pict%re o! hat Aaro# did. 4o ever( o# the day o! the crisis he# Aaro# stepped close to the sheki#ah prese#ce o! God i# the 4oly o! 4olies to take o! the !ire o# the altar( - believe he became co#s%med ith the 2eal o! the /ord o! 4osts a#d he became a radicalH That is hat God a#ts to do ith yo% a#d me( a#d ith everyo#e ho calls %po# the #ame o! the /ord. 4e a#ts to break o!! the po er o! i#timidatio# i# o%r lives a#d cast do # the spirit o! !ear that reIects a#d avoids the %#k#o #. - o#ce heard my !rie#d( 'a%l Cai#( o#e o! the leadi#g prophetic statesme# o! o%r day( say( F9#e o! the problems e have is that e are so a!raid o! ild!ire that e have #o !ire.F God a#ts 4is +i#gdom o! ki#gs a#d priests to o#ce agai# take the !ire !rom 4is prese#ce a#d r%sh it ith godly 2eal to the people i# #eed. All yo% have to do is !i#d a# FaltarF here the !ire o! God is b%r#i#g alo#g ith a# ab%#da#t s%pply o! s eet i#ce#se. 4e a#ts to tra#s!orm o%r ge#eratio# thro%gh 4is sheki#ah glory( I%st as 4e tra#s!ormed Aaro#.

God wants !is $ingdom of "ings and priests to once again ta"e the fire from !is presence and rush it with godly %eal to the people in need. &ll you have to do is find an 'altar' where the fire of God is burning along with an abundant supply of sweet incense.

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6estoring the Mora+ian &ire God a#ts to %se more tha# a .oses or a# Aaro# today. 9#e o! the %#i&%e thi#gs abo%t the Ch%rch o! the )e Cove#a#t is that God has a%thori2ed a#d comma#ded e+ery belie+er to do the ork o! the mi#istryH F'oi#t people(F or ch%rch leaders( ca#1t do it allJ i# !act( their primary Iob or reaso# !or bei#g( accordi#g to the apostle 'a%l( is "for the e9uipping of the saints for the #ork of ser+i"e( to the building up of the body of Christ" D5ph. @A<2E. God a#ts a# e#tire army o! orkers o%t doi#g the vital ork o! the mi#istry a#d b%ildi#g %p 4is *ody( the Ch%rch. The plag%e i# )%mbers chapter <? as stopped beca%se Aaro# stood i# the gap. That is the classic de!i#itio# o! a# i#tercessorA Fo#e ho sta#ds i# the gap !or a#other.F Aaro# stood i# the gap !or his ge#eratio#( a#d the plag%e as stopped. There is a devilish plag%e r%##i#g rampa#t today thro%gh o%r ch%rches( cities( a#d #atio#s. )o the /ord is calli#g !or a priestly people to rise %p a#d perso#ally carry the holy !ire o! 4is prese#ce to their ge#eratio# !or their salvatio# a#d 4is glory.

WHO WILL STAN! IN THE GAP1

/et me bri#g this a little closer to homeA God a#ts to p%t 4is $pirit %po# yo% i# s%ch a meas%re that yo% ill a#s er 4is s%mmo#s ith a reso%#di#gA F6es( - ill sta#d i# the gap !or my ge#eratio# right here a#d #o . - ill p%t aside every pathetic i#timidatio# a#d every e#ta#gleme#t o! #amby-pamby religio#. - am goi#g to make a di!!ere#ce by illi#gly taki#g %p the cross o! a# i#tercessor. - ill lay aside my li!e !or the sake o! others be!ore God.F God is restori#g the a#cie#t !ire that o#ce i#spired the .oravia#s to la%#ch hat( i# their day( as the greatest missio#ary campaig# si#ce the *ook o! Acts. 4e is restori#g 4is !ire to yo% a#d me i# this ge#eratio# beca%se 4e a#ts %s to reap 4is harvest. The !irst step begi#s ith the restoratio# o! the !ire o# God1s altar. ,ere % am $ord* )se me* $ike %saiah of old( % surrender to the "all of my Master. $ike the #ord of the $ord that "ame to E1ekiel( % de"lare( " y gra"e( % #ill stand in the gap for su"h a time as this." $ike !nna and Simeon in the Temple at the time of the dedi"ation of Jesus on his Bth day( % say( "% #ill be your propheti" inter"essor." ,ere l amCright hereCright no#C#rite my name do#n in your book and sign me up to be a part of the #at"h of the $ord. &or Jesus Christ sake and the re#ards of ,is suffering. !men and !men*

EN!NOTES
<. A#tho#y J. /e is( Din1endorf the E"umeni"al Pioneer D/o#do#A $.C... 'ress( <B?2E( 7;-7@. 2. 8ick Joy#er( Three Witnesses DCharlotte( )CA .or#i#gstar '%blicatio#s( <BB7E( =?.

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C4A'T58 2

6estoring the &ire on the !ltar

&ire shall be kept burning "ontinually on the altar3 it is not to go out =$e+iti"us ?54EA. $everal years ago the /ord called me aside to spe#d #early a mo#th ith 4im i# Fsolitary co#!i#eme#t.F 4is p%rpose as clearA 4e a#ted to place me i# a# i#te#sive F.ary positio#F so - co%ld hear clearly hat 4e a#ted to say to me. < - did#1t reali2e it the#( b%t the ords - o%ld hear at the e#d o! those eeks o! isolated prayer o%ld lay part o! the !o%#datio# !or my mi#istry d%ri#g the remai#der o! this decade( a#d !or this book as ell. - came to lear# later that 4e as also sayi#g the same thi#g to other members o! 4is *ody aro%#d the orld. - s%spe#ded my travel iti#erary a#d positio#ed mysel! !ar !rom the #earest telepho#e. DThe voice - #eeded to hear did #ot #eed a telepho#e or e-mail to reach me.E 0%ri#g that period( - spe#t precio%s ho%rs aiti#g o# the /ord( a#d 4e blessed me agai# a#d agai# as - sat at 4is !eet a#d liste#ed !or 4is every ord. At the e#d o! my prayer co#secratio#( the 4oly $pirit gave me a# order !rom the 3ather1s thro#eA F-t1s time !or fire on the altar." - had bee# a ake#ed i# the #ight a !e mo#ths earlier( a#d !or t o ho%rs my mi#d had bee# !illed ith eight phrases that kept circ%lati#g i# my tho%ghts as - so%ght God1s !aceA F*la2i#g altars...the !ire a#d the altar...altars abla2e...!lami#g altars...the altar a#d the !lame...altars a!lame...altars o# !ire.F The o#e phrase that str%ck me the most as( F3ire o# the altar.F - did#1t reali2e it at the time( b%t this as a# e:act &%ote o! a portio# o! /evitic%s ?AB( hich says( "Command !aron and his sons( saying( 'This is the la# for the burnt offering5 the burnt offering itself shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning( and the fire on the altar is to be kept burning on it.'"

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9)

Count von (in%endorf "new the fire of the altar signified the prayer of the saints, and he viewed this Word as a literal command to restore unceasing prayer before the )ord. Church history, and, therefore, world history, would never be the same again.

This is !ollo ed !o%r verses later by the s%mmary comma#d( "&ire shall be kept burning "ontinually on the altar3 it is not to go out" D/ev. ?A<;E. Accordi#g to 'ro!essor /eslie +. Tarr( this is the verse that Co%#t vo# Ni#2e#dor! received !rom the 4oly $pirit i# <727( hich i#spired the .oravia#1s i#credible <00-year prayer vigil la%#ched that year. 2 The Co%#t reali2ed that this re!ere#ce re!erred to the altar o! sacri!ice( b%t he also %#derstood that this 9ld Testame#t priestly !%#ctio# i#volvi#g !ire a#d sacri!ices carried a m%ch greater a#d abidi#g sig#i!ica#ce o# this side o! the Cross. 4e k#e that the !ire o! the altar sig#i!ied the prayer of the saints( a#d he vie ed this ord as a literal comma#d to restore %#ceasi#g prayer be!ore the /ord. Ch%rch history( a#d( there!ore( orld history( o%ld #ever be the same agai#. 9#e o! the eak#esses - perceive i# ma#y )orth America# ch%rches today is a pro!o%#d ig#ora#ceGa#d eve# a disdai#( at timesGo! the 9ld Testame#t $cript%res. -t is #ot s%rprisi#g that !e America# believers %#dersta#d the *ook o! 4ebre s or the ma#y re!ere#ces o! Jes%s Christ that come !rom the 9ld Testame#t. A#yo#e ho lo#gs to alk closer to God m%st embrace all o! 4is Word( i#cl%di#g the books o! the 9ld Testame#t. Co%#t vo# Ni#2e#dor!1s revelatio# !rom the *ook o! /evitic%s is a# importa#t e:ample o! ho God ca# %se shado s a#d types !rom 9ld Testame#t relatio#ships a#d deali#gs to reveal a#d e#lighte# %s o# 4is ork today. Accordi#g to the i#str%ctio#s that Aaro#( the high priest( received thro%gh .oses i# /evitic%s chapter <?( be!ore the high priest co%ld pass thro%gh the i##er veil i#to the .ost 4oly 'lace Dor ,oly of ,oliesA( he as s%pposed to mi#ister at t o statio#s i# the o%ter co%rt a#d three ithi# the 4oly 'lace. 3irst( he o%ld o!!er %p the sacri!ice o! blood at the bra2e# altar. This as !ollo ed by the ceremo#ial ashi#g o! ater at the laver. A!ter e#teri#g the 4oly 'lace thro%gh the o%ter veil( the priest o%ld approach the lamp sta#d D hich held seve# golde# ca#dlesticksE( the table o! she -bread( a#d the golde# altar o! i#ce#se( hich rested immediately i# !ro#t o! the i##er veil. *eyo#d the veil i# the .ost 4oly 'lace as the ark o! the cove#a#t( ith the mercy seat !la#ked by its coveri#g cher%bs. This as the place o! comm%#io#Gthe place here God1s prese#ce as ma#i!ested a#d 4is glory as made k#o #.

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6estoring the &ire on the !ltar

GO!0S PROPHETIC CALEN!AR

Where do e sta#d corporately i# God1s prophetic timetableM The statio#s o! service i# the taber#acle o! .oses per!ectly pict%re the progressive ork o! God to per!ect 4is *ride i# the earth. The 'rotesta#t 8e!ormatio# restored the spirit%al tr%ths depicted by the bra2e# altar a#d its blood sacri!ice. This simple yet pro!o%#d %#dersta#di#g o! I%sti!icatio# by !aith i# the blood o! Christ is the begi##i#g place i# o%r Io%r#ey i#to the prese#ce o! God. -# the <>00s( Joh# Wesley a#d the 4oli#ess .oveme#t helped to reclaim the spirit%al tr%ths o! the laverA the place o! clea#si#g a#d sa#cti!icatio#. At the t%r# o! the ce#t%ry( the 'e#tecostal 8evival ret%r#ed the emphasis o! the 'o er a#d the gi!ts o! the $pirit as represe#ted i# the lamp sta#d Dor the seve# golde# ca#dlesticksE. $i:ty years later this as !ollo ed by the Charismatic 8e#e al( hich highlighted the !ello ship o! breaki#g bread as e:hibited i# the table o! she bread. 'erhaps today( i# God1s progressive pla# o! %#!oldi#g tr%th( e !i#d o%rselves mi#isteri#g at the altar o! i#ce#se. As the )e Testame#t priesthood o! believers( e are prophetically s i#gi#g the ce#ser o! praise a#d prayers %#to the /ord .ost 4igh. Today( e sta#d collectively be!ore the altar o! i#ce#se a#d the time !or lighti#g o%r i#ce#se has comeH

A LIFE2CHANGING E3ENT
-# Ja#%ary <BB;( - traveled to the C2ech 8ep%blic ith a gro%p o! i#tercessors to Ioi# the believers there i# Fchriste#i#gF their #e #atio# to the /ord. While sta#di#g o# the plat!orm be!ore 0a# 0rapal1s Christia# 3ello ship o! 'rag%e( a series o! ords seemed to !all i#to my mi#d. F4ave yo% co#sidered the m%ltidirectio#al dime#sio# o! prayerMF This se#te#ce capt%red my atte#tio# b%t - did #ot have time to po#der it( as it as time !or me to deliver my #e:t stateme#t. The# the ords( F8emember( hat goes %p m%st come do #HF b%rst i#to my co#scie#ce. What as the /ord tryi#g to tell meM 0oes prayer have more tha# o#e directio#M .y tho%ghts &%ickly ere the# take# to 8evelatio# >A;-=A !nd another angel "ame and stood at the altar( holding a golden "enser3 and mu"h in"ense #as gi+en to him( so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar #hi"h #as before the throne. !nd the smoke of the in"ense( #ith the prayers of the saints( #ent up before God out of the angel's hand. Then the angel took the "enser and filled it #ith the fire of the altar( and thre# it to the earth3 and there follo#ed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earth9uake =6e+elation B5E.FA. - co%ld begi# to see it. What goes up does "ome do#n* 9%r prayers arise !rom o%r h%mble earthly habitatio# %#to their heave#ly desti#atio#. The a#gels( acti#g as altar atte#da#ts( take their ce#sers a#d !ill them ith m%ch i#ce#se D hich is the prayers o! the sai#tsE. The a#gels become the heave#ly ca#tors( s i#gi#g o%r prayers a#d praises be!ore o%r /ord. The# they take the ce#sers a#d !ill them ith the fire on the altar a#d thro it 2=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) back do # o# the earth. $ig#s a#d the earth. o#ders !ollo as hat e#t %p is cast back do # o#

9#e o! these F o#dersF that is speci!ically listed i# 8evelatio# > is light#i#g. Ama2i#g( is#1t itM )early a year later( God gave me a#other piece to the p%22le i# a po er!%l dream - received i# Toro#to( 9#tario. -t co#cer#ed the Fdo # ard !ireF o! the godly e&%atio#( FWhat goes %p m%st come do #.F - as co#d%cti#g my seco#d F3ire o# the Altar Co#!ere#ceF at a ,i#eyard 3ello ship i# Cambridge( a s%b%rb o! Toro#to( i# 0ecember o! <BB;. .y last #ight( i# the baseme#t g%est room o! the pastor1s ho%se( - had a dream i# hich - sa h%#dreds o! co#sec%tive light#i#g bolts spli#teri#g a#d sho eri#g do # o# the earth !rom the heave#s. There ere#1t a#y people or spoke# ords i# the dream( I%st this brillia#t sho er o! light#i#g bolts co#ti#%o%sly striki#g the earth. - do#1t k#o hat time it as( b%t some time that #ight - a oke !rom the dream a#d reali2ed that the room as !illed ith hat - call Fthe desti#y o! God.F The#( ith my eyes ide ope#( - sa large letters meas%ri#g t o or three !eet high ha#gi#g i# the room( a#d they said( FJob ;?A;2.F - I%st aited &%ietly i# the room( a#d a!ter a hile - t%r#ed o# the light a#d reached !or my *ible. - as thrilled a#d p%22led by hat - read i# verse ;2 a#d the !ollo i#g verses. ,e "o+ers ,is hands #ith the lightning( and "ommands it to strike the mark. %ts noise de"lares ,is presen"e3 the "attle also( "on"erning #hat is "oming up. !t this also my heart trembles( and leaps from its pla"e. $isten "losely to the thunder of ,is +oi"e( and the rumbling that goes out from ,is mouth. )nder the #hole hea+en ,e lets it loose( and ,is lightning to the ends of the earth =Job E?5EG.E;5EA. God covers 4is ha#ds ith lightning a#d 4e se#ds it !orth a#d it strikes the mark. Altho%gh these are the ords o! 5lih%( they s%re seem to agree ith the pict%re o! God1s !ire i# 8evelatio# >A;-=. /ater - came to lear# that 4ebre ord tra#slated as Fstrikes the markF is paga. This same ord is tra#slated as Fi#tercessio#F i# -saiah =BA<?( here God lame#ts i# the .essia#ic passage( "!nd ,e sa# that there #as no man( and #as astonished that there #as no one to inter"ede HpagaI3 then ,is o#n arm brought sal+ation to ,im3 and ,is righteousness upheld ,im." -#tercessio# releases God1s brillia#t light or light#i#g to Fstrike the markF i# the earth( directi#g God1s po er a#d glory i#to desired sit%atio#s ith s%per#at%ral res%ltsH A !rie#d se#t me a le#gthy st%dy o! light#i#g i# the *ible a#d s%ggested that light#i#g is the a#oi#ted Word o! God goi#g !orth !rom the mo%th o! the sai#ts. 4e believed the $cript%res imply that as e speak the Word o! God( it goes !orth !rom o%r mo%th like light#i#g to i#tercede a#d strike the mark( ro%ti#g o%r e#emies a#d bri#gi#g the I%dgme#t o! God to sit%atio#s( layi#g bare the hearts o! me#( a#d !%lly accomplishi#g hatever God comma#ded it to accomplish. - have to agree that this is totally i# li#e ith the *ible as - %#dersta#d it.

2?

6estoring the &ire on the !ltar

THE POWER OF GO!0S WOR!

Whe# God1s Word goes !orth( cha##els o! livi#g ater appear i# the midst o! barre# deserts. God1s Word lights %p everythi#g( a#d #othi#g ca# hide !rom its ill%mi#ati#g po er. 0emo#ic po ers tremble a#d melt at its prese#ce. Whe# God1s Word is se#t !orth i# !aith a#d obedie#ce( it ill ca%se people aro%#d %s to see God1s glory. A#other pict%re o! this dy#amic !%#ctio# o! paga is that i#tercessio# Fpai#ts the targetsF so God ca# 2ero i# o# areas o! #eed ith 4is gloryH 4e sets 4is Fg%# sightsF o# these targets a#d Fstrikes the markF ith 4is light#i#g or Fdisplays o! 4is brillia#t prese#ce.F; We have the privilege o! pai#ti#g targets o# cities( #atio#s( ch%rches( a#d i#divid%als gra#ti#g access poi#ts to the 9#e hose ha#ds are covered ith light. *y this( e call light to overcome dark#ess. This dream o! the co#ti#%o%s sho er o! light#i#g bolts !rom 4eave# came i# 0ecember o! <BB;( seve# eeks be!ore the o%tbreak o! the $pirit bega# a!ter the /ord se#t 8a#dy Clark to hat as the# the Toro#to Airport ,i#eyard Christia# 3ello ship. $i#ce the#( the rai# o! God1s prese#ce o# that regio# has bee# co#ti#%o%s. A pastor1s i!e !rom the $tate o! Washi#gto# as i# a service i# Toro#to a#d F%#der the i#!l%e#ceF o! the 4oly $pirit he# the voice o! the /ord hispered to her a#d saidA F0o yo% remember all o! the prayers that yo% have prayed !or revivalM This is the begi##i#g o! that.F $i#ce the#( eve# the sec%lar media has discovered the !ires o! God roari#g o%t !rom places like Toro#to( Ca#ada( 'e#sacola( 3lorida( /o#do#( 5#gla#d a#d 'emba( .o2ambi&%e( A!rica.

*ntercession 'paints the targets' so God can %ero in on areas of need with !is glory! !e sets !is 'gun sights' on these targets and 'stri"es the mar"' with !is lightning or 'displays of !is brilliant presence.'

)ot o#ly is it ama2i#g a#d asto%#di#g that o%r prayers a!!ect the desti#y o! i#divid%als a#d #atio#s( b%t God o%ld also say to %sA F8eIoice that yo% are give# the mag#i!ice#t privilege o! mi#isteri#g to .e at this most precio%s heave#ly altarH 8eIoice that the altar o! i#ce#se is that hich is #earest to .y heart.F 9h( hat a blessed gi!t a#d privilege is this holy thi#g called prayerH .ore tha# a#ythi#g else( prayer is ma#1s i#vitatio# se#t heave# ard !or God1s respo#se to be cast earth ardGthe h%ma# i# e:cha#ge !or the heave#lyH $eco#d Chro#icles 7A<-; glorio%sly depicts this pri#cipleA >o# #hen Solomon had finished praying( fire "ame do#n from hea+en and 27

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) "onsumed the burnt offering and the sa"rifi"es( and the glory of the $ord filled the house. The priests "ould not enter into the house of the $ord be"ause the glory of the $ord filled the $ord's house. !nd all the sons of %srael( seeing the fire "ome do#n and the glory of the $ord upon the house( bo#ed do#n on the pa+ement #ith their fa"es to the ground( and they #orshiped and ga+e praise to the $ord( saying( "Truly ,e is good( truly ,is lo+ingkindness is e+erlasting" =G Chroni"les ;54.EA. This is hat e year# !orH We have see# it happe# here a#d thereGi# $mithto#( .isso%riJ $%#derla#d( 5#gla#dJ *ogata( Col%mbiaJ a#d 8eddi#g( Cali!or#ia a#d the# i# ma#y other cities across the globe. *%t e m%st have more( /ordH We a#t to see God1s glory !ill the earth. %t #ill happen through e/"hange. 'rayer asce#ds. -#ce#se arises. .a#1s smoke sig#al to 4is 4ighest Chie! arises declari#g( F$e#d !orth the !ireHF 4eave#ly !ire !rom the altar the# comes crashi#g do # a#d the glory o! the /ord !ills 4is ho%se o#ce agai#. What goes %p m%st come do #. /et1s prese#t o%rselves o# God1s altar as o%r spirit%al service o! orship. D$ee 8oma#s <2.E /et1s o!!er %p the co#ti#%al sacri!ices o! praise a#d the i#ce#se o! prayer. A#d let %s co#ti#%e to do so %#til the a#gels take their ce#ser( !ill it to the brim( a#d cast 4eave#1s fire on the altar back do # i#to o%r earthly d elli#g places agai#. 5ve# so( let the !ire o# the altar come t%mbli#g !orth. /et God1s priests prostrate themselves be!ore 4im. .ay 4is glory i#vade a#d pervade 4is ho%se %#til all God1s people cry( FAme# a#d Ame#HF

FOLLOWING THE 4LUEPRINT

The 9ld Testame#t Fbl%epri#tF o! the taber#acle o! .oses reveals a# a#cie#t a#d divi#e patter# marki#g the methodical restoratio# o! tr%th a#d practice i# Ch%rch history. The taber#acle as divided i#to three areas( a#d each area as e&%ipped ith speci!ic pieces o! !%r#it%re !or speci!ic p%rposes. The path to God1s prese#ce re&%ired the high priest o! the 9ld Testame#t to move progressively !rom the o%ter co%rt i#to the i##er co%rt Dthe 4oly 'laceE( a#d %ltimately thro%gh the veil i#to the 4oly o! 4olies( or the .ost 4oly 'lace. These steps o! progressive revelatio# have a striki#g parallel to God1s pla# o! restoratio# !or 4is $o#1s *ride( the Ch%rchA -. T"e O%ter Co%rt5W"ere S#$f%l 6a$ Co(e' to God #$ Need of Sal)at#o$ A. The 'rotesta#t 8e!ormatio# D8epe#ta#ce a#d 3orgive#essA 3irst $tatio# o! the /ambE <. 8estoratio# o! the altar o! sacri!ice 2. 8estoratio# o! the sacri!ice o! the blood ;. 8estoratio# o! I%sti!icatio# by !aith *. The 4oli#ess .oveme#t DClea#si#g a#d $a#cti!icatio#A $eco#d $tatio# o! the /ambE <. 8estoratio# o! the bra2e# laver

2>

6estoring the &ire on the !ltar 2. 8estoratio# o! the ashi#g o! the ha#ds

;. 8estoratio# o! clea#si#g a#d sa#cti!icatio# --. The -##er Co%rtGThe 4oly 'lace D!or 'riests 9#lyE A. The 'e#tecostal 9%tpo%ri#g D-ll%mi#atio# a#d A#oi#ti#gA Third $tatio# o! the /ambE <. 8estoratio# o! the golde# lamp sta#d 2. 8estoratio# o! the lighti#g a#d b%r#i#g o! the seve# golde# ca#dlesticks ;. 8estoratio# o! the po er a#d gi!ts o! the $pirit *. The Charismatic 9%tpo%ri#g Dthe 3%ll 'ortio# o! God1s *readA 3o%rth $tatio# o! the /ambE <. 8estoratio# o! the table o! she bread 2. 8estoratio# o! the <2 loaves o! bread( represe#ti#g the <2 tribes o! -srael ;. 8estoratio# o! !ello ship across the *ody o! Christ C. The 'rayer .oveme#t DWorship a#d 'rayerA 3i!th $tatio# o! the /ambE <. 8estoratio# o! the altar o! i#ce#se 2. 8estoratio# o! the !ire co#ti#%ally b%r#i#g o# the altar ;. 8estoratio# o! orship a#d prayer The time o! the i#ce#se has comeH That the altar o! i#ce#se has its place #earest to the c%rtai# be!ore the 4oly o! 4olies sig#i!ies the spirit%al speci!icity o! prayer as comi#g #earest to the heart o! God. 'erhaps the Fsi:th statio#F o! the /amb ill be the %#veili#g o! a# e#tire Ch%rch o! ki#gs a#d priests mi#isteri#g boldly to God 4imsel! ithi# the .ost 4oly 'laceGi# !%ll vie o! the %#saved orld a#d the pri#cipalities a#d po ers o! the air. This o%ld be a literal !%l!illme#t o! 0avid1s a#cie#t psalm i# hich he said( "The $ord is my Shepherd( % shall not #ant... ,e set.teth a table before me in the presen"e of mine enemies" Dsee 's. 2;E. - !i#d it i#teresti#g that hether yo% ask people i# orship services at 'asade#a1s 4arvest 8ock Ch%rch( /o#do#1s 4oly Tri#ity *rompto# A#glica# Ch%rch( or at Grace Ce#ter i# 3ra#kli#( Te##essee( or at a#y o! the other places here God1s $pirit is bei#g po%red o%t( they ill all speak i# the same terms. They say they se#sed God1s glory a#d prese#ce over helm them. This is o#e o! the ays e e:perie#ce the Fma#i!est prese#ce o! God(F hich is e:actly ho the 9ld Testame#t describes the 'rese#ce that desce#ded o# the mercy seat bet ee# the golde# cher%bim o! the ark o! the cove#a#t i# Aaro#1s dayH .y !rie#ds( the God o! Abraham( -saac( a#d Jacob is alive a#d ell today. 4e has arise# to visit 4is people by sitti#g i# the thro#e o! orship a#d prayer e have made !or 4im thro%gh o%r prayer( praise( orship( a#d i#tercessio#H $ometimes God breaks o%t o! o%r Ftheoretical models o! prayer.F 6o% see( 4e is #ot a

2B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) static God. 4e is #ot a FtameF God ho is co#te#t to stay i#side o! o%r #eat little theological bo:es a#d paradigms. Accordi#g to the $cript%res( he# e dare to dra #ear to 4im( 4e ill dra #ear to %s Dsee James @A>EH That mea#s that he# yo% move yo%rsel! close to the co#s%mi#g !ire o! God( the# 4e ill move the !ire o! 4is prese#ce closer to yo%. That mea#s that yo% a#d - are goi#g to !eel the heat o! God a#d get !ired %p tooH IS YOUR

HEART ON FIRE1

Co#sider the &%alities o! !ire. -# the #at%ral realm( !ire p%ri!ies( !%els( ill%mi#ates( a#d arms. -# the spirit realm( !ire is see# as the po er o! God to I%dge( sa#cti!y( empo er( i#spire( e#lighte#( reveal( a#d arm the heart. -t is time to dra #ear to the altar o! God a#d stoke the !ires o! God i# o%r hearts. There is a#other type o! divi#e respo#se to o%r %pli!ted !ire a#d i#ce#se i# additio# to 4is dispatch o! holy light#i#g to the earthA &ire "ame do#n from ,ea+en and "onsumed the burnt offering and the sa"rifi"es( and the glory of the $ord filled the house. !nd the priests "ould not enter into the house of the $ord( be"ause the glory of the $ord filled the $ord's house =G Chroni"les ;54.GA. The restoratio# o! the !ire o# the altar is #ot a# e#d i# itsel!. -t is b%t the !irst step i# a progressio# to ard o%r lovi#g God. -# the #e:t step( God a#ts to t%r# o%r eyes a#d hearts o%t ard( !rom o%rselves to others( ith compassio# like that o! o%r great 4igh 'riest a#d Chie! -#tercessor. % #ant to burn #ith the fire of God* 8o not lea+e me the #ay % am. Consume me #ith the fire of your lo+e for your holy name's sake. % #ant my heart to burn #ith the things that burn in your heart. % #ant to be numbered amongst your ne# Mary's of ethany. $et the Spirit of prayer fall upon me this hour* % pray this in the glorious name of Jesus*

EN!NOTES
<. The F.ary 'ositio#F is the post%re o! si#gle-mi#ded orship a#d year#i#g( hile yo% are seated at the !eet o! Jes%s ith 4im as yo%r sole a#d total poi#t o! !oc%s. This is i# co#trast to the approach o! a F.artha.F .artha b%sied hersel! ith the details o! ork( a#d she is characteri2ed by m%ch distractio#( orry( a#d care. 4er b%sy#ess kept her apart !rom the ords a#d !ace o! Jes%s Dsee /%ke <0A;>-@2E. 2. /eslie +. Tarr( FA 'rayer .eeti#g That /asted <00 6ears(F 8e"ision D*illy Graham 5va#gelistic Associatio#( .ay <B77E. "sed by permissio#. ;. This term( Fbrillia#t prese#ce(F is part o! a#other related visio# co#cer#i#g God1s Fhighest eapo# o! spirit%al ar!are(F hich - cover i# detail i# Chapter ? o! this book( titled F8estori#g the 'ath 3rom 'rayer to 4is 'rese#ce.F

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C4A'T58 ;

6estoring the Priestly 6ole of %nter"ession

Jou also( as li+ing stones( are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood( to offer up spiritual sa"rifi"es a""eptable to God through Jesus Christ =4 Peter G5FA. $everal years ago - as mi#isteri#g i# 'hoe#i:( Ari2o#a( he# - sa a visio# take !orm i# !ro#t o! me. - sa a caterpillar that appeared to be eavi#g somethi#g( a#d reali2ed it as !ormi#g a cocoo# aro%#d itsel!. Whe# the time came !or this caterpillar to !i#ally emerge !rom its chrysalis( it had to str%ggle I%st to escape its omb o! tra#s!ormatio#. )evertheless( as - atched( the creat%re str%ggled %#til it !i#ally emerged as a !%lly !ormed b%tter!ly arrayed i# brillia#t a#d iridesce#t colors. Whe# - asked the /ord abo%t hat this as( 4e said( F-t is the Ch%rch i# metamorphosis.F )early everyo#e o%ld agree at this poi#t i# time that the Ch%rch is i# a place o! cha#ge. *%t i! e are ever to reach the !%ll#ess o! all that God has prophesied e ill be( the# e m%st allo the 4oly $pirit to t%tor %s a#d lead %s to the secret d elli#g o! the .ost 4igh God. -t is there i# 4is prese#ce( hidde# a ay !rom the orld1s i#!l%e#ce( that e are cha#ged i#to a#other dime#sio# a#d e:pressio# o! 4is glory. We all have a divi#e appoi#tme#t to be Fsh%t i# ith God i# a secret place.F We are a priestly race i# tra#sitio#. We are called to press i#to God thro%gh Christ a#d overcome o%r !leshly e#c%mbra#ces a#d orldly distractio#s so e ca# co-labor ith 4im to accomplish 4is pla#s a#d p%rposes. The Christia# li!e is a li!e o! cha#ge( o! metamorphosis !rom the old to the #e ( o! tra#s!ormatio# F!rom glory to gloryF as e look %po# the !ace o! God i# the .ost 4oly 'lace. The# e ill emerge !rom o%r holy secl%sio# arrayed ith 4is iridesce#t glory( !%lly remade as ma#y-!aceted e:pressio#s o! 4is love( 4is #at%re( a#d 4is glory. We k#o here a#d hat e are #o . *%t God has a pla#Ga bl%epri#tG4e is orki#g !rom. 4ere is hat God1s Word says e sho%ld becomeA

;<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) Jou ha+e made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God3 and they #ill reign upon the earth =6e+elation F54<A. &or if by the transgression of the one( death reigned through the one( mu"h more those #ho re"ei+e the abundan"e of gra"e and of the gift of righteousness #ill reign in life through the 2ne( Jesus Christ =6omans F54;A. Therefore % urge you( brethren( by the mer"ies of God( to present your bodies a li+ing and holy sa"rifi"e( a""eptable to God( #hi"h is your spiritual ser+i"e of #orship. !nd do not be "onformed to this #orld( but be transformed by the rene#ing of your mind( so that you may pro+e #hat the #ill of God is( that #hi"h is good and a""eptable and perfe"t =6omans 4G54.GA. -! there is o#e thi#g that - co%ld pla#t i# yo%r heart( it o%ld be thisA 'rayer is #ot a# activity( a#d it is #ot a# applicatio#. -t is li!e !o%#d i# a perso#. 9#ce yo% see Jes%s( o#ce the bli#ders !all a ay !rom yo%r eyes i# the glory o! 4is prese#ce( yo%r attit%des abo%t prayer ill totally cha#geH This thi#g o! prayer( this thi#g o! i#tercessio#( o! sta#di#g i# the gap( o! maki#g a# appeal to a s%periorGit is #ot a hard taskH -t is a Ioy. -t1s called li!e i# the +i#gdom. The parallels bet ee# the d%ties o! the 9ld Testame#t priests ho served i# the taber#acle o! .oses a#d the priestly missio# o! believers today are too importa#t to ig#ore or dismiss. Altho%gh the type o! sacri!ices e o!!er today a#d o%r reaso#s !or o!!eri#g them are dramatically di!!ere#t( it is still pro!itable to st%dy the 9ld Testame#t priesthood. We ca# add to o%r k#o ledge a#d %#dersta#di#g o! prayer by e:ami#i#g the priestly !%#ctio#s o! the so#s o! Aaro#( !or those !%#ctio#s ere i#stit%ted by God 4imsel!( as a type a#d shado o! the greater priesthood o! Jes%s Christ a#d those ho !ollo 4im. Thro%gho%t a#y st%dy o! 9ld Testame#t patter#s( e sho%ld remember that every believer is called to be a priest %#to the /ord today. Those d%ties are #o lo#ger co#!i#ed to I%st a select !e ( a#d e #eed to %#dersta#d that there is no greater duty a belie+er "an perform than prayer* This is a chie! !%#ctio# o! the believer-priest today.

RE6O3ING THE 4LOC7A!ES

-# $eptember o! <BB<( - as mi#isteri#g i# )e 6ork City ith my i!e( .ichal A##( he# the prese#ce o! the 4oly $pirit came to rest o# me early o#e mor#i#g. - bega# to hear 4is voice clearly speaki#g the !ollo i#g ords to meA Fill release #e %#dersta#di#gs o! ide#ti!icatio# i# i#tercessio# hereby the legal basis o! the rights o! the demo#ic po ers o! the air to remai# ill be removed. The#( i# that ho%r .y people ill speak .y Word a#d - ill !ell the e#emy.F What is this Fide#ti!icatio# i# i#tercessio#F a#y ayM - believe that it is a lost art( a#d it is perhaps o#e o! the highest( yet most overlooked( aspects o! tr%e i#tercessio#. -t is the ability a#d !%#ctio# o! perso#ally ide#ti!yi#g ith the #eeds o! others to s%ch a# e:te#t that i# heart yo% become o#e ith them by the 4oly $pirit. -t is e:pressed as e ide#ti!y ;2

6estoring the Priestly 6ole of %nter"ession ith Jes%s a#d !ollo i# 4is !ootsteps( beca%se 4is !ootsteps ill lead %s beyo#d the !o%r alls o! o%r ch%rches i#to the streets o! a !ract%red orld o! prostit%tes( crooks( losers( a#d broke# a#d o%#ded peopleGi# other ords( to real people ith real problems. 4e leads %s i#to a ge#%i#e priesthood here e( like o%r .aster a#d 4igh 'riest( ca# be to%ched by the i#!irmities( temptatio#s( a#d str%ggles o! others Dsee 4eb. @A<=E. The o#ly ay e ca# ge#%i#ely a#d e!!ectively inter"ede is o%t o! a heart o! compassio#( co#tritio#( a#d desperatio#( !rom a heart that po%#ds ith the s%!!eri#gs o! others as tho%gh they are o%r o #. DTo lear# more o# this s%bIect o! -de#ti!icatio# i# -#tercessio#( please read book %nter"essionCThe Po#er and the Passion to Shape ,istory.A Thro%gh the i# ard ork o! the $pirit o! revelatio#( e ca# ide#ti!y ith God1s righteo%s I%dgme#ts( hich are d%e( a#d yet e:perie#ce 4is seari#g passio# to e:press 4is grace a#d mercy. 9%r eyes ill be ope#ed to the horri!yi#g co#ditio# o! the people a#d the speci!ic si#s that block their ay to the cross. The#( by "hoosing to be one #ith them( by layi#g aside o%r positio# !or the sake o! others( o%r hearts ill be b%rde#ed by the $pirit o! God to %tter cries o! co#!essio# a#d %#speakable i#tercessio# o# their behal!. As e( !rom o%r hearts( co#!ess si#( disgrace( !ail%re( a#d h%miliatio# o# their behal! to the /ord( e clear a ay every obstacle o! the e#emy so that those !or hom e labor ca#( themselves( come to the cross i# repe#ta#ce a#d restoratio#.

What is this 'identification in intercession' anyway+ * believe that it is a lost art, and perhaps one of the highest, yet most overloo"ed, aspects of true intercession. *t is the ability and function of personally identifying with the needs of others to such an e,tent that in heart you become one of them by the !oly pirit.

This !orm o! i#tercessio# is a lost art i# o%r moder#-day materialistic a#d s%ccessorie#ted society. This e!!ective !orm o! prayer i#cl%des co#!essi#g ge#eratio#al si#s as yo% sta#d i# the gap as a# ambassador o! yo%r eth#ic gro%p( city( ch%rch or eve# yo%r #atio#. We #eed more people ith a heart like the apostle 'a%l( ho rote i# the a#g%ish o! a tr%e i#tercessorA % am telling the truth in Christ( % am not lying( my "ons"ien"e testifies #ith me in the ,oly Spirit( that % ha+e great sorro# and un"easing grief in my heart. -or * could #ish that * myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren( my kinsmen a""ording to the flesh =6omans @54.EA.

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) /et1s seek 4im !or these deeper orki#gs i# o%r lives so that in our day the /ord( the J%dge o! all( ill !i#d %s sta#di#g i# the gap !or the Ch%rch( !or o%r #atio#( a#d !or the #eedy a#d the lost. 'erhaps ide#ti!icatio# i# i#tercessio# is the eddi#g o! the spirit o! revelatio#( described i# 5phesia#s <A7->( ith the spirit o! co#victio# described by Jes%s( ho o%ld co#vict the orld o f "sin( and righteousness( and 0udgment" Dsee Joh# <?A>E. the The 4oly $pirit ill%mi#ated certai# $cript%res ith #e %#dersta#di#g i# the light o! ord - received i# )e 6ork City( partic%larly this passage i# the *ook o! -saiahA !nd it shall be said( " uild up( build up( prepare the #ay. 6emo+e e+ery obsta"le out of the #ay of My people." &or thus says the high and e/alted 2ne #ho li+es fore+er( #hose name is ,oly( "% d#ell on a high and holy pla"e( and also #ith the "ontrite and lo#ly of spirit in order to re+i+e the spirit of the lo#ly and to re+i+e the heart of the "ontrite" =%saiah F;54:.4FA. The $pirit a#ts to take $cript%re passages like this a#d ed them ith revelatio# a#d co#victio#. The# 4e ill bri#g to %s prophetic revelatio# a#d %#dersta#di#g a#d sho ho to %se God1s Word as a Fholy b%lldo2erF to p%sh o%t o! the ay the obstacle o! si# a#d a##%l the c%rse over the la#d. 'a%l rote( " ut #hom you forgi+e anything( % forgi+e also3 for indeed #hat % ha+e forgi+en( if % ha+e forgi+en anything( % did it for your sakes in the presen"e of Christ( so that no advantage would be ta"en of us by satan. for we are not ignorant of his schemes' D2 Cor. 2A<0-<<E. God a#ts %s to pray a#d i#tercede ith great po er a#d e!!ective#ess( #ot !oolishly striki#g bli#dly at the air like a poorly trai#ed bo:er Dsee < Cor. BA2?E. The 4oly $pirit a#ts to teach %s ho to Fremove the legal basis o! the demo#ic po ers o! the air to remai#(F so every devilish obstacle ill be removed. The passio# o! i#tercessio# spri#gs !rom the heart o! Jes%s Christ 4imsel!( ho said( " ehold( % say to you( lift up your eyes( and look on the fields( that they are #hite for har+est" DJoh# @A;=bE. - thi#k Jes%s is sayi#g somethi#g here that e do#1t #ormally comprehe#d. -! e tr%ly li!t %p o%r eyes to see ith God1s eyes( o%r visio# is goi#g to be !illed ith the horri!yi#g co#ditio# o! h%rti#g people ho are separated !rom ChristH -# o#e se#se( e do#1t #eed to ask God !or a special Fb%rde#F to go i#to the !ields. We #eed o#ly ope# o%r eyes to see people as God sees them. The# o%r hearts ill be moved ith a b%r#i#g compassio# that stems directly !rom the 3ather heart o! God.

PICTURES OF PRIESTHOO!
The roots o! o%r high priestly mi#istry e:te#d tho%sa#ds o! years behi#d %s( precedi#g a#d !oreshado i#g the i#te#t o! God1s i#vasio# o! h%ma# history thro%gh 4is $o#( Jes%s Christ. The !irst priest recorded i# $cript%re may ell have bee# Adam( ho mi#istered o# behal! o! God a#d God1s creatio# i# the garde# o! 5de#. The# perhaps e see it i# the accepted sacri!ice o! Abel. *%t the !irst i#divid%al act%ally called kohe#( or priest( as .elchi2edek( ki#g o! $alemA ... H#hoI brought out bread and #ine3 no# he #as a priest of God Most ,igh. ,e ;@

6estoring the Priestly 6ole of %nter"ession blessed him and said( " lessed be !bram of God Most ,igh( Possessor of hea+en and earth3 and blessed be God Most ,igh( #ho has deli+ered your enemies into your hand." ,e ga+e him a tenth of all =Genesis 4:54B.G<A. 5ve# the !irst priest as care!%l to mi#ister i# t o dime#sio#sA to God o# behal! o! me#( a#d to me# o# behal! o! God. God later established the Aa-ro#ic priesthood as part o! the i#str%ctio#s 4e gave to .oses o# .o%#t $i#ai( here 4e also gave him the la i#scribed o# sto#e tablets. 4e told .oses to b%ild a te#t accordi#g to very speci!ic g%ideli#es as 4is portable habitatio# amo#g 4is people hile they Io%r#eyed to the promised la#d. This te#t as called the Fte#t o! God1s prese#ceF a#d the taber#acle o! .oses. -t co#tai#ed three mai# co#ce#tric areas i#to hich o#ly the priests o! the tribe o! /evi co%ld e#ter( a#d the# o#ly a!ter they had made themselves ceremo#ially clea#. The !irst area( I%st i#side the c%rtai#s o! the te#t( as the co%rtyard or Fo%ter place.F The largest o! the three spaces( it co#tai#ed the bra2e# altar a#d bra2e# laver here the blood o! i##oce#t a#imal sacri!ices itho%t !la s as shed( a#d here their bodies ere o!!ered to God by !ire. DThe sheddi#g o! blood a#d the sacri!ice o! the i##oce#t !or the g%ilty i# those sacri!ices !oreshado ed the sheddi#g o! Christ1s i##oce#t blood a#d 4is illi#g sacri!ice o# the Cross to take a ay the si# o! the orld.E -t as at the bra2e# laver that the bloodied priests ashed themselves be!ore movi#g deeper i#to the te#t. )e:t as the mai# te#t( a covered area that ho%sed the 4oly 'lace a#d the e#closed third area called the .ost 4oly 'lace Dor 4oly o! 4oliesE( here God1s sheki#ah glory or prese#ce resided. These spaces represe#ted levels o! holi#ess o# earth. The deeper that o#e moved i#to the taber#acle( the stricter the re&%ireme#ts !or holi#ess ere. 'riests mi#isteri#g %#der the old cove#a#t !ollo ed a progressive series o! rit%als to prepare themselves to mi#ister be!ore the prese#ce o! the 4oly God i# the taber#acle. 3irst( sacri!ices o! blood ere o!!ered !or the ato#eme#t o! si# i# the o%ter co%rt. The priest as re&%ired to !irst come to the place o! sacri!ice be!ore he co%ld e#ter the taber#acle a#d mi#ister to the /ord. 9#ly a!ter Aaro#( the high priest( had made a sacri!ice o! blood !or his si# o# the altar a#d ashed himsel! i# the laver co%ld he pass thro%gh the !irst veil i#to the 4oly 'lace. Whe# Jes%s laid do # 4is li!e !or %s a#d shed 4is blood o# the Cross( 4e ato#ed !or( or paid !or( o%r si# !orever( a#d 4is shed blood became a !lo i#g !o%#t( a holy laver that clea#ses %s !rom all si#. 4e became the livi#g Way a#d the eter#al 0oor i#to the 4oly 'lace o! God( here o#ly priests co%ld e#ter i#. -# that place( as priests o! the /ord( e o!!er sacri!ices o! praise( orship( a#d adoratio#( g%ided a#d bathed by the light o! 4is Word( a#d s%stai#ed by the bread o! 4is Word a#d the !ello ship o! 4is broke# *ody( the Ch%rch.

GOING 4EYON! THE 3EIL

The# e pass thro%gh the veil i#to the 4oly o! 4olies a#d sta#d be!ore the ark o! the

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) cove#a#t here the cher%bim o! gold hover over the mercy seat( the place o! God1s ma#i!est prese#ce. The mercy seat is barely visible thro%gh the s eetly !ragra#t smoke o! the i#ce#se o! o%r prayers( praise( a#d orship. 9#ly the high priest co%ld e#ter this place i# the days be!ore the cross( a#d the# o#ly o#ce a year o# the 0ay o! Ato#eme#t. The !%#ctio#s o! the 9ld Testame#t priests !oreshado the greater reality God lo#gs to see ma#i!ested i# 4is priestly people today. The riter o! 4ebre s declares( " ut no# ,e OJes%s ChristP has obtained a more e/"ellent ministry( by as mu"h as ,e is also the mediator of a better "o+enant( #hi"h has been ena"ted on better promises" D4eb. >A?E. The# he care!%lly compares hat - term Fthe glory o! the !ormer ho%seF Dthe Je s1 relatio#ship to God thro%gh the la a#d a#imal sacri!iceE to Fthe glory o! the latter ho%seF Dthe relatio#ship o! all me# to God the 3ather thro%gh the blood o! 4is $o#( the /amb o! God( Jes%s ChristE. 5ach !%#ctio# o! the Aaro#ic priesthood represe#ts a tr%th abo%t ma#1s relatio#ship ith God that e #eed to %#dersta#d i# the light o! the crossA <. -# the 9ld Testame#t( o#ly the high priest co%ld e#ter the place o! God1s Freside#ceF a#d have !ello ship ith 4im. "#der the #e cove#a#t e:ec%ted by the death o! Jes%s Christ( e+ery belie+er is a priest. 2. The priests o! old k#e God rit%ally( a#d i# a relatio#ship that as bo%#d i# !ear itho%t a revelatio# o! love. Today( every believer ca# k#o God i#timately a#d perso#ally i# a relatio#ship marked by love( mercy( a#d grace. ;. The seemi#gly e#dless sacri!ices o! the old cove#a#t had to be repeated each time the priest e#tered the taber#acle. Today( e have ready access to God a#ytime a#d all the time thro%gh the blood o! Jes%s( ho paid the debt !or o%r si# o#ce a#d !or all. 9%r si#s are covered by 4is blood( a#d 4e has set %s aside !or 4imsel! Dsa#cti!ied %sE as 4is pri2ed possessio#( 4is *ride. @. The desce#da#ts o! Abraham k#e God as the i#visible $pirit ho lived i# a te#t Da#d !or a short time( i# a sto#e ho%seE. Today( God has !%l!illed 4is promise a#d 4e #o lo#ger resides i# a te#t. 4e lives amo#g me#( i#stead( d elli#g i# o%r hearts i# the perso# o! the 4oly $pirit. This same $pirit reveals God to every believer o# a perso#al level( a#d e have i#timate !ello ship ith God as a res%lt.

/ach function of the &aronic priesthood represents a truth about man's relationship with God that we need to understand in the light of the Cross.

The priestly !%#ctio#s o! the 9ld Testame#t poi#t %s to o%r d%ties as the childre# o! God i# the )e Testame#t. We #o have bee# made priests a#d ki#gs i# the li#e o! the

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6estoring the Priestly 6ole of %nter"ession .essiah as so#s a#d da%ghters o! God. 4o ever( o%r priesthood still i#cl%des the i#str%me#ts o! the Cross a#d a# altar o! sacri!ice( I%st as it as !or o%r /ordH !nd ,e #as saying to them all( "%f anyone #ishes to "ome after Me( he must deny himself, and ta"e up his cross daily and follow Me. &or #hoe+er #ishes to sa+e his life #ill lose it( but #hoe+er loses his life for My sake( he is the one #ho #ill sa+e it" =$uke @5GE.G:A. Therefore % urge you( brethren( by the mer"ies of God( to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, a""eptable to God( #hi"h is your spiritual ser+i"e of #orship. !nd do not be "onformed to this world, but be transformed by the rene#ing of your mind( so that you may pro+e #hat the #ill of God is( that #hi"h is good and a""eptable and perfe"t =6omans 4G54.GA. God i#te#ded all alo#g to !orm !or 4imsel! a +i#gdom o! priests a#d ki#gs. 4e has al ays lo#ged to !ello ship ith %s at the altar o! i#ce#se. )o 4e lo#gs to call %s closer( beyo#d the veil o! separatio#( so 4e ca# meet a#d comm%#e ith %s i# the .ost 4oly 'lace o! 4is ma#i!est prese#ce. $o yo% see( the Aaro#ic priesthood o! the 9ld Testame#t as I%st a shado o! hat God really lo#ged to do o#ce the $acri!iced /amb completed 4is missio# o! redemptio#. Types a#d shado s or #ot( certai# aspects o! the priesthood o! old ere #evertheless ordai#ed to carry over i#to o%r day. -# /evitic%s <?( God gave .oses very detailed i#str%ctio#s abo%t the la s o! ato#eme#t a#d the priestly progressio# i#to God1s prese#ce( a#d they co#tai# somethi#g yo% a#d - #eed to %#dersta#d i# o%r dayA ,e shall take a firepan full of "oals of fire from upon the altar before the $ord and t#o handfuls of finely ground s#eet in"ense( and bring it inside the +eil. ,e shall put the in"ense on the fire before the $ord( that the "loud of in"ense may "o+er the mer"y seat that is on the ark of the testimony( other#ise he #ill die =$e+iti"us 4?54G.4EA. Command the sons of %srael that they bring to you "lear oil from beaten oli+es for the light( to make a lamp burn "ontinually. 2utside the +eil of testimony in the tent of meeting( !aron shall keep it in order from e+ening to morning before the $ord "ontinually3 it shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations =$e+iti"us G:5G. EA. These ordi#a#ces !or the 4oly 'lace a#d the .ost 4oly 'lace speak o! Fperpet%al stat%tes !or all ge#eratio#s.F 'erpet%al still mea#s !orever( eve# i# o%r ge#eratio#. 0id God #ot mea# hat 4e saidM *%t - tho%ght e ere %#der a #e cove#a#t. All thi#gs are #e J the old has passed a ay. $o hat does God mea# by F!oreverF i# this co#te:tM

OUT OF THE SHA!OWS INTO THE LIGHT

God #o lo#ger re&%ires %s to keep vigil over a !ire i# a te#t or sto#e temple( b%t the reality revealed i# the pri#ciple remai#s perpet%al. The sacri!ices e sho%ld o!!er to the ;7

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) /ord as priests a#d ki#gs i#cl%de sacri!ices o! tha#ksgivi#g( praise( orship( %#ceasi#g prayer( a#d the service o! i#tercessio#. That is hy it is #ecessary !or God to iss%e a call to i#tercessio# as a vital part o! a#y e!!ort to restore the priesthood o! all believers to 4is Ch%rch. There is #o ay aro%#d itA 5very priest o! God is called a#d a#oi#ted to pray a#d i#tercede. A prayerless priest is#1t a priest. J%st as the prayers a#d i#tercessio# o! Aaro# ith the i#ce#se a#d !ire !rom the altar saved the lives o! tho%sa#ds the day +orah rebelled i# )%mbers <?( so do o%r prayers a#d i#tercessio# make the di!!ere#ce !or people todayH 0id yo% reali2e that #o here i# the $cript%res is prayer( praise( orship( a#d i#tercessio# tech#ically called a special spirit gi!tM -t1s #ot thereG#o here to be !o%#dH 0o yo% k#o hyM -t1s the right o! every priestH God is a# e&%al opport%#ity employer( a#d the mi#istry o! prayer a#d praise is the Iob descriptio# o! every a%the#tic priest.

!EFINING OUR TER6S

Accordi#g to Merriam.Webster( the ord inter"ede mea#s Fto i#terve#e bet ee# parties ith a vie to reco#cili#g di!!ere#cesA mediate.F< The /ati# root ords mea# basically Fto go bet ee#.F As e #oted i# the previo%s chapter( the 4ebre ord !or i#tercessio# i# the .essia#ic passage o! -saiah =BA<? is paga. -t literally mea#s to Fstrike the mark.F The importa#ce o! i#tercessio# i# o%r day ca#1t be overestimated( yet sata# has bee# very s%ccess!%l i# his attempts to co#vi#ce Christia#s that prayer is mostly a# e:ercise i# !%tility. To actio#-orie#ted America#s i# partic%lar( prayer seems to be the silliest thi#g they co%ld do i# times o! crisis( stress( or emerge#cy. Jes%s tho%ght other ise. Thro%gho%t the Gospels( e !i#d Jes%s disappeari#g to spe#d e#tire #ights i# !erve#t prayer be!ore mi#isteri#g to the masses the !ollo i#g day. 4e chose to spe#d 4is last #ight be!ore the cr%ci!i:io# i# the garde# o! Gethsema#eGprayi#g.

/very priest of God is called and anointed to pray and intercede. & prayerless priest isn't a priest. Just as the prayers and intercession of &aron with the incense and fire from the altar saved the lives of thousands the day $orah rebelled in 0umbers 12, so do our prayers and intercession ma"e the difference for people today!

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6estoring the Priestly 6ole of %nter"ession

THE POWER OF INCENSE

-# o%r day( there are co%#tless stories o! s%per#at%ral i#terve#tio# thro%gh the po er o! prayer a#d i#tercessio#. Jackie '%lli#ger-To is a o#der!%l( radical( missio#ary states oma# servi#g the /ord i# 4o#g +o#g. At the age o! <B she as overcome ith a passio# to serve God. Tho%gh she did#1t k#o here it as goi#g to be( she I%st o!!ered hersel! %p %#co#ditio#ally to 4im !or 4is service. God told her to get o# a partic%lar boat( so she got o# the boat( #ot k#o i#g here it as taki#g her. $he got o!! i# 4o#g +o#g a#d as take# to a place called the FWalled City.F There she met a ma# ho as a ki#gpi# o! the dr%g lords i# the Walled City. 4e had a brother #amed Alie ho as st%dyi#g to be a *%ddhist mo#k. Alie as also !aci#g co%rt charges as a# alleged accomplice ith seve# other me# i# the m%rder o! a rival dr%g lord. Jackie bega# to visit this partic%lar 4o#g +o#g Iail every eek to mi#ister a#d to testi!y to these me#( a#d speci!ically to Alie. 3o%r o! the me# came to the /ord almost immediately. *%t tho%gh Jackie visited the Iail every day !or #i#e mo#ths( testi!yi#g to Alie abo%t Jes%s thro%gh a thick glass partitio#( he as %#moved. Alie o%ld#1t admit it( b%t he as very a!raid o! dyi#g !or a crime that he did #ot do. Week a!ter eek( Jackie '%lli#ger-To co#ti#%ed to mi#ister to him. F- k#o that yo% are a!raid( Alie. - k#o that yo% are terri!ied o! death( b%t - a#t to tell yo% that there is a lovi#g God. There is a God o! I%stice ho k#o s all thi#gs a#d 4e is a 3ather o! mercy. A#d - have e#listed Christia#s !rom all across the orld to pray a#d !ast o# every Wed#esday !or yo%( Alie.F Altho%gh Alie heard a#d %#derstood the thi#gs Jackie as sayi#g( he still re!%sed to come to the /ord beca%se his heart as hard. 9#e day the gover#or o! the Iail a#d a Iail atte#da#t passed by Alie1s cell a#d remarked to o#e a#other that they smelled somethi#g. They did #ot k#o hat the stra#ge !ragra#ce as( b%t they tho%ght it as some ki#d o! delicate per!%me ith a !ragra#t odor. They bega# aski#g Alie &%estio#s abo%t the !ragra#ce( b%t Alie said( FWhat smellMF 'erple:ed( the t o me# asked other i#mates abo%t the smell( as the e#tire Iail cell took o# the !ragra#t odor o! this stra#ge per!%me. 3i#ally( the gover#or o! the Iail se#t a%thorities i#to Alie1s cell. They searched his body a#d !o%#d #othi#g. Whe# they s#i!!ed the air aro%#d him( they #odded a#d said( F6es( the smell is here.F 6et Alie still smelled #othi#g. Whe# the g%ards le!t( Alie bega# to ask himsel!( What is that smellK The# a little Word trickled do # i#side him. -t as this simple messageA F9h( it is Wed#esdayHF $%dde#ly( he remembered Jackie1s ords. ,e #as smelling prayer* 4e reali2ed his e#tire Iail cell as !illed ith the !ragra#t aroma o! the prayers o! the sai#ts. As Jackie co#ti#%ed to visit Alie( they talked o! these thi#gs. 9#e day Alie accepted Jes%s as Jackie prayed !or him thro%gh the glass partitio#. The 4oly $pirit came %po# him a#d Alie bega# to speak i# a#other la#g%age. The time came !or his co%rt trial. Alie e#t be!ore the I%dge( ho released him itho%t ever heari#g the caseH ;B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9)

THE FRAGRANCE OF PRAYER

Alie as saved beca%se o! the prayers o!!ered to God o# his behal!. $o ma#y prayers ere directed at him i# his ti#y Iail cell that the air as sat%rated ith the s eet i#ce#se o! i#tercessio#. Whe# believers !rom all over the orld bega# to e:ercise their priestly d%ties a#d o!!er the i#ce#se o! i#tercessio# be!ore the prese#ce o! the /ord( the air i# that 4o#g +o#g priso# cell as so !illed ith prayer that eve# %#believers co%ld smell the !ragra#ceH The !r%it o! that prayer as that Alie s%rre#dered his li!e to Jes%s. -s a#yo#e smelli#g yo%r prayersM Ca# a#yo#e tell hat day it is by the !ragra#ce o! your i#tercessio#M The la s o! God are imm%table( i#cl%di#g the #at%ral la s o! gravity. What goes %p m%st come do #HF The la o! gravity applies here. -# the days of Aaro#( the i#ce#se o! prayer created a clo%d as the !ragra#t smoke o! the i#ce#se covered the mercy seat o# the ark o! the cove#a#t. The# God o%ld desce#d a#d distill 4is visible &%alities i# the midst o! the clo%d here 4e Would comm%#e ith the high priest. The prese#ce o! God al ays desce#ded after the !ragra#ce o! prayer asce#ded. -# o%r day( a# e#tire ki#gdom o! priests has bee# a%thori2ed a#d commissio#ed to mi#ister i# God1s prese#ce( o!!eri#g %p %#ceasi#g prayer( praise( orship( a#d i#tercessio# !or all me#. - have po#dered all o! these thi#gs i# the light o! 8evelatio# =A>( hich ope#s a i#do !or %s i#to the operatio#s a#d !%#ctio#s o! the heave#ly realm. Joh# tells %s that there is a# altar i# 4eave# here the a#gels mi#ister to the /ord co#ti#%o%sly. 9#e a#gel has a ce#ser that m%st be similar to the !ire pa# o! the Aaro#ic priests. !nother angel "ame and stood at the altar( holding a golden "enser3 and mu"h in"ense #as gi+en to him( so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar #hi"h #as before the throne. !nd the smoke of the in"ense( #ith the prayers of the saints( #ent up before God out of the angel's hand. Then the angel took the "enser and filled it #ith the fire of the altar( and thre# it to the earth3 and there follo#ed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earth9uake =6e+elation B5E.FA. The *ible says that the a#gel took the ce#ser a#d !illed it ith !ire !rom the altar mi#gled ith i#ce#se. *eside this altar i# 4eave#( there is also a golde# bo l !illed ith i#ce#se. What is i#ce#seM 8evelatio# =A> tells %s that this i#ce#se is the prayers o! the sai#ts. What is the /ord1s respo#se to the !ragra#ce o! the i#ce#se o! o%r prayers risi#g be!ore 4imM 4e comma#ds a# a#gel to t%r# over that bo l a#d spill the prayers o! the sai#ts o#to the !ire o! the altarH The# the a#gel takes the ce#ser a#d !ills it ith !ire !rom the altar a#d the i#ce#se o! the prayers o! the sai#ts a#d casts the !ire do # !rom 4eave# o#to the earth. As e have said be!oreA What goes up must "ome do#n. Whe# the prayers o! the sai#ts rise as i#ce#se be!ore the thro#e o! God( they are gathered i#to a golde# bo l a#d b%r#ed agai# ith the !ire o! the altar i# the prese#ce o! the .ost 4igh God. This ill%strates ho o%r prayers are m%ltiplied a#d savored by God be!ore 4e respo#ds by se#di#g 4is !ire to @0

6estoring the Priestly 6ole of %nter"ession the earth as a#s ered prayer. This is the m%ltidirectio#al dime#sio# o! prayer. 8emember( hat goes %p m%st come do #.

God attends to the prayers of the saints. 3elievers are vessels that help ma"e a difference where 4udgment ends and mercy begins.

WHERE WILL THE 8U!G6ENTS 4E RELEASE!1

The i#teresti#g thi#g is that the *ible does#1t say here o# the earth these I%dgme#ts ill be released. Why is thatM *e!ore releasi#g I%dgme#t( God al ays atte#ds !irst to the golde# bo l( the prayers o! the sai#ts. 4e !irst liste#s to the priests ho are mi#isteri#g i# the taber#acle at the altar o! i#ce#se( hich is the priestly act o! i#tercessio#. *elievers are vessels that help make a di!!ere#ce here I%dgme#t e#ds a#d mercy begi#s. God has chose# to raise %p a# e#tire +i#gdom o! i#tercessory priests like Abraham D ho i#terceded !or /ot a#d the cities o! $odom a#d GomorrahE( .oses D ho stood bet ee# God1s rath a#d the -sraelites repeatedlyE( Job D ho i#terceded !or his !rie#ds a#d as himsel! healed a#d restoredE( 5sther Dthe peasa#t ho became &%ee# a#d risked death to i#tercede !or the salvatio# o! her e#tire #atio#E( a#d 0a#iel D hose i#tercessio# !or his #atio# e:te#ded beyo#d his o # time i#to the last days be!ore the !i#al ret%r# o! the .essiahE. 5ve# more remarkable is the !act that God a#ts %s to model o%r priesthood a!ter the co#ti#%al mi#istry o! o%r Great 4igh 'riest( Jes%s Christ( ho "is able also to sa+e them to the uttermost that "ome unto God by ,im( seeing ,e e+er li+eth to make inter"ession for them" D4eb. 7A2= +J,E.

E9POSING THE ENE6Y0S LIES

/et me say this !or the be#e!it o! everyo#e ho has %#k#o i#gly bo%ght the e#emy1s desperate lies abo%t the s%pposed %seless#ess o! prayerA 5rayer wor"s. 5rayer is powerful. 5rayer is one o f our most deadly and effective weapons for destroying the wor"s o f the enemy. 5rayer is God's lifeline to the hurting, the wounded, the wea", and the dying. *%t 4e e:pects yo% a#d - to thro o%t 4is rope o! li!e i# the #ame o! 4is $o#( Jes%s. -#tercessio# is#1t the preocc%patio# o! the 2ealo%s !e J it is the calli#g a#d desti#y o! the Chose# people( o! every blood- ashed child o! God. -! yo% call Jes%s Christ yo%r $avior a#d /ord( the# 4e calls yo% i#tercessor a#d priest( a#d today 4e is calli#g yo% to yo%r k#ees. A !e years ago( as traveli#g i# the middle o! the #ight o# a si:-ho%r trai# trip

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) !rom 4eidelberg to 8ose#heim( Germa#y. - tried to sleep d%ri#g that trip( b%t - kept heari#g the ge#tle voice o! the 4oly $pirit speak to me. - k#e that 4e as speaki#g to me as a# i#divid%al( b%t 4e as also voici#g 4is b%rde# !or the ma#y-membered people to come !orth. - repeatedly heard that dear 0ove %tter a pierci#g( rele#tless pleaA FWhere are .y 0a#ielsM Where are .y 5sthersM Where are .y 0eborahsM A#d here are .y JosephsMF Jes%s Christ has made yo% a#d - to be ki#gs a#d priests %#to God. )o - declare to yo% %#der the same prophetic a#oi#ti#g that i#spired .ordecai he# he told his yo%#g co%si# a#d ard( 5sther( "!nd #ho kno#s #hether you ha+e not attained royalty for such a time as this+' D5sther @A<@bE. 3or s%ch a task as this ere yo% apprehe#ded( a#d !or this p%rpose 4e bro%ght yo% !orth. As a Christlike o#e( yo% also are #amed deliverer( ki#sma# redeemer( healer( a#d restorer o! the breach. Will yo% arise a#d be o#e o! 4is radical revol%tio#ariesM Will yo% say F6es( /ordHF a#d be the ans#er to the Great -#tercessor1s pleaM y the gra"e of God( % #ant to be a >e# Testament priestly inter"essor* % #ant the fragran"e of prayer to emanate from my life and influen"e the a"ti+ity of hea+en. % +olunteer to be one of your 8aniels( Esthers( 8eborahs and Josephs for this generation. Gi+e me the spirit of gra"e and suppli"ation so that ,ea+en #ill respond #hen % pray for re+i+al's sake* !men*

EN!NOTE
<. Merriam.Webster's Collegiate 8i"tionary( 4<th Edition D$pri#g!ield( .AA .erriam-Webster( -#corporated( <BB@E( ?0B.

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C4A'T58 @

6estoring the !rt of Pleading Jour Case

"%t is the habit of faith( #hen she is praying( to use pleas. Mere prayer sayers( #ho do not pray at all( forget to argue #ith God3 but those #ho #ould pre+ail bring forth their reasons and their strong arguments...." GCharles 4. $p%rgeo# "#thi#kableH 4o co%ld yo% pres%me to arg%e ith GodM -t is #ot pres%mptio# to obey the Word o! God( #or is it pres%mptio# to remi#d God o! 4is mighty orks a#d %#matched po er. God is pleased each a#d every time e come be!ore 4is thro#e as e are hisperi#g( reciti#g( declari#g( a#d pleadi#g !or the speedy !%l!illme#t o! 4is %#!aili#g promises i# Jes%s1 #ame. 4e is glori!ied he# 4is childre# h%mbly %rge a#d e#treat 4im to rise i# 4is po er o# behal! o! those i# #eedG he# they recite the co%#tless ays 4e has delivered i# the past( is redeemi#g i# the prese#t( a#d ill overcome i# the days to come. 'res%mptio# pres%mes to act o# a%thority that it does #ot have or has #ot bee# give#J obedie#ce o#ly acts o# the a%thority o! a#other or %po# the a%thority that it has bee# give# by a higher a%thority. We have bee# give# i#credible Froyal co%rtF privileges a#d a%thority by o%r /ord( Jes%s Christ. 4e has perso#ally made each o! %s priests a#d ki#gs ith right o! e#try to the very thro#e o! God. 5ve# a cas%al gla#ce at the i#str%ctio#s o! Jes%s co#cer#i#g the prevaili#g prayer o! the persiste#t ido ho pestered the %#righteo%s I%dge to take actio# i# /%ke <>A<-> sho%ld be a ar#i#g that there is more to this Fpleadi#g prayerF tha# most people believe. "E+en though % do not fear God nor respe"t man( yet be"ause this #ido# bothers me( % #ill gi+e her legal prote"tion( other#ise by "ontinually "oming she #ill #ear me out." !nd the $ord said( ",ear #hat the unrighteous 0udge said3 no#( will not God bring about 4ustice for !is elect who cry to !im day and night, and #ill ,e delay long @;

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) o+er themK % tell you that ,e #ill bring about 0usti"e for them 9ui"kly. ,o#e+er( #hen the Son of Man "omes( #ill ,e find faith on the earthK" =$uke 4B5:b.BA -saiah( the prophet( battled ith a# %#repe#ta#t a#d eve# de!ia#t #atio# o! -sraelites ho re!%sed to ack#o ledge si# or aba#do# its idols eve# i# the !ace o! de!eat( bo#dage( a#d literal slavery to other #atio#s. The# God iss%ed a challe#ge to 4is creatio# thro%gh the prophet that reveals the heart o! God to ard %sGeve# he# e are i# si# a#d tryi#g to I%sti!y o%r rebellio#. Put Me in remembrance6 let us plead together5 declare thou( that thou mayest be 0ustified =%saiah :E5G? -JLA. Put Me in remembrance. let us argue our "ase together( state your "ause( that you may be pro+ed right =%saiah :E5G?A. 2h( remind Me of this promise of forgi+eness( for #e must tal" about your sins. 5lead your "ase for My forgi+ing you =%saiah :E5G? T$ A. This verse reveals the Fbroad sho%lders o! God(F ho is so po er!%l a#d co#!ide#t that 4e ca# Fa!!ordF to liste# the arg%me#ts o! ma#ki#dGeve# those o! a#gry or disill%sio#ed people ho o!te# step !ar beyo#d the bo%#ds o! isdom i# their complai#ts to God. 4e especially delights i# the h%mble b%t co#!ide#t prayers o! 4is ki#gs a#d priests ho come to 4is co%rt i# the #ame a#d compa#y o! 4is $o#( Jes%s Christ( approachi#g 4im o# the basis o! 4is Word.

!EFINING THE TER6S

This clear biblical precede#t establishes the !act that e have God1s permissio# a#d i#vitatio# to plead o%r case a#d make appeals i# the co%rts o! 4eave# be!ore o%r great J%dge a#d God. The dictio#ary de!i#itio# o f plead is F<A to arg%e a case or ca%se i# a co%rt o! la J 2A to make a# allegatio# i# a# actio# or other legal proceedi#g(F a#d a de!i#itio# !or plea is Fa# ear#est e#treaty.F< The 4ebre ord tra#slated as FpleadF i# -saiah1s declaratio# is shaphat. -t mea#s Fto I%dge( to pro#o%#ce se#te#ce( to vi#dicate( to p%#ish( or to litigate. 2 The 4ebre ord tra#slated as FdeclareF or Fstate yo%r ca%seF is "aphar( hich mea#s Fto score ith a mark as a tally or record( to i#scribe( a#d also to e#%merateJ to reco%#t( to #%mber.F; These de!i#itio#s take# together pai#t a clear pict%re o! a I%dicial setti#g described i# p%rely I%dicial termi#ologyA to arg%e the case as i# a co%rt o! la ( to pro#o%#ce se#te#ce( to p%#ish( to litigate. This rei#!orces my co#victio# that !or %s to s%cceed as i#tercessors( e m%st have a revelatio# o! God Almighty as the J%dge o! all !lesh. We are privileged to Fpractice be!ore the barF %#der the a%thority a#d i#vitatio# o! o%r J%dge Advocate( Jes%s Christ. 8ece#tly - as give# a dream ith my #e:t i#tercessory commissio# co#tai#ed ithi#. - as told i# the vivid dream( F6o% have bee# %sed to redig the ells o! the atch @@

6estoring the !rt of Pleading Jour Case o! the /ord( prophetic i#tercessio#( crisis i#terve#tio# a#d the co#templative atch. *%t #o - call yo% to pio#eer J%dicial -#tercessio#. - call yo% to lear# a#d release co%rtroom heari#gs be!ore my thro#e here the i#tercessor orks ith my so# as the advocate la yer.F - oke %p !rom this e:perie#ce a#d my heart said( F6es( /ordHF -t is time !or %s to come boldly be!ore 4is thro#e to receive o%r I%st re ardH

ASSISTING THE A!3OCATE

At o%r #e birth( 4e as o%r de!e#se attor#ey. As i#tercessors o! the /amb( e serve as assista#t advocates o! the +i#gdom( charged ith de!e#di#g the +i#g1s people a#d prosec%ti#g the +i#g1s e#emies i# the spirit realm Dthe adversary a#d his rebellio%s !ollo ersE. 5ach time e come be!ore the Fbe#chF o! the J%dge o! all( o%r Chie! Advocate comes alo#gside a#d takes %s by the arm to !ormally prese#t %s be!ore the J%dge a#d e#%merate the legal crede#tials that 4e has delegated to %s. We literally Fpractice be!ore the barF as assista#t advocates se#t !rom 4is high o!!ice as 3irst *or#( the /amb o! God( Chie! -#tercessor( a#d Chie! Advocate o! the redeemed. The riter o! 4ebre s care!%lly pai#ted a pict%re to co#trast the di!!ere#ce bet ee# ma#1s approach to the J%dge be!ore the cross a#d a!ter the cross. The di!!ere#ce is absol%tely cr%cialA

&s intercessors of the )amb, we serve as assistant advocates of the $ingdom, charged with defending the $ing's people and prosecuting the $ing's enemies in the spirit realm 7the adversary and his rebellious followers8.

&or you ha+e not "ome to a mountain that "an be tou"hed and to a bla1ing fire( and to darkness and gloom and #hirl#ind( and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of #ords #hi"h sound #as su"h that those #ho heard begged that no further #ord should be spoken to them. &or they "ould not bear the "ommand( "%f e+en a beast tou"hes the mountain( it #ill be stoned." !nd so terrible #as the sight( that Moses said( "% am full of fear and trembling" =,ebre#s 4G54B.G4A. Compare the 9ld Cove#a#t pict%re o! !ear a#d dread the )e Cove#a#t o! the blood o! the /ambA ith o%r place o! e#try %#der

ut you ha+e "ome to Mount Dion and to the "ity of the li+ing God( the hea+enly Jerusalem( and to myriads of angels( to the general assembly and "hur"h of the firstborn #ho are enrolled in ,ea+en( and to God( the Judge of all( and to the spirits of the

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) righteous made perfe"t( and to Jesus( the mediator of a ne# "o+enant( and to the sprinkled blood( #hi"h speaks better than the blood of !bel =,ebre#s 4G5GG.G:A. The *ook o! 4ebre s describes the d elli#g place o! God a#d the bei#gs ho d ell there ith 4im. We are reass%red as e reali2e that he# e step be!ore the be#ch o! this J%dge( e ill be i# the compa#y o! the orshipi#g a#gels a#d !amiliar people like .osesJ Aaro#J 4%rJ -saiahJ 0eborahJ 'a%lJ *ar#abasJ $imo# o! Cyre#eJ .ary( the mother o! Jes%sJ 'eter( the !isherma#-made-apostleJ Corrie te# *oomJ Teresa o! AvilaJ 'a%l *illheimerJ C.$. /e isJ )ikola%s /%d ig vo# Ni#2e#dor!J a#d the Wesley brothers. 0o yo% se#se that yo% o%ld be at home i# this placeM *est o! all( as e come be!ore the J%dge o! all to plead o%r i#tercessory case( e come to the Advocate( the .erci!%l 9#e( Jes%s Christ the mediator( hose spri#kled blood co#ti#%ally cries o%t( F.ercy(F be!ore the J%dge D hile the blood o! Abel co%ld o#ly cry( F,e#gea#ceHFE. Whe# yo% persiste#tly bri#g yo%r pleas be!ore the J%dge o! all i# the co%rtroom o! 4eave#( the /ord looks %po# it as !aith. The process o! prese#ti#g yo%r case a#d arg%me#ts pleases God( a#d it also helps yo% %#dersta#d the #eed more completely. -t moves yo% i# compassio#( stre#gthe#s yo%r determi#atio#( a#d arms yo% ith a greater depth o! holy h%#ger. -# the !irst chapter o! -saiah1s prophetic book( God declares( "Come no#( and let us reason together..." D-sa. <A<>E. This is a# i#vitatio# to a co%rt heari#g here God is pleased to hear o%r re&%ests( petitio#s( a#d pleas. Job ope#ly lo#ged !or s%ch a placeA 2h that % kne# #here % might find ,im( that % might "ome to ,is seat* % #ould present my "ase before ,im and fill my mouth #ith arguments. % #ould learn the #ords #hi"h ,e #ould ans#er( and per"ei+e #hat ,e #ould say to me =Job GE5E.FA. - have received a great deal o! i#spiratio# a#d i#str%ctio# !rom Wesley 0%e el1s book titled( Mighty Pre+ailing Prayer. 4e &%otes Charles $p%rgeo#1s comme#ts o# i#tercessio# i# his bookA F-t is the habit o! !aith( he# she is prayi#g( to %se pleas. .ere prayer sayers( ho do #ot pray at all( !orget to arg%e ith GodJ b%t those ho o%ld prevail bri#g !orth their reaso#s a#d their stro#g arg%me#ts...3aith1s act o! restli#g is to plead ith God a#d say ith holy bold#ess( 1/et it be th%s a#d th%s !or these reaso#s.1F $p%rgeo# preached( FThe ma# ho has his mo%th !%ll o! arg%me#ts i# prayers shall soo# have his mo%th !%ll o! be#edictio#s i# a#s ered prayer.F@ Wesley 0%e el o%tli#es a bl%epri#t !or reciti#g o%r case be!ore GodA This holy arg%me#tatio# ith God is #ot do#e i# a #egative( complai#i#g spirit. -t is the e:pressio# #ot o! a critical heart b%t o! a heart b%r#i#g ith love !or God( !or 4is #ame( a#d !or 4is glory. This holy debate ith God is a passio#ate prese#tatio# to God o! the ma#y reaso#s hy it ill be i# harmo#y ith 4is #at%re( 4is righteo%s gover#me#t( a#d the history o! 4is holy i#terve#tio# o# behal! o! 4is people.

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6estoring the !rt of Pleading Jour Case 6o% do #ot plead like a #egative( legal adversary i# the prese#ce o! God the holy I%dge. 8ather( yo% plead i# the !orm o! a ell-prepared brie!( prepared by a legal advocate i# behal! o! a #eed a#d !or the el!are o! the ki#gdom. At times yo% are( as it ere( petitio#i#g God1s co%rt !or a# i#I%#ctio# agai#st sata# to stop his harassme#t. The 4oly $pirit g%ides yo% i# the preparatio# a#d ordi#g o! yo%r prayer arg%me#t.

!OING YOUR HO6EWOR7!

5!!ective i#tercessio# begi#s ith k#o ledge a#d %#dersta#di#g. 0o yo%r home ork so yo% ill k#o God1s promises. "#dersta#d hy the promises have#1t bee# !%l!illed i# speci!ic sit%atio#s D he# possibleE. +#o hy society or a partic%lar gro%p has !ailed. "#dersta#d every co#ditio# God re&%ires be!ore 4is vario%s promises are !%l!illed. The# comm%#e ith Jes%s a#d get 4is heart o# the matter. /et the 4oly $pirit be yo%r g%ide as yo% prese#t holy arg%me#tatio# be!ore the righteo%s J%dge o! all the livi#g. As yo% e#ter 4is prese#ce( remember that ma#y have come here be!ore yo%. Tho%sa#ds o! years ago( the prophet Jeremiah a#d Josh%a each ve#t%red to this place o! i#tercessio#A !lthough our ini9uities testify against us( 2 $ord( a"t for Jour name's sake*... 8o not despise us( for Jour o#n name's sake3 do not disgra"e the throne of Jour glory3 remember and do not annul Jour "o+enant #ith us =Jeremiah 4:5;(G4A. Josh%a pleaded ith God to help -srael( aski#g( "What #ill Jou do for Jour o#n name's sakeK" Dsee Josh. 7ABbE.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A4RAHA6

9#e o! the !irst great i#tercessors i# the *ible as Abraham( a#d his most !amo%s i#tercessory prayer as !or o#e o! the most si#!%l places i# the a#cie#t orldH $odom a#d Gomorrah have become sy#o#ymo%s ith si#( se:%al deba%chery( a#d sodomy( yet the great patriarch o! -srael( the F!ather o! !aith(F i#terceded passio#ately that those t i# cities o! si# be sparedH - believe it as this ki#d o! compassio# that led God to say( "Shall % hide from !braham #hat % am about to doK" DGe#. <>A<7E. Whe# God told Abraham that 4e pla##ed to destroy $odom a#d Gomorrah( the patriarch asked God i! 4e pla##ed to destroy the righteo%s people alo#g ith the icked. Abraham the# made the co%#terproposal( "Will Jou indeed s#eep it a#ay and not spare the pla"e for the sake of the fifty righteous #ho are in itK" DGe#. <>A2@bE Whe# God agrees to rele#t i! =0 righteo%s people ere !o%#d( Abraham persisted to drive the #%mbers lo er( k#o i#g o#ly /ot a#d his !amily co%ld possibly &%ali!y. The patriarch hittled the #%mber do # to 20( a#d i# verse ;2 he reached a pivotal place that is importa#t !or %s to see. Abraham said( "2h may the $ord not be angry( and % shall speak only this on"e3 suppose ten are found thereK" DGe#. <>A;2E. God agrees to Abraham1s re&%est( b%t this passage ca%sed %s to @7 o#der( What if

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) !braham hadn't stopped at tenK God de!i#itely sho ed #o sig#s o! bei#g a#gry ith Abraham over his persiste#t i#tercessio# a#d pleadi#g o# behal! o! $odom a#d Gomorrah. -# !act( - believe God liked it. - believe Abraham co%ld have go#e eve# lo er. D*%t the# agai# - as#1t there a#d - certai#ly do#1t have all the !acts at ha#d.E 4o ever( this i#cide#t ill%strates o#e o! the !%#dame#tal la s gover#i#g the relatio#ship bet ee# God a#d ma#A God &%its he# ma# &%its. What did yo% say( JamesM 6es( God &%its he# ma# &%itsH

God 9uits when man 9uits. What did you say, James+ :es, God 9uits when man 9uits!

4I4LICAL !EFINITIONS
There are !o%r biblical de!i#itio#s o! a# i#tercessor that help pai#t a clear pict%re o! o%r ge#eral calli#g as priestly i#tercessors a#d ill bri#g everythi#g else e st%dy i#to proper perspective. &n intercessor is one who6 <. Re(#$d' t"e Lord of pro(#'e' a$d appo#$t(e$t' $ot yet (et a$d f%lf#lled 2n your #alls( 2 Jerusalem( % ha+e appointed #at"hmen3 all day and all night they #ill ne+er keep silent. Jou #ho remind the )ord take no rest for yoursel+es3 and gi+e ,im no rest until ,e establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth =%saiah ?G5?. ;A. 2. Ta/e' %p t"e ca'e of :%'t#ce -efore God o$ -e"alf of a$ot"er Jes( truth is la"king3 and he #ho turns aside from e+il makes himself a prey. >o# the $ord sa#( and it #as displeasing in ,is sight that there #as no 0usti"e. !nd ,e sa# that there #as no man( and #as astonished that there #as no one to inter"ede =%saiah F@54F.4?aA. ;. 6a/e' %p t"e "ed*e& a$d -%#ld' %p t"e +all of protect#o$ #$ t#(e of -attle < %srael( your prophets ha+e been like fo/es among ruins. Jou ha+e not gone up into the brea"hes( nor did you build the #all around the house of %srael to stand in the battle on the day of the $ord =E1ekiel 4E5:.FA. @. Sta$d' #$ t"e *ap -et+ee$ God0' r#*"teo%' :%d*(e$t& +"#c" #' d%e& a$d t"e $eed for (ercy o$ t"e people0' -e"alf @>

6estoring the !rt of Pleading Jour Case "!nd % sear"hed for a man among them #ho should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land( that % should not destroy it3 but % found no one. Thus % ha+e poured out My indignation on them3 % ha+e "onsumed them #ith the fire of My #rath3 their #ay % ha+e brought upon their heads(" de"lares the $ord God =E1ekiel GG5E<. E4A.

RESPON!ING TO HIS PRO6ISES

'riestly i#tercessors deal ith t o ki#ds o! promisesA the promises recorded i# the Word o! God that are yet to be !%l!illed or are o#goi#g promises available to every believer by !aithJ a#d prophetic promises give# to %s i# o%r day that are tr%e( b%t are yet to be !%l!illed Dsee < Tim. <A<>-<BE. God tells %s i# the *ook o! Jeremiah that 4e is atchi#g over 4is Word to per!orm it Dsee Jer. <A<2E. That mea#s the most valid a#d e!!ective ay to prese#t o%r case be!ore God is to rehearse a#d respect!%lly remi#d 4im o! 4is %#cha#gi#g Word. Whe# e rehearse a promise !rom o%r !aith!%l God( !e re9uires ,imself to atch over that Word to per!orm it. *%t this e#treaty o#ly ca# be do#e ith the p%rest o! motives !rom hearts that are clea# be!ore God. 5ve# the#( e are o#ly a%thori2ed to Farg%eF or prese#t o%r case !or those thi#gs a#d petitio#s that D<E are i# accorda#ce ith God1s illJ D2E e:te#d 4is +i#gdomJ a#d D;E glori!y 4is #ame. Wesley 0%e el lists seve# bases o! appeal !or i#tercessory prayer i# his book( Mighty Pre+ailing Prayer. These poi#ts provide a po er!%l plat!orm o! k#o ledge !or a#oi#ted a#d e!!ective i#tercessio#. -t is #ot e#o%gh to get i#spired a#d to have si#cerity he# e pray. We #eed to %#dersta#d o%r God-give# rights a#d privileges( a#d e #eed to %#dersta#d o%r limitatio#s a#d bo%#daries. That ay( e ca# sta#d be!ore the J%dge i# co#!ide#ce. We ill k#o that e are #ot merely tryi#g to Ft ist the arm o! GodF to get 4im to do somethi#g that 4e does #ot a#t to do. Q%ite to the co#trary( e are called to ask 4im to do hat 4e a#ts to do !or %sH What a dealH A. Plead t"e Ho$or a$d Glory of God0' Na(e <. God saved -srael at the 8ed $ea !or 4is #ame1s sake "that ,e might make ,is po#er kno#n" D's. <0?A>E. 2. $am%el prayed !or the sake o! God1s o # #ame Dsee 2 $am. 7A2?E. ;. 0avid( k#o i#g the God-give# respo#sibility ki#gship placed %po# him( prayed !or g%ida#ce Dsee 's. 2;A;J ;<A;E( a#d !or help Dsee 's. <0BA2<J <@;A<<E( a#d !or God1s #ame1s sake. @. Asaph prayed !or God to help -srael "for the glory of Jour name" D's. 7BABaE. *. Plead God0' Relat#o$'"#p' to U' <. God is o%r Creator a#d <<BA7;E. e are the ork o! 4is ha#ds Dsee Job <0A;(>-BJ <@A<=J 's.

@B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) 2. God is o%r ,elper Dsee 's. ;;A20J @0A<7J ?;A7E( o%r ever-prese#t help Dsee 's. @?A<E. ;. God is o%r 6edeemer Dsee 's. <BA<@J -sa. @<A<@J =@A=E. 4e %s beca%se 4e is o%r 8edeemer Dsee -sa. =@A>J ?;A<?E. ill have compassio# o#

@. God is o%r &ather Dsee -sa. ?@A>J .al. ;A<7J 8om. >A<=E( a#d e are privileged to cry o%t as childre# to their !ather( "!bba O0addyPH &ather*" D8om. >A<=J Gal. @A?E. $i#ce 4e is o%r Creator( 4elper( 8edeemer( a#d 3ather( e ca# make o%r plea to 4im !or protectio# a#d provisio# !or all 4e has created a#d redeemed. C. Plead God0' Attr#-%te' <. 'lead God1s righteousness as )ehemiah did Dsee )eh. BA;;E. Christ speeds the ca%se o! the righteo%s Dsee -sa. <?A=E. 2. 'lead o# the basis o! God1s faithfulness as 5tha# did i# 'salm >B( his holy plea accordi#g to God1s !aith!%l#ess si: times. here he makes

;. 'lead o# the basis o! 4is mer"y and lo+e. Joi# .oses Dsee 0e%t. BA<>E( 0avid Dsee 's. @A<J 27A7J ;0A<0J >?A?(<=-<?E( a#d 0a#iel a#d the three 4ebre childre# Dsee 0a#. 2A<>E. @. Charles $p%rgeo# said( FWe shall !i#d every attrib%te o! God .ost 4igh to be( as it ere( a great batteri#g ram ith hich e may ope# the gates o! heave#.F 0. 'lead the $orro s a#d )eeds o! God1s 'eople <. 0avid as o#e ho took %po# himsel! the s%!!eri#g o! his people. 4e eve# ept !or the s%!!eri#g o! his e#emies Dsee 's. ;=A<<-<;E. )ehemiah a#d 0a#iel( i# partic%lar( also %sed this plea greatly as they vicario%sly ide#ti!ied themselves ith the s%!!eri#gs o! the people. 2. Jeremiah( perhaps more tha# others( %sed this !orm o! plea as he prevailed !or his people. 4e pleads !or God to look a#d see the s%!!eri#gs Dsee /am. 2A20E( a#d to remember( look( a#d see Dsee /am. =A<E. -# great detail he lists !or God all the s%!!eri#gs o! the people. 4e does #ot try to I%sti!y his people( !or he k#o s ho deservi#g they are o! God1s I%dgme#t. /et me give yo% a co#temporary e:ampleA - have mi#istered i# the Caribbea# #atio# o! 4aiti <@ di!!ere#t times. -t is the poorest co%#try i# the ester# hemisphere( a#d it is o#e o! the poorest #atio#s i# the orld. The ad%lt per capita i#come be!ore the rece#t !ood embargo as R;00 a year. Amo#g ad%lt males i# the capital city o! 'ort-a%-'ri#ce( the %#employme#t rate has bee# >0 perce#tH 0isease is rampa#t. -! yo% go i#to #earby s%b%rbs like the city o! $olle( co#ditio#s are horre#do%s ith #o sa#itatio# !acilities or bathrooms. D- did#1t eve# see a# o%tho%se he# - alked the streets at $olle.E -# the <>00s( 4aiti as called Fthe pearl o! the A#tilles(F a#d 'ort-a%-'ri#ce as s%pposedly #amed !or the 'ri#ce o! 'eace. *%t the people so desperately a#ted their i#depe#de#ce !rom the domi#atio# o! 3ra#ce that they dedicated the #atio# to sata#( believi#g he o%ld give them po er to be !ree. =0

6estoring the !rt of Pleading Jour Case Well( they got their !reedom !rom 3ra#ce( b%t they received e#slaveme#t to the dark po ers drivi#g their voodoo religio#. At the same time( these are some o! the most lovely people - have ever met. .y heart aches to agai# see the ma#y o#der!%l God-!eari#g believers -1ve met i# that #atio#. The i#dige#o%s ch%rch is arisi#g( a#d my prayer !or this #atio# that as dedicated to dark#ess is thisA F3ather( bri#g these precio%s people to repe#ta#ce( a#d break the bo#dage o! sata# that bi#ds them. 8estore them i#to their a#cie#t godly heritage a#d make them o#ce agai# the pearl o! the A#tilles. /et God arise a#d 4is e#emies be scatteredHF 5. Plead t"e Pa't A$'+er' to Prayer <. 0avid remi#ded God o! 4is past mercyA "Thou hast been my help" D's. 27ABbE. "< God( Thou hast taught me... e+en #hen % am old and gray( 2 God do not forsake me" D's. 7<A<7-<>aE. A #%mber o! psalms remi#d God a#d the people i# detail o! 4is past mercies Dsee 's. 7>J >=A<-7J <0=J <0?J a#d <;?E. 2. /ike 0avid( yo% ca# prese#t pleadi#g arg%me#ts !or #e mercies o# the basis o! the history o! all 4e previo%sly has do#e. *%t the task is yet %#!i#ished. God has i#vested too m%ch to stop #o . 'lead !or God1s co#ti#%i#g mercy a#d po er to be re#e ed to bri#g the !i#al victory. ;. What has God do#e !or yo%M 4o have yo%r prayers bee# a#s ered i# the pastM J%st begi# to praise a#d tha#k the /ord !or the a#s ers o! the past( a#d re#e ed !aith ill arise ithi# yo% !or yo%r plea-sayi#g o! today. 3. Plead t"e Word a$d t"e Pro(#'e' of God <. 0avid cried to God revere#tly( h%mbly( a#d lovi#gly( yet ith holy i#siste#ce. 4e pressed !or !%l!illme#t o! God1s promise( "8o as Jou ha+e spoken. $et Jour name be established and magnified fore+er... therefore Jour ser+ant has found "ourage to pray before Jou. >o#( 2 $ord( Jou are God( and ha+e promised this good thing to Jour ser+ant" D< Chro#. <7A2;-2?E. 2. $olomo# prayed the same ay. 4e held God to the promises that 4e had made to 0avid( his !atherA F... 0 $ord( the God of %srael( there is no god like Jou in hea+en or on earth( keeping "o+enant and sho#ing lo+ingkindness to Jour ser+ants #ho #alk before Jou #ith all their heart3 #ho has kept #ith Jour ser+ant 8a+id( my father( that #hi"h Jou ha+e promised him3 indeed( Jou ha+e spoken #ith Jour mouth( and ha+e fulfilled it #ith Jour hand( as it is this day. >o# therefore( < $ord( the God of %srael( keep #ith Jour ser+ant 8a+id( my father( that #hi"h Jou ha+e promised him( saying( 'Jou shall not la"k a man to sit on the throne of %srael( if only your sons take heed to their #ay( to #alk in My la# as you ha+e #alked before Me.' >o# therefore( 2 $ord( the God of %srael( let Jour #ord be "onfirmed #hi"h Jou ha+e spoken to Jour ser+ant 8a+id" D2 Chro#. ?A<@-<7E. This as #o mi#ci#g o! ords. God had spoke#. )o $olomo# i#sisted that God !%l!ill 4is Word. 3or << years - as a part o! the leadership team o! a ch%rch that prepared the gro%#d !or the -#ter#atio#al 4o%se o! 'rayer i# +a#sas City( .isso%ri. -# that =<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) time( - had the a esome privilege o! participati#g i# co%#tless #%mbers o! prayer gatheri#gs led %#der the i#spiratio# o! the se#ior leader( .ike *ickle. .eeti#g by meeti#g( day by day( a#d mo#th by mo#th( .ike a#d scores o! F!aceless peopleF o%ld take their sta#d be!ore God a#d remi#d 4im o! 4is Word. 'rayi#g the prayers o! the *ible( t%r#i#g $cript%re portio#s i#to i#tercessio#( pleadi#g promises o! this gra#d *ook back to God. This a#cie#t art is i#tercessio# i# o#e o! its p%rest !orms. G. Plead t"e 4lood of 8e'%' <. 'erhaps the greatest( most po er!%l( most a#s erable plea o! all is the blood o! Jes%s. )o more prevaili#g arg%me#t ca# e bri#g be!ore God tha# the s%!!eri#gs( blood( a#d death o! 4is $o#. We have #o merit o! o%r o #. We do #ot prevail by tech#i&%es or past e:perie#ce. )o prayer Fk#o -ho F prevails. -t is o#ly thro%gh the blood o! Jes%s. 2. *ri#g be!ore the 3ather the o%#ds o! Jes%s. 8emi#d the 3ather o! the ago#y o! Gethsema#e. 8ecall to the 3ather the stro#g cries o! the $o# o! God as 4e prevailed !or o%r orld a#d !or o%r salvatio#. 8emi#d the 3ather o! earth1s darkest ho%r o# Calvary( as the $o# tri%mphed alo#e !or yo% a#d me. $ho%t to 4eave# agai# Christ1s tri%mpha#t cry( F-t is !i#ishedHF 'lead the Cross. 'lead 4is o%#ds over a#d over agai#.

The name of Jesus and the !ood of Jesus"#!o$% &n them' sta(e %ou$ a!! on them' and use them to the #!o$% of God and the $out&n# of satan. Let the$e e a #ene$at&on of )eo)!e a$&se *ho a$e +onsumed *&th th&s )ass&on' *&th th&s ,&s&on of the !ood of Jesus.
;. 'ray %#til yo% have the ass%ra#ce o! God1s ill. 'ray %#til yo% have bee# give# by the $pirit a visio# o! hat God lo#gs to do( #eeds to do( a#d aits to do. 'ray %#til yo% are gripped by the a%thority o! the #ame o! Jes%s. The# plead the blood o! Jes%s. The #ame o! Jes%s a#d the blood o! Jes%sGglory i# them( stake yo%r all o# them( a#d %se them to the glory o! God a#d the ro%ti#g o! sata#. /et there be a ge#eratio# o! people arise ho are co#s%med ith this passio#( ith this visio# o! the blood o! Jes%s.

THE POWER OF THE 4LOO!!

9ver the past ;0-pl%s years my i!e a#d - have had the privilege o! k#o i#g .ahesh a#d *o##ie Chavda o! All )atio#s Ch%rch i# Charlotte( )orth Caroli#a. .ahesh has traveled the globe( a#d thro%gh the a%the#tic heali#g mi#istry o! Jes%s Christ( thro%gh o%r dear h%mble brother( he has see# every heali#g listed i# the )e Testame#t( i#cl%di#g the dead bei#g raised. 9#e time( he# .ahesh as mi#isteri#g i# Naire( A!rica( he stood be!ore a m%ltit%de o! over <00(000 people. The 4oly $pirit spoke to him to co#d%ct a mass delivera#ce service. .ahesh a#s ered back( F*%t /ord( here are my helpersMF =2

6estoring the !rt of Pleading Jour Case 9%r persiste#t( great God respo#ded( F- am thy 4elperH +#o thisGo#e drop o! the blood o! .y $o#( Jes%s( is more po er!%l tha# all the ki#gdom o! dark#ess.F With this po er!%l revelatio#( .ahesh proceeded( a#d tho%sa#ds ere clea#sed( healed( a#d delivered that day. /et %s Ioi# i# ith eva#gelist 8ei#hard *o##ke as he iss%es a proclamatio# !or a Fblood- ashed A!ricaHF /et %s arise a#d Ioi# the prayers o! $p%r-geo#( .oody( Chavda( a#d others. /et1s declare hat the blood o! Jes%s( o%r .essiah( has accomplished !or %s.

CO6E& LET US ARGUE TOGETHER

What is the !i#al o%tcomeM What ill be the score at the e#d o! s%ch a dayM 9%r res%lt is spelled o%t by the prophet -saiah ho declared by God1s $piritA "Put Me in remembran"e( let us argue our "ase together3 state your "ause( that you may be pro+ed right" D-sa. @;A2?E.? There is a +i#gdom to e:pa#d a#d e:te#d. There are blood- ashed believers to %pli!t a#d protect i# prayer. There are millio#s o! lost a#d dyi#g people desperately i# #eed o! the $avior. There are evil !orces to bi#d a#d dispel thro%gh the eapo#s o! divi#e ar!are. -t is time to prepare a co%rt brie!( to devise arg%me#ts o! divi#e val%e a#d merit based o# the a#cie#t promises o! o%r 5ter#al God. Are yo% prepared to approach the be#ch o! the .ost 4igh as a# advocate o! 4is people( 4is p%rposes( a#d 4is gloryM Gather yo%r case( check yo%r heart( a#d !all to yo%r k#ees. The co%rt o! the 8ighteo%s J%dge is al ays co#ve#ed a#d ready to hear yo%r pleas. What case are yo% ready to bri#gM % "hoose to be a tena"ious inter"essor* Make me bold and full of faith to plead the promises of God before a 0udi"ial "ourtroom hearing. ut faith( my prayers shall pier"e this present darkness and unlo"k the promises of God for my generation. $ay hold of me* Possess me for the purposes of God in this "hosen generation* D- stro#gly recomme#d to yo% Wesley 0%e el1s e:celle#t book( Mighty Pre+ailing Prayer. The late /eo#ard 8ave#hill called it Fthe e#cyclopedia o# prayer.F - believe it. .%ch o! hat - have prese#ted to yo% o# the s%bIect o! Fpleadi#g yo%r caseF as i#spired by( or derived !rom( the material i# Mighty Pre+ailing Prayer. Also !or more o# the s%bIect o! prophetic i#tercessio#( see my i#spiratio#al book The Propheti" %nter"essor.Ab

EN!NOTES
<. Merriam.Webster's Collegiate 8i"tionary( 4<th Edition( >B;. 2. James $tro#g( Strong's E/hausti+e Con"ordan"e of the ible D'eabody( .AA 4e#drickso# '%blishers( #.d.E( plead DL=?0>E. ;. $tro#g1s( declare DL=?0>E. @. Wesley 0%e el( Mighty Pre+ailing Prayer DGra#d 8apids( .-A 3ra#cis Asb%ry 'ress( <BB0E. =. 0%e el( Mighty Pre+ailing.

=;

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) ?. 0%e el( Mighty Pre+ailing.

=@

C4A'T58 =

6estoring the Wat"h of the $ord

F- ill restore the a#cie#t tools o! the Watch o! the /ord that have bee# %sed a#d ill be %sed agai# to cha#ge the e:pressio# o! Christia#ity across the !ace o! the earth.F GJ%#e <BB< This prophetic ord came to me i# the middle o! the #ight o# the +a#sas plai#s. had bro%ght ;0 people ith me to that remote area !or a prayer retreat at a co%#try lodge. We ere prayi#g aro%#d the clock i# prayer teams !or Fho%r atchesF or prayer periods( modeled a!ter military se#try patter#s. 9%r !oc%s as #ot o# !ello ship or eve# a prayer listJ e ere there to seek God1s !ace. As %s%al( - had chose# the 2A00-to-;A00 A... time slot beca%se the /ord had bee# aki#g me %p at that time virt%ally t o or three times a eek !or more tha# a decade. As - aited o# the /ord( - s%dde#ly sa a pict%re o! a# old !arm impleme#t( the ki#d o! plo that %sed to be dra # by horses. Whe# - asked the /ord hat it as( the 4oly $pirit said( FThese are the a#cie#t tools.F Whe# - asked hat these ere( the respo#se as immediateA FThe Wat"h of the $ord is the a#cie#t tool.F )o that phrase e#t deep i#side o! me a#d st%ck. As - co#ti#%ed to ait be!ore the /ord i# that &%iet( !ar-removed place( - sa the tool agai# a#d the /ord said( F- ill restore the a#cie#t tool o! the Watch o! the /ord. -t has bee# %sed a#d ill be %sed agai# to cha#ge the e:pressio# o! Christia#ity across the !ace o! the earth.F -t so%#ded very similar to somethi#g the /ord said to my !rie#d( 'astor .ike *ickle( he# he as i# Cairo( 5gypt( i# <B>2. The /ord spoke to him abo%t a move o! the $pirit that as comi#g. 4e said( F- ill cha#ge the %#dersta#di#g a#d the e:pressio# o! Christia#ity across the !ace o! the earth i# o#e ge#eratio#.F as already !amiliar ith the co#cept o! F atchi#g i# prayerF i# the 9ld a#d the ==

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) )e Testame#ts Dsorry to say( it is sorely missi#g !rom the li!e o! the Ch%rch at largeE. This clear ord o! the /ord give# %#der the starry skies o! +a#sas lit a !ire %#der me that %ltimately propelled me i#to the borderla#d o! a#cie#t $a:o#y( the a#cie#t site o! the .oravia# prayer atch at 4err#h%t that - described earlier. 3e 5#glish-speaki#g people %se the term FWatch o! the /ordF i# o%r day. *ooks o# prayer seldom disc%ss it. 6et the importa#ce o! the Watch o! the /ord( or o! atchi#g i# prayer( is very importa#t to the pla#s a#d order o! God. Jes%s comma#ded %s to F atchF ith 4im i# several Gospel acco%#ts( partic%larly i# the time called Fthe last days.F .%ch has bee# ta%ght abo%t Fthe last daysF by teachers i# 5va#gelical a#d 'e#tecostalCCharismatic circles. *%t e:ceptio#ally little has bee# ta%ght abo%t the bibli"al response o! God1s people to the last days. - made a comparative st%dy o! the verbs Jes%s %sed i# .atthe 2@( .ark <;( a#d /%ke 2<( here 4e described ho e sho%ld respo#d he# e see earth&%akes( !ami#es( ars a#d r%mors o! ars( a#d so o#. 4ere is a s%mmary o! these respo#sesA $ee .atthe 2@ D)-,EA

"Wat"h out that no one de"ei+es you" =+erse :A. "See to it that you are not alarmed" =+erse ?A. "HStandI firm to the end" =+erse 4EA. "-eep #at"h" =+erse :GA. $ee .ark <; D)-,EA "Wat"h out that no one de"ei+es you" =+erse FA. "8o not be alarmed" =+erse ;A. " e on your guard" =+erse @A. "8o not #orry" =+erse 44A. "HStandI firm" =+erse 4EA. " e on your guard" =+erse GEA. " e on guard* e alert" =+erse EEA. "-eep #at"h" =+erse EFA. "Wat"h HoutI" =+erse E;A. $ee /%ke 2< D)-,EA =?

6estoring the Wat"h of the $ord "Wat"h out that you are not de"ei+ed" =+erse BA. "8o not be frightened" =+erse @A. "HStandI firm" =+erse 4@A. "Stand up and lift up your heads" =+erse GBA. " e "areful" =+erse E:A. " e al#ays on the #at"h( and pray" =+erse E?A. All o! these stateme#ts ca# be s%mmari2ed i# three mai# phrasesA F0o #ot be a!raidF Dme#tio#ed !o%r timesE( F$ta#d !irmF Dme#tio#ed !o%r timesE( a#d FWatch.F Jes%s %sed this key ord( F atch(F << timesGalmost three times more tha# a#y other admo#itio#H 9#ce agai#( yo% ca# hear 4is voice sayi#g to the Ch%rch( FThe key - give yo% is 1 atch.1F -# .atthe <>A<B-20( 4e gave %s the keys o! the +i#gdom( a#d they have to do ith prayerA !gain % say to you( that if t#o of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask( it shall be done for them by My &ather #ho is in ,ea+en. &or #here t#o or three ha+e gathered together in My name( there % am in their midst =Matthe# 4B54@.G<A. Jes%s a#ts gro%ps o! t o or three people to gather i# 4is #ame a#d ask i# sympho#y or harmo#y. DThe Greek ord tra#slated FagreeF is sumphoneo( or Fharmo#io%s.FE This is the heart o! the F atch o! the /ord.F - k#o it1s pro!o%#d( b%t yo% do#1t #eed a doctorate i# theology or li#g%istics to %#dersta#d it. The Greek ord !or F atchF i# these verses is gregoreuo( a#d it mea#s Fto be vigila#t( ake( to be atch!%l.F< A atchma# o# the all does ma#y thi#gs. 4e care!%lly atches hat is happe#i#g a#d alerts the comm%#ity he# good ambassadors approach the city. The g%ardsma# the# ill ope# the gates a#d lo er the bridge so the ambassadors may e#ter. A atchma# also ar#s the city !ar i# adva#ce he# a# e#emy approaches. 4e so%#ds a# alarm to a ake# the people beca%se he k#o s Fto !ore ar# them is to alert a#d arm them.F The# they &%ickly ca# rally to take their sta#d o# the all agai#st the e#emy be!ore he ro#g!%lly tries to e#ter i#to the city.

PUTTING OUT THE WELCO6E 6AT

We m%st atch !or the good thi#gs a#d good messe#gers God se#ds to 4is people. We m%st atch !or the gi!ted o#es a#d the comi#g o! the /ord1s prese#ce. We sho%ld alert the people to roll o%t the elcome mat( sayi#g( FCome( come( come( comeH A#gels o! heali#g( yo% are elcome here. $pirit o! the /ord( 6o% are elcome here. Gi!ts o! the $pirit( yo% are elcome here. $pirit o! co#victio# o! si#( righteo%s#ess( a#d I%dgme#t comeJ 6o% are elcome here. Come( come( come( comeHF We sho%ld roll o%t the red carpet to the #ame a#d the blood o! Jes%s( a#d say( FComeHF

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) We are s%pposed to atch to see hat the /ord is sayi#g a#d doi#g. A#d e sho%ld look at hat the e#emy1s pla#s co%ld be. 'a%l ar#ed %s #ot to be ig#ora#t co#cer#i#g the devil1s schemes Dsee 2 Cor. 2A<<E. God a#ts to tip %s o!! be!oreha#d to c%t o!!( postpo#e( delay( or eve# e#tirely disma#tle the orks o! the e#emy a#d !r%strate his pla#s !or evil. *%t as atchers o# the all o! the /ord( e go !ar beyo#d a#y dictio#ary de!i#itio#. God a#ts %s to look i#to the mirror o! 4is great Word a#d discer# those thi#gs that 4e has said that 4e a#ts to do. The# e are s%pposed to remi#d 4im o! those thi#gs that 4e a#ts to do( a#d 4e is( at the same time( aiti#g !or %s to ask 4im to do them. WhyM *eca%se 4e has give# %s that little key called the Fprayer o! agreeme#t.F

)ittle "eys unloc" big doors. ;he Moravians discovered a "ey of power in )eviticus 261<, where the )ord says, '-ire shall be "ept burning continually on the altar. it is not to go out.' ;hey believed the 0ew Covenant fire on the altar was prayer, and they acted on God's challenge. ;he Moravians actually managed to change the world with that little "ey.

/ittle keys %#lock big doors. The .oravia#s discovered a key o! po er i# /evitic%s ?A<;( here the /ord says( "&ire shall be kept burning "ontinually on the altar3 it is not to go out." They believed the )e Cove#a#t !ire o# the altar as prayer( a#d they acted o# God1s challe#ge. The .oravia#s act%ally ma#aged to cha#ge the orld ith that little key. /et me &%ote a brie! article by /eslie +. Tarr that describes these remarkable peopleA

A PRAYER 6EETING THAT LASTE! ;<< YEARS=

3actA The .oravia# comm%#ity o! 4err#h%t i# $a:o#y( i# <727( comme#ced a# aro%#d-the-clock Fprayer atchF that co#ti#%ed #o#-stop !or over a h%#dred years. 3actA *y <7B2( ?= years a!ter the comme#ceme#t o! that prayer vigil( the small .oravia# comm%#ity had se#t !orth ;00 missio#aries to the e#ds o! the earthH Co%ld it be that there is some relatio#ship bet ee# those t o !actsM -s !erve#t i#tercessio# a basic compo#e#t i# orld eva#geli2atio#M The a#s er to

=>

6estoring the Wat"h of the $ord both &%estio#s is s%rely a# %#&%ali!ied Fyes.F The heroic <>th ce#t%ry eva#geli2atio# thr%st o! the .oravia#s has #ot received the atte#tio# it deserves. *%t eve# less heralded tha# their missio#ary e:ploits is that o#e-h%#dred-year prayer meeti#g that s%stai#ed the !ires o! eva#gelismH 0%ri#g its !irst !ive years o! e:iste#ce( the 4err#h%t settleme#t sho ed !e sig#s o! spirit%al po er. *y the begi##i#g o! <727( the comm%#ity o! abo%t three h%#dred people as racked by disse#sio# a#d bickeri#g( a# %#likely site !or revival. Ni#2e#dor! a#d others( ho ever( cove#a#ted to pray a#d labor !or revival. 9# .ay <2( revival came. Christia#s ere aglo ith #e li!e a#d po er( a#d disse#sio# va#ished a#d %#believers ere co#verted. /ooki#g back to that day a#d the !o%r glorio%s mo#ths that !ollo ed( Co%#t Ni#2e#dor! later recalledA FThe hole place represe#ted tr%ly a visible habitatio# o! God amo#g me#.F A spirit o! prayer as immediately evide#t i# the !ello ship a#d co#ti#%ed thro%gho%t that Fgolde# s%mmer o! <727(F as the .oravia#s came to desig#ate that period. -# A%g%st 27 o! that year( t e#ty-!o%r me# a#d t e#ty-!o%r ome# cove#a#ted to spe#d o#e ho%r each day i# sched%led prayer. $ome others also e#listed i# the Fho%rly i#tercessio#.F F3or over <00 years( the members o! the .oravia# ch%rch all shared i# the 1ho%rly i#tercessio#.1 At home a#d abroad( o# la#d a#d sea( this prayer atch asce#ded %#ceasi#gly to the /ord(F stated historia# A.J. /e is. The Memorial 8ays of the 6ene#ed Chur"h of the rethren( p%blished i# <>22( #i#ety-!ive years a!ter the decisio# to i#itiate the prayer atch( &%ai#tly describes the move i# o#e se#te#ceA FThe tho%ght str%ck some o! the brethre# a#d sisters that it might be ell to set apart certai# ho%rs !or the p%rpose o! prayer( at hich seaso#s all might be remi#ded o! its e:celle#cy a#d be i#d%ced by the promises a##e:ed to !erve#t( perseveri#g prayer to po%r o%t their hearts be!ore the /ord.F The Io%r#al !%rther cites 9ld Testame#t typology as arra#t !or the prayer atchA "The sa"red fire #as ne+er permitted to go out on the altar D/evitic%s ?A<;EJ so i# the co#gregatio# is a temple o! the lovi#g God( herei# 4e has 4is altar a#d !ire( the i#tercessio# o! 4is sai#ts sho%ld i#cessa#tly rise %p to 4im.F That prayer atch as i#stit%ted by a comm%#ity o! believers average age as probably thirty. Ni#2e#dor! himsel! as t e#ty-seve#. hose

=B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) The prayer vigil by Ni#2e#dor! a#d the .oravia# comm%#ity se#siti2ed them to attempt the %#heard-o!-missio# to reach others !or Christ. $i: mo#ths a!ter the begi##i#g o! the prayer atch( the co%#t s%ggested to his !ello .oravia#s the challe#ge o! a bold eva#gelism aimed at the West -#dies( Gree#la#d( T%rkey( a#d /apla#d. $ome ere skeptical( b%t Ni#2e#dor! persisted. T e#ty-si: .oravia#s stepped !or ard !or orld missio#s herever the /ord led. The e:ploits that !ollo ed are s%rely to be #%mbered amo#g the high mome#ts o! Christia# history. )othi#g da%#ted Ni#2e#dor! or his !ello heralds o! Jes%s ChristGpriso#( ship reck( persec%tio#( ridic%le( plag%e( abIect poverty( a#d threats o! death. 4is hym# re!lected his co#victio#A !mbassador of Christ( kno# ye the #ay to goK %t leads unto the 0a#s of death( is stre#n #ith thorns and #oe. Ch%rch historia#s look to the eightee#th ce#t%ry a#d marvel at the Great A ake#i#g i# 5#gla#d a#d America( hich s ept h%#dreds o! tho%sa#ds i#to God1s +i#gdom. Joh# Wesley !ig%red largely i# that mighty moveme#t a#d m%ch atte#tio# is ce#tered o# him. -s it #ot possible that e have overlooked the place hich that ro%#d-the-clock prayer atch had i# reachi#g Wesley a#d( thro%gh him a#d his associates( i# alteri#g the co%rse o! historyM 9#e o#ders hat o%ld !lo !rom a commitme#t o# the part o! t e#tieth ce#t%ry Christia#s to i#stit%te a Fprayer atchF !or orld eva#geli2atio#( speci!ically( to reach those i# Ni#2e#dor!1s ords( F3or hom #o o#e cared.F -# the !irst chapter - brie!ly described my e#co%#ter ith the /ord alo#g ith other i#tercessors i# the .oravia# atchto er at 4err#h%t. *%t the !%ll story is a mirac%lo%s tale o! o#e little key a!ter a#other !alli#g i#to place %#til God positio#ed %s i# the $pirit to receive 4is commissio# a#d empo erme#t o! prayer. -# !act( it as a Flittle keyF that played o#e o! the most promi#e#t roles i# that appoi#tme#t ith desti#y. A!ter the /ord spoke to me abo%t the restoratio# o! the Fa#cie#t toolF o! the Watch o! the /ord( the st%dy o! the Watch o! the /ord became o#e o! the passio#s o! my li!e. -# 3ebr%ary o! <BB;( - took the i#tercessor team me#tio#ed i# the !irst chapter to the C2ech 8ep%blic !or some i#tercessory prayer assig#me#ts co#cer#i#g that res%rrected #atio#( b%t o%r real missio# as to cross the border to 4err#h%t i# a#cie#t $a:o#y i# 5ast Germa#y to recover the a#oi#ti#g o! the .oravia# prayer atch.

7EYS OF RE3ELATION
As e prepared i# prayer i# adva#ce o! the trip( the /ord gave me several keys i# the $pirit. - did#1t k#o hat they mea#t at the time( b%t - rote them do # a#d atched a#d aited. The 4oly $pirit said( F6o% are goi#g to !i#d a ma# #amed Christia# Wi#ter( ?0

6estoring the Wat"h of the $ord a#d he has a key.F D- had #ever met this ma# or heard o! him be!ore.E The /ord also me#tio#ed the #%mber F;7.F -# the days that !ollo ed( the /ord led %s to 52ekiel ;7 D hich describes the valley o! dead me#1s bo#es that God res%rrected i#to a mighty armyE a#d to 8evelatio# ;A7 D here the Word speaks o! Fthe key o! 0avidFE. Whe# e !irst arrived i# 4err#h%t( o%r team did#1t do the %s%al to%rist thi#gs. We did#1t go to m%se%ms or !amo%s ch%rches( look at the sights( or go shoppi#g. We ere told to go to a certai# place a#d meet a certai# ma# ho o%ld direct %s to o%r ho%si#g. We also lear#ed that visitors ere allo ed to go %p i#to the 4err#h%t atchto er o# occasio#( b%t yo% had to have a key to e#ter it. As it t%r#ed o%t( the ma# e ere se#t to( ho took %s to o%r place o! lodgi#g( as the %#o!!icial ste ard o! the .oravia# to er. ,is name #as Christian Winter* Was this a# accide#tM A coi#cide#ceM There1s more. Christia# Wi#ter( ho has si#ce grad%ated to 4eave# to receive his re ard( eagerly ha#ded me the key to the .oravia# atchto er he# - e:plai#ed o%r missio#. *%t God had more i# mi#d. - did#1t k#o it( b%t this ge#tlema# carried i# his heart a divi#e promise that the Watch o! the /ord o%ld be restoredH - !elt led to deliver a# e:pressio# to this stra#ger( someo#e -1d k#o # !or a matter o! mome#tsA FThe /ord is restori#g the a#cie#t Watch o! the /ord !or hich ma#y have aited so lo#gH 6o% have !aith!%lly held the key. )o the /ord ill %#lock the door a#d restore the a#cie#t !ire.F Whe# Christia# Wi#ter looked %p( he said( F6o% are the third ma# this very same ord to me.F ho has spoke#

9%r prayer team spe#t ho%rs i# prayer i# secl%sio# be!ore ve#t%ri#g o%t to the .oravia# prayer to er. 9# 3ebr%ary <>( e alked together thro%gh the #arro streets o! 4err#h%t to ard the cemetery the .oravia#s called FGod1s Acre.F We tho%ght that e ere I%st goi#g to pass thro%gh the cemetery to reach the to er( a#d e sa the graves o! !amo%s .oravia# leaders s%ch as Co%#t Ni#2e#dor! a#d A##a a#d 0avid )itschma##( alo#g ith those o! ma#y o! the missio#aries ho sold themselves i#to slavery to take the gospel i#to closed #atio#s a#d c%lt%res. As e bega# alki#g thro%gh the cemetery( there as a soberi#g se#se that there as somethi#gGsome a#oi#ti#g or po erGthat these departed sai#ts had alked i#. *%t this a#oi#ti#g seemed to be dead or lo#g departed. - agai# as remi#ded o! the /ord1s ord abo%t F;7(F a#d ho the /ord had led %s earlier to the riveti#g prophecy i# 52ekiel ;7 co#cer#i#g the valley o! dead me#1s bo#es that ere res%rrected i#to a mighty army o! God.

3ALLEY OF !RY 4ONES

We !elt that e #eeded to I%st sit do # a#d ait o# the /ord !or some reaso#. We k#e that the $pirit o! God a#ted %s to pray( to deal ith somethi#g i# some ay be!ore e e#t o#. $o e all sat do # i# the middle o! the cemetery a#d co#ti#%ed to ait. k#o this so%#ds bi2arre( b%t - happe#ed to gla#ce do # at the grave marker by hich had made my seat a#d !elt a thrill o! the $pirit r%# thro%gh my bodyG- as sitti#g o# the

?<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) gravesto#e o! Christia# 0avid( the ma# Co%#t vo# Ni#2e#dor! called Fthe .oravia# .oses.F 4e !o%#ded the comm%#ity i# <722 a#d led te# di!!ere#t gro%ps o! re!%gee brethre# to the la#ds the Co%#t do#ated to the ti#y Christia# comm%#ity. )o Christia# 0avid1s tombsto#e as #ot o#e o! the maIor marked tombsto#es. Agai#( as this a# accide#tM A coi#cide#ceM Altho%gh reaso# co%ld #ot e:plai# these thi#gs( - co%ld #ot !latly de#y the possibility o! coi#cide#ce at this poi#t. - co%ld#1t help b%t remember that Flittle keys ope# big doors.F As - #oted earlier( - se#sed that( like 52ekiel o! old( e ere agai# sitti#g i# a valley o! dry bo#es a#d that God as agai# aski#g %s( FCa# these bo#es live agai#MF 52ekiel ide#ti!ied the dry bo#es he sa ith the broke#( !ragme#ted str%ct%res o! J%daism i# his day. We ere sitti#g i# that cemetery marki#g some o! the richest prayer( devotio#( a#d missio#ary e#deavor i# Ch%rch history. Whe# the /ord seemed to ask %s a#e ( FCa# these bo#es liveM(F e bega# &%ietly to co#!ess the si# o! the Ch%rch. We co#!essed o%r prayerless#ess thro%gh the ge#eratio#s( o%r o # i#divid%al si#s( a#d the si# o! the c%rre#t-day Ch%rch. A#d e begi# to co#!ess that the Ch%rch had dropped the bato# o! the spirit o! prayer. -t as a &%iet time o! co#!essio#. There as #o FtravailF or eepi#gJ there ere #o socalled F ild ma#i!estatio#s.F We ere I%st calmly co#!essi#g o%r si# be!ore the /ord. A!ter a !e mi#%tes had passed( e se#sed that e Fhad permissio#F to proceed to the to er.

THE PROCESSION 4EGINS

.y i!e( .ichal A##( seemed to take the lead at that poi#t alo#g ith $%sa# $hea D#o $%sa# )icholsE( a gi!ted i#tercessor a#d da#cer. They bega# to lead %s %p the hill ith prophetic so#g a#d processio# be!ore the /ord. We ere#1t co#scio%sly s%perimposi#g a#y preco#ceived ideas or str%ct%re o# the processJ the /ord seemed to be leadi#g %s i# a spirit%al processio# o! asce#ts similar to hat yo% see i# the 'salms. We had come by the $pirit ith a call to restore somethi#g a#cie#t to somethi#g #e ( a#d God as doi#g the ork. Whe# e reached the to er - took o%t the key that Christia# Wi#ter had give# me a#d the# it hit meA - as holdi#g the Fkey o! 0avidF that the $pirit had describedH The key to the po er a#d e!!ective#ess o! the .oravia# comm%#ity as their si#gle-hearted devotio# to Jes%s Christ a#d to the Watch o! the /ord. )o o#e i# moder# Ch%rch history has ielded this Fa#cie#t toolF so e!!ectively or !aith!%lly as Christia# 0avid( Co%#t vo# Ni#2e#dor!( a#d the .oravia# believers. The Fkey o! 0avidF i# my ha#d looked like a very old skeleto# key( b%t it orked. ope#ed the door to the spiral staircase leadi#g to the to er a#d e started climbi#g. As soo# as e reached the top( e bega# to e#gage the $pirit thro%gh prayer. -1ve already described the t o aves o! i#tercessio# that s ept over %s( !ollo ed by t o stro#g i#d blasts. 6et( it is appropriate to add some details here that - p%rposely le!t o%t i# my i#itial acco%#t i# the !irst chapter.

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6estoring the Wat"h of the $ord -t is di!!ic%lt to e:aggerate the !erocity a#d depth o! the b%rde# o! the /ord that came over %sH .y i!e a#d my sister( *arbara( ere there ith me( alo#g ith $%e +ello%gh( a prophetic i#tercessor !rom -#dia#apolis ho is also a respected !rie#d( advisor( a#d colaborer ith o%r mi#istry. )earby stood James )ichols( a !erve#t A!rica#-America# believer hose a#cestors came !rom $t. Thomas i# the ,irgi# -sla#ds here they !irst received the gospel !rom .oravia# missio#aries dispatched to serve the slave pop%latio# o! that !ormer 0a#ish colo#y h%#dreds o! years earlier. We ere all cro ded together he# the !irst ave o! i#tercessio# a#d groa#i#g travail s ept over %s. .ichal A## remembers the sce#e ellA

;he "ey to the power and effectiveness of the Moravian community was their single=hearted devotion to Jesus Christ and to the Watch of the )ord. 0o one in modern Church history has wielded this 'ancient tool' so effectively or faithfully as Christian >avid, Count von (in%endorf, and the Moravian believers.

- as I%st totally overcome by the 4oly $pirit i# that i#te#se place o! prayer. - started cryi#g %#co#trollably( a#d at !irst it seemed almost i#appropriate. The hole gro%p bega# to stagger %#der the eight o! the b%rde#( b%t God seemed to %se me as a# %# itti#g ig#iter to ig#ite a !ire that spread thro%gh the hole gro%p. The i#tercessio# that broke o%t as so i#te#se that people bega# !alli#g do # or do%bli#g over %#til they !ell to the ood !loor o! the to er. Jim o!te# teaches abo%t bei#g Fpossessed !or prayer(F a#d - thi#k the $pirit o! God literally bega# prayi#g thro%gh %s as e yielded to 4imG e ere all co#s%med ith this spirit o! i#tercessio#. The best ay - k#o ho to say it is that - !elt the sorro a#d the grie! o! the 4oly $pirit. - co%ld se#se 4is grie! a#d 4is lo#gi#g !or somethi#g holy a#d po er!%l to be released. - a#t to say it as very emotio#al( b%t - !elt like - as cryi#g !rom deep ithi# my so%l o# behal! o! the 4oly Ghost. - !elt like e ere e:pressi#g 4is pai# thro%gh %#speakable groa#i#gs o! the $pirit. - ca#1t bri#g de!i#itio# to it. All - k#o is that - as e:perie#ci#g F!eeli#gsF !rom 4is heart to my heart.

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) - as so ca%ght %p i# this i#te#se place o! prayer that - as#1t thi#ki#g o! a#ythi#g else. - do#1t eve# remember a#y partic%lar $cript%re comi#g to my mi#d. - as I%st totally !oc%sed o# this b%rde# that eighed so heavily o# me. -t as very deep( very co#ce#trated( a#d very !oc%sed. -t as a place o! v%l#erability( a#d - allo ed mysel! to be so overcome a#d over helmed by God1s $pirit that - eagerly yielded to 4is prayi#g thro%gh me. -t as like e#teri#g the childbirth process. Whe# the time o! birth comes( yo%1re e:posed( a#d yo%1re absol%tely v%l#erable a#d #aked. 6o% ca# o#ly !oc%s o# o#e thi#gGbri#gi#g !orth the baby at its appoi#ted time. - remember that some people respo#ded to the eight o! the spirit o! travail comi#g o# them by !alli#g to the !loor or by do%bli#g over. We ere pressed together( a#d it !elt ki#d o! cold i# the to er at !irst. 4o ever( all that as !orgotte# o#ce e e#tered this place o! aba#do#ed prayer. We ere prayi#g Fas o#e ma#.F -t as I%st like a big !ire that got ig#ited. -t I%st overtook everybody. We ere all very !oc%sed i# that place. $%dde#ly( the prayer b%rde# li!ted a#d the i#d came. $ome o! the people !rom Atla#ta ere r%##i#g a tape recorder at the time( a#d yo% ca# act%ally hear o# the tape the i#d roari#g thro%gh the place. The i#d a#d the travail !i#ally died do #( b%t it as o#ly a Fbreather.F The b%rde# o! the /ord came o# %s agai#. With o#e voice e bega# to travail by the $pirit as i! e ere i#str%me#ts i# the ha#ds o! o%r i#visible God. The viole#t i#d o#ce agai# s ept thro%gh the .oravia# looko%t prayer to er. - !elt as tho%gh the i#d came to blo that a#cie#t prayer a#oi#ti#g thro%gho%t the orld accordi#g to the spirit o! grace e had I%st asked !or. A great Ioy came over %s a#d e started marchi#g aro%#d o# the atch-to er. We ere reIoici#g i# the /ord. The# e !elt the $pirit release a &%icke#i#g !aith i# %s to loose or dispatch the spirit o! grace !or the Watch o! the /ord i#to di!!ere#t co%#tries a#d cities aro%#d the orld. The /ord as releasi#g grace !or the ho%se o! prayer !or all #atio#s( a#d !or the Watch o! the /ord to be released !irst i# <20 cities across the earth( a#d the# to ;(000 i# the patter# o! the *ook o! Acts. God as s%per#at%rally a#d symbolically !%l!illi#g the prophecy that -1d received o# the plai#s o! +a#sas t o years earlier. The a#cie#t tool o! the Watch o! the /ord as bei#g released a#e o# the earth by the i#ds o! God.

LEA!ERS OF THE PAC7 TO!AY

There are ma#y others ho also carry this torch !or %#ceasi#g prayer a#d the Watch o! the /ord. Amo#g them areA <. 9%r !rie#ds a#d me#tors( .ahesh a#d *o##ie Chavda( ho have promoted all-#ight FWatches o! the /ordF o# 3riday #ights to b%ild a F all o! prayerF si#ce <BB=( he# the /ord sho ed them that corporate i#tercessio# as the missi#g li#k bet ee# re#e al a#d the comi#g harvest. Joi# them a#d others i# a# all #ight prayer meeti#g to make ?@

6estoring the Wat"h of the $ord history be!ore the thro#e o! GodH 2. /o% 5#gle( !ormer associate pastor at 4arvest 8ock Ch%rch i# 'asade#a( Cali!or#ia( ho has carried a b%rde# !or F2@-ho%r ho%ses o! prayer.F 4e has bee# prayi#g !or revival !or decades a#d has la%#ched The CallGa global prayer a#d !asti#g moveme#t to e#gage i# desperate actio#s !or desperate times. D3or more o# this s%bIect read o%r co-a%thored book The Eli0ah 6e+olutionA ;. The late 0r. *ill *right o! Camp%s Cr%sade !or Christ( ho i# <BB@ called !or 2 millio# )orth America#s to !ast a#d pray !or revival !or @0 days by the year 2000. This as the !r%it o! a @0-day !ast co#d%cted at the re&%est o! the /ord. 0r. *right1s book( The Coming 6e+i+al( predicts that a maIor orld ide revival ill cover the earth by the t%r# o! the ce#t%ry. @. Wesley Campbell( !o%#der o! 8evival )o H A#d *e a 4ero .i#istries i# *ritish Col%mbia( ho has called !or <00(000 i#tercessors to !ast a#d pray i# @0-day cycles. This moder#-day revivalist ar#s that Fo%r respo#se Oto the call to i#tercessio#P #o is critical to the mag#it%de o! the o%tpo%ri#g.F; =. .ike *ickle( !rie#d( co orker( a#d se#ior leader o! the -#ter#atio#al 4o%se o! 'rayer i# +a#sas City( .isso%ri( has prayed ith his team i# harp a#d bo l gatheri#gs #o#-stop !or over > years !or a# %#precede#ted a ake#i#g a#d orld ide revival. ?. C. 'eter Wag#er( Ci#dy Jacobs( 0%tch $heets( Ch%ck 'ierce a#d h%#dreds o! others i#tercessors( have directed global prayer i#itiatives !or the <0C@0 a#d @0C70 'rayer Wi#do a#d have la%#ched prayer #et orks across the orld. 7. Tom 4ess( ho is the !o%#der o! the 4o%se o! 'rayer !or All )atio#s o# the .o%#t o! 9lives i# Jer%salem( -srael( has called !orth prayer atches aro%#d the clock !or years. >. 0ick $immo#s( ho is the !o%#der o! .e# !or )atio#s i# o%r #atio#1s capital( has bee# %sed to release a# impartatio# o! the spirit o! prayer i#to my li!e a#d h%#dreds o! leaders. 9# the day o! 'e#tecost he# the 4oly $pirit as !irst give#( there as the i#d( !ire( a#d i#e. There as co#victio# a#d eva#geli2atio#( there ere sig#s a#d o#ders( a#d there ere gi!ts give#. *est o! all( there as a simple prese#tatio# o! this glorio%s ma# #amed Christ Jes%s. )o o# this Fseco#d 'e#tecostF to the Ch%rch( e are seei#g i#e Di# the s eet blessi#gs a#d com!ort o! the re#e alE( !ire Di# the !iery preachi#g( so%l i##i#g( repe#ta#ce( a#d call to salvatio# a#d revival by $teve 4ill a#d othersE( a#d #o the i#d o! the /ord sig#ali#g a great harvest. There has #ever bee# a greater #eed !or i#tercessio# tha# #o . 8ear God( % #ant to be +igilant and a#ake in this hour. Wake me up if you ha+e to* % #ant to be a pra"ti"al part of the #at"h of the $ord for my "ity. E9uip me and use me as one of your $ast 8ay Wat"hers. Pla"e me in your global prayer army and send mentors my #ay so % "an be effe"ti+e in this histori" mo+e of God* less you $ord for in"luding me in Jour gro#ing prayer army* Praise the $ord*

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9)

EN!NOTES
<. $tro#g1s( atch DGreek L<<27E. 2. /eslie +. Tarr( FA 'rayer .eeti#g.F ;. Wesley Campbell( F<00(000 -#tercessorsHF Spread the &ire( ,ol. 2( -ss%e ? DToro#to Airport Christia# 3ello ship( 0ecember <BB?E( <=.

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C4A'T58 ?

6estoring the Path &rom Prayer to ,is Presen"e

"The greatest hindran"e to Christianity today is Christians #ho do not kno# ho# to pra"ti"e the presen"e of God." G8ev. *illy Graham There sho%ld be o#e primary disti#g%ishi#g characteristic o! the people o! God. -t is #ot so m%ch the clothes e ear( the style o! o%r hair( or eve# the r%les by hich e co#d%ct o%rselves. *%t there is a FbirthmarkF o! sorts that sho%ld set apart every comm%#ity o! tr%e believers( a#d it sho%ld ma#i!est itsel! i# love !or o#e a#other. .oses reveals this birthmark i# a dialog%e ith God recorded i# 5:od%s ;;A<@-<?A !nd ,e said( "My presen"e shall go #ith you( and % #ill gi+e you rest." Then he HMosesI said to ,im( '*f :our presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here. &or ho# then "an it be kno#n that % ha+e found fa+or in Jour sight( % and Jour peopleK *s it not by :our going with us, so that #e( % and Jour people( may be distinguished from all the other people #ho are upon the fa"e of the earthK" =E/odus EE54:.4?A '

* am going to teach you to release the greatest weapon of spiritual warfare6 the brilliance of My great presence.'

This is a key o! great po er i# God1s +i#gdom. The presen"e of God is the disti#g%ishi#g characteristic that proves e have !avor ith GodH Witho%t it( e are as ?7

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) other me#. The glory o! God is Fthe ma#i!ested prese#ce o! God(F the visible evide#ce that the perso# o! God( 4imsel!( has sho # %p amo#g %sGa#d that is the greatest thi#g i# li!eH - believe .oses as cryi#g o%t to the /ord o! 4osts( F9h( Great 9#e( do #ot take %s %p !rom here %#less 6o% go be!ore %s. '%t the brillian"e of Jour great presen"e %po# %s.F -t is #o accide#t that o#e o! the #ames a#d titles give# Jes%s Christ as -mma#%el DFGod ith %sFE. This chapter as i#spired by a ord that the /ord pla#ted i# me hile as atte#di#g a re#e al service ith .ichal A## i# 9ctober <BB@( at hat as the# Toro#to Airport Christia# 3ello ship. A!ter e ere prayed !or( e remai#ed still a#d &%iet a#d aited !or the /ord to speak to o%r hearts. The 4oly $pirit bega# to speak to me( a#d 4e said( F- am goi#g to teach yo% to release the highest eapo# o! spirit%al ar!are.F )o that made my spirit%al a#te##as go o%tH - did#1t say a#ythi#g( b%t let me tell yo% - as ready to receive hatever God had !or me. At !irst( the /ord simply told me( Fam goi#g to teach yo% to release the greatest eapo# o! spirit%al ar!are.F *%t !i#ally 4e added( F- #ill tea"h you to release the brillian"e of My great presen"e." )ot lo#g ago( - as mi#isteri#g o# the 5ast Coast o! the "#ited $tates he# the $pirit o! God dropped a se#te#ce i#to my heart. 4e said( F- am goi#g to reveal .y ra po er.F thi#k the Ch%rch has gotte# too acc%stomed to Fre!i#ed s%gar.F God a#ts to give %s somethi#g that1s a little more ra a#d less predictable. C. $. /e is( i# his delight!%l series o! childre#1s books called The Chroni"les of >arnia( repeatedly ar#s the ce#tral characters that FAsia# the /io# Othe Christ !ig%reP is #ot a tame lion." The Ch%rch #eeds to rediscover the tr%th that the /io# o! J%dah is not a tame lion. God is #ot tame. 4e ca##ot be co#trolled( limited( ma#ip%lated( or made FpredictableF by mere me# ho believe they %#dersta#d everythi#g abo%t God. 4e is God Almighty( the eter#al - A.( the Alpha a#d 9mega( the A#cie#t o! 0ays. 4e a#ts to give %s somethi#g that is co#ce#trated( co#de#sed( a#d volatile. 4e likes to Iar %s ith a Fholy IoltF !rom time to time I%st to shake %s( ake %s( a#d stir %s %p Db%t 4e al ays does it !or o%r o # goodE. As - rite these ords( - am #ot here - o#ce as( #or am - here - am goi#g to be i# the days to come. -1m i# yet a#other seaso# o! lear#i#g. That is hy - a#t to p%t a pare#thesis aro%#d the stateme#tA F- ill teach yo% Obeca%se yo% are#1t there yetP to release the brillia#ce o! .y great prese#ce.F

4EING A SPIRITUAL ARCHAEOLOGIST

$ometimes - !eel like God has give# me a pick a#d shovel( a#d a hammer a#d a br%sh Gthe# commissio#ed me as a 4oly Ghost archaeologist to search thro%gh the r%i#s o! the past !or 4is lost treas%res Db%t -1m #ot complai#i#gE. There is a treas%re( a Ie el o! the Ch%rch( that is bright a#d shi#i#g. -t is the Ie el o! God1s glory( the ma#i!estatio# o! 4is glorio%s 'erso# i# o%r midst. -t is 4is i#comparable prese#ce i# all its brillia#ce. We #eed to rediscover( recover( a#d redisplay the !amily Je elH - believe God is also sayi#g this to 4is Ch%rch orld ideA F- ill teach yo% to release the brillia#ce o! .y great prese#ce.F

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6estoring the Path &rom Prayer to ,is Presen"e - o!te# ear a cross that as give# to me as a gi!t( a#d it has become very special to me. -t is a .oravia# cross beari#g the symbol o! a lamb ith a !lag o! victory. The motto o! the .oravia#s i# the <700s as( FTo i# !or the /amb the re ards !or 4is s%!!eri#g.F As - #oted earlier( they la%#ched the FWatch o! the /ord(F a co#ti#%o%s prayer vigil that lasted more tha# a ce#t%ry a!ter the /ord ill%mi#ated Co%#t vo# Ni#2e#dor!1s %#dersta#di#g o! /evitic%s ?A<;( hich says( "&ire shall be kept burning "ontinually on the altar3 it is not to go out." The .oravia#s( %#der the leadership o! Co%#t vo# Ni#2e#dor!( recog#i2ed the po er i# the key o! the /ord revealed i# /evitic%s ?. $o they decided to accept the task o! keepi#g a co#ti#%al !ire o! prayer( i#tercessio#( a#d orship b%r#i#g be!ore the /ord1s prese#ce. - do%bt i! they reali2ed they o%ld act%ally keep the !ire b%r#i#g hot a#d p%re !or more tha# <00 years( b%t they bega# by maki#g perso#al commitme#ts to the task. At !irst( a total o! @> ome# a#d @> me# sig#ed %p to pray. T o me# prayed together a#d t o ome# prayed together !or a o#e-ho%r atch %#til the #e:t team relieved them. This patter# co#ti#%ed aro%#d the clock( day a!ter day a#d eek a!ter eek( !or more tha# <00 yearsH The !erve#t heat ge#erated by the sacri!icial !ire o! their s%stai#ed prayer ig#ited revival !ires that la%#ched their pio#eeri#g missio#ary e!!orts a#d helped birth the !irst great a ake#i#g thro%gh their godly i#!l%e#ce o# me# s%ch as Joh# a#d Charles Wesley. All this ties i# ith the simple revelatio# that God gave me i# the C2ech 8ep%blic. What -1ve already me#tio#ed bears repeati#g agai#. God asked me( F4ave yo% ever co#sidered the m%ltidirectio#al dime#sio# o! prayerMF The#( 4e said( "6emember( #hat goes up must "ome do#n." 9%r prayers asce#d to God as s eet-smelli#g in"ense( a#d 4e respo#ds by se#di#g them back do # to earth as a#s ered prayers accompa#ied by 4is !ire. The 9ld Testame#t describes i# detail the special i#ce#se o!!ered to God i# the taber#acle o! .oses each dayA !nd you shall put this altar in front of the +eil that is near the ark of the testimony( in front of the mer"y seat that is o+er the ark of the testimony( where * will meet with you. !nd !aron shall burn fragrant incense on it3 he shall burn it e+ery morning #hen he trims the lamps. !nd #hen !aron trims the lamps at t#ilight( he shall burn in"ense. There shall be perpetual incense before the $ord throughout your generations =E/odus E<5?.BA. Then the $ord said to Moses( "Take for yourself spi"es( sta"te and ony"ha and galbanum( spi"es #ith pure frankin"ense3 there shall be an e9ual part of ea"h. !nd #ith it you shall make in"ense( a perfume( the #ork of a perfumer( salted( pure( and holy. !nd you shall beat some of it +ery fine( and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting( #here % shall meet #ith you3 it shall be most holy to you" =E/odus E<5E:.E?A. -# the )e Testame#t( e are comma#ded to Fpray itho%t ceasi#gF D< Thess. =A<7E. This per!ectly parallels God1s comma#d to .oses a#d Aaro# co#cer#i#g the s eet odor o! ?B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) Fperpet%al i#ce#seF that as to co#ti#%ally a!t i#to the .ost 4oly 'lace !rom the altar o! i#ce#se. Whe# - !irst bega# to st%dy these verses i# the *ook o! 5:od%s( my mi#d e#t i#to gear a#d - tho%ghtA >o# it's logi"al that if % "an get an understanding of #hat ea"h one of these ingredients is( then perhaps it #ill gi+e me some insight into #hat God re"ei+es as an a""eptable sa"rifi"e of prayer.

WHAT ARE THE INGRE!IENTS OF PRAYER1

-t is e:tremely i#teresti#g that God says these !o%r i#gredie#ts m%st be mi:ed i# e&%al proportio#s. That is a re!ere#ce to bala#ce. A lot o! people Di#cl%di#g meE have ta%ght tech#ical proced%ral steps o! prayer labeled ith titles like( FThe $eve# $teps to A#s ered 'rayer.F These sermo#s are good a#d mostly valid i# co#te#t( b%t there really are#1t seve# steps to a#s ered prayer. The reality that -1ve discovered is that prayer is#1t a tech#i&%e. -t is#1t a thi#g at all. )either is prayer a methodology. 'rayer is comm%#io# ith a 'erso#. 'rayer is simply being #ith God. 0espite all o! the elaborate rit%als a#d steps o! p%ri!icatio# laid do # i# the /a o! .oses( 0avid( the shepherd-ki#g( bypassed it all to sit i# the shado o! the ark o! the cove#a#t o# .o%#t Nio# a#d comm%#e heart to heart ith God Dsee < Chro#. <7A<?E. 4e did#1t have the bloodli#es or crede#tials o! a# Aaro#ic priest( #or did he belo#g to the tribe o! /evi. Altho%gh o#ly the high priest as allo ed i# the .ost 4oly 'lace( a#d the# o#ly o# o#e day o! the year( 0avid literally sat be!ore the /ord( perhaps o# ma#y occasio#s. WhyM *eca%se prayer is comm%#io#( a#d 0avid had a heart a!ter God1s o # heart. DThis is eve# more ama2i#g he# yo% reali2e that all o! this happe#ed before Jes%s died o# the Cross a#d removed the veil bet ee# God a#d ma#. The i#te#sity o! 0avid1s love overcame the barrier bet ee# him a#d his God.E

5rayer is communion with a 5erson. 5rayer is simply being with God.

We have to p%sh past eve# the correct tech#ical methodologies to get to the heart o! God 4imsel!. We m%st get 4im. We m%st have 4im. - k#o the 9ld Testame#t talks abo%t comi#g i#to God1s co%rts ith praise a#d 4is gates ith tha#ksgivi#g( b%t the iss%e is #ot the tech#i&%e. The iss%e is a 'erso#. We1re comi#g to o%r 3ather. We1re comi#g to 4is glorio%s $o# ho loves %s( ho k#o s %s( ho gave 4is li!e !or %s. We1re comi#g be!ore the 9#e hom the *ook o! Joh# says "is in the bosom of the &ather" DJoh# <A<>E.

6ORE THAN A 6ETHO!OLOGY

- eve# !eel a little hesita#t to talk abo%t the !o%r &%alities o! the i#ce#se o! prayer( b%t 70

6estoring the Path &rom Prayer to ,is Presen"e i! e ca# avoid t%r#i#g it i#to a methodology( it i#to 4is brillia#t prese#ce. ill help %s i# o%r Io%r#ey !rom prayer

<. Stacte as a s eet spice. -t as !o%#d o# or #ear the #orther# border o! -srael a#d i# $yria. -t took a !%ll day1s Io%r#ey by !oot to reach the trees that oo2ed !orth the resi# that as baked %#til the spice( called sta"te( emerged. *oth the Greek a#d 4ebre #ames !or this spice mea# Fto oo2e !orth or to drop.F -t as %sed at times as a metaphor !or the emerge#ce o! the Word o! God or !or the act o! prophesyi#g. -# both cases( it creates the pict%re o! somethi#g that has bee# stored %p i#side o! yo% oo2i#g or b%bbli#g o%t !rom a# i##er ab%#da#ce. Whe# e store %p the logos( or ritte# Word o! God( ithi# o%r hearts the#( he# the i#d o! God breathes %po# it( it may become a spoke#( revelatory rhema Word i#to o%r lives. The !irst &%ality o! acceptable i#ce#se o! prayer is a rich store o! the Word o! God i# o%r lives( hich oo2es !orth %po# dema#d to drop o#to other people. 'rayer is abidi#g i# the livi#g Word( hich is obvio%sly Christ. -t ill cost yo% somethi#g to store the Word o! God i# yo%r li!e. -t ill cost yo% time a#d a priority shi!t. -t ge#erally ill la#d yo% i# di!!ic%lt circ%msta#ces( b%t it is orth it. 9#ce yo% !ill yo%r heart ith this s eet spice o! God1s Word( it ill oo2e !orth !rom every pore o! yo%r li!e a#d bei#g a#d permeate yo%r prayers ith a s eet#ess that pleases God a#d blesses everyo#e it to%ches. 2. O$yc"a re!ers to !i#ely gro%#d aromatic po der prod%ced !rom a moll%sk shell !o%#d i# the .editerra#ea# $ea. Altho%gh the dista#ce i#volved to get o#ycha as less tha# that !or stacte( this po der co%ld be obtai#ed o#ly by maki#g a le#gthy trip to the sea to gather a partic%lar type o! moll%sk or m%ssel. The moll%sk shells ere gro%#d i#to a !i#e po der a#d the# b%r#ed ith !ire to prod%ce the s eet !ragra#ce so vital to the holy i#ce#se. 9%r lives sho%ld co#ti#%ally release a# aroma o! !ragra#t o!!eri#g %#to the /ord. *%t ho does o#ycha !rom the 9ld Testame#t i#ce#se mi:t%re !it i#to this pict%reM 4ave yo% ever !elt like yo% have bee# Fgro%#d i#to a p%lpF or bee# broke# i#to little pieces by a trial or circ%msta#ceM 4ave yo% bee# Fb%r#edF by the tho%ghtless or deliberate actio#s o! other peopleM The prayer yo% o!!er a!ter e#d%ri#g these eve#ts bears the !ragra#ce o! o#ycha. $carred prayer arriors reek o! o#ycha. 'rayer is a li!estyle o! broke##ess be!ore GodJ prayer is comm%#io# bathed i# the s eet !ragra#ce o! a cr%shed spice called h%mility a#d broke##ess. 0avid rote !rom the depths o! broke##ess( "The sa"rifi"es of God are a broken spirit3 a broken and a "ontrite heart( 2 God( Jou #ill not despise" D's. =<A<7E. ;. Gal-a$%( is Fa yello ish to gree# or bro # aromatic bitter g%m resi# derived !rom several Asia# pla#ts.F< The origi#al 4ebre ord( "helbenah( mea#i#g Frich#ess or !at#ess(F implies that galba#%m comes !rom the richest or choice part. 2 Galba#%m is the oily s%bsta#ce that is %sed to hold all the other elements together. The overridi#g co#victio# that FGod is goodF ill hold yo%r li!e together a#d help bri#g %#ity amo#g brethre# ho have di!!ere#t &%alities a#d varyi#g 7<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) belie!s. Too o!te# e have allo ed o%rselves to divide i#to FcampsF based o# partic%lar areas o! tr%th or emphasis. 3or e:ample( people o! the FWord campF eat the Word o! God. They k#o the Word( they love the Word( they preach the Word( they proclaim the Word( a#d they pray the WordGsometimes at the e:pe#se o! mercy a#d broke##ess. The Fbroke##ess campF i#cl%des ma#y Frevival-type people(F ho at times seem to be i# a# %#spoke# competitio# to see ho ca# get the lo est so God ca# be the highest. That1s all ell a#d good( b%t it is o#ly o#e piece o! a greater hole. We #eed all the camps a#d their correspo#di#g tr%ths orki#g together. We #eed a# e&%al proportio# o! the e:travaga#ce( rich#ess( a#d !at#ess o! o%r good God to bi#d %s all together i# harmo#y. .y i!e( .ichal A##( rece#tly received a# ama2i#g God 5#co%#ter. The ma#i!ested prese#ce came i#to o%r bedroom a#d a voice spoke to her a#d said( F8eceive the good#ess o! God i#to yo%r body.F $i#ce the# she has do#e a ord st%dy o# Fgood#ess a#d mercyF. *elieve me( yo% ill be heari#g more abo%t this i# the !%t%re. This has rocked her orld a#d se#di#g her i#to a#other orbit. 8eceive the good#ess o! God right #o i#to yo%r li!eH -t ill tra#s!orm yo%H To receive a#ythi#g !rom God( yo% "must belie+e that ,e is( and that ,e is a re#arder of those #ho seek ,im" D4eb. < < A?bE. We m%st believe that 4e ho !reely gave 4is $o# ill also !reely give %s all thi#gs. We m%st believe i# the rich#ess( the !at#ess a#d the good#ess o! God. @. Fra$/#$ce$'e is Fa resi# Oobtai#edP !rom the bark o! trees o! the ge#%s *os ellia. As the amber resi# dries( hite d%st !orms o# the drops or tears o! !ra#ki#ce#se( th%s givi#g rise to its $emitic #ame. -# biblical times most !ra#ki#ce#se came either !rom or via $heba i# so%ther# Arabia.F ; The 4ebre ord !or !ra#ki#ce#se i s la+ona( hich literally mea#s Fto be hite.F@ 'erhaps this !oreshado ed the righteo%s#ess e received he# Christ( the scio# or bra#ch o! 0avid( h%#g o# a tree a#d shed 4is blood. *y the time the blood o! the /amb dried o# the tree a#d the earth( e ere made Fthe righteo%s#ess o! God i# ChristF by God1s grace a#d love. -t is the blood( shed a#d applied to %s( that clea#ses %s !rom all si#. -t is thro%gh the blood that e are dressed i# hite a#d made !it !or the +i#gdom.

?nly freshly made incense would do. :ou and * can't live on the prayers of the past. We can't thrive on the relationship, the intimacy, or the communion that we en4oyed with the )ord yesterday.

72

6estoring the Path &rom Prayer to ,is Presen"e

FRESHLY 6A!E
-t is importa#t to remember that the i#gredie#ts !or the holy i#ce#se ere p%rchased !resh each day a#d mi:ed i# e&%al proportio#s. The i#ce#se co%ld #ot be Fstored %p.F 9#ly !reshly made i#ce#se o%ld do. 6o% a#d - ca#1t live o# the prayers o! the past. We ca#1t thrive o# the relatio#ship( the i#timacy( or the comm%#io# that e e#Ioyed ith the /ord yesterday. 0ay by day( e m%st make o%r ay i#to 4is prese#ce to be re#e ed( tra#s!ormed( empo ered( a#d !illed ith 4is glory. We have bee# commissio#ed to light the !ire o! prayer a#d o!!er s eet-smelli#g i#ce#se created !rom e&%al parts o! sta"te( the oo2i#g( b%bbli#g ab%#da#ce o! God1s i#d elli#g WordJ ony"ha( the s eet cr%shed spice o! i# ard h%mility a#d broke##essJ galbanum( the %#yieldi#g a#d i#gatheri#g !aith that God is goodJ a#d the p%rity of frankin"ense( the righteo%s#ess o! Christ applied a#d dried %po# o%r hearts i# hite#ess a#d holi#ess %#to the /ord. The priests o! old te#ded the !ire o! God a#d carried s eet i#ce#se a#d !ire i#to the 4oly o! 4olies. The priests ore hite li#e# garme#ts ador#ed ith alter#ati#g bells a#d pomegra#ates o# the hem. This speaks o! the do%ble blessi#g o! God. The /ord revealed to me as - prayed !or my i!e that 4e lo#gs to a#oi#t %s ith a do%ble blessi#g( I%st as 5lisha received he# 5liIah asce#ded to 4eave#. God gave the Ch%rch #i#e gi!ts Dsig#i!ied by the bells sig#ali#g that the priests o! God are alive a#d ellE( a#d #i#e !r%it o! the $pirit Dsig#i!ied by the pomegra#atesE. Whe# e e#ter 4is prese#ce( e are goi#g !or the Fdo%ble blessi#gF o! the !%ll#ess o! God1s character a#d the !%ll#ess o! 4is po er. -t as i# God1s prese#ceGbeyo#d the veil o! separatio#Gthat the priests o! Aaro# approached the ark o! the cove#a#t co#tai#i#g symbols o! the a%thority o! God Dsig#i!ied by Aaro#1s rod that b%ddedEJ the provisio# o! God i# the bread o! li!e Dmarked by a pot o! the ma##a God se#t !rom 4eave#EJ the r%le a#d order o! God Dsymboli2ed by the sto#e tablets co#tai#i#g the Te# Comma#dme#tsE. All o! these co%ld o#ly be approached thro%gh mercy( symboli2ed by the seat o! mercy sit%ated bet ee# the coveri#g cher%bs o! God. This is a bea%ti!%l pict%re o! the ge#%i#e Ch%rch o! the redeemed( a Ch%rch !illed ith the s eet-smelli#g smoke o! prayer( praise( orship( a#d i#tercessio#. -t is here i# the prese#ce that God says( F- ill comm%#e ith yo% there.F -t is here that e see a# ab%#da#ce o! holy gi!ts( !r%it( i#ce#se( holi#ess( mercy( a%thority( a#d the sovereig# r%le o! God i# the bo%#ds o! cove#a#t love. The secret to mat%rity a#d p%rity i# the Ch%rch is !o%#d i# the path !rom prayer to 4is prese#ce. We must get the disti#g%ishi#g characteristic o! the ge#%i#e people o! GodH There as #o natural light i# the .ost 4oly 'lace beca%se it as#1t #eeded or elcome. J%st as the $cript%res tell %s that God 4imsel! shall be the light to 4is people( i# 4is prese#ce e #eed #o #at%ral light D#at%ral or earthbo%#d k#o ledge or ma#1s isdomE. The o#ly light bathi#g the .ost 4oly 'lace is the light o! 4is brillia#t( shi#i#g prese#ce. -# o%r day( e call this light the shekinah gloryGthe ma#i!ested glory or prese#ce o! God.

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9)

A !ILE66A RESOL3E!
'rayer( partic%larly i#tercessory prayer( has played a key role i# my li!e a#d mi#istry !or years. - like a !ight. - love to see the orks o! the devil destroyed. $o - have bee# po#deri#g the vario%s doctri#es co#cer#i#g spirit%al ar!are( a#d -1ve e:ami#ed my perso#al e:perie#ces i# the light o! God1s Word. -1ve met ith di!!ere#t i#tercessory leaders aro%#d the orld to i#crease my %#dersta#di#g o# the co#troversial iss%es deali#g ith pri#cipalities( po ers( a#d other thi#gs o! this #at%re. God I%st solved the hole thi#g !or me he# 4e told me( F-1m goi#g to teach yo% the highest eapo# o! spirit%al ar!areGit is releasi#g the brillia#ce o! .y great prese#ce.F 0o yo% a#t to i#M Get soaked i# 4is prese#ceH Whe# yo% get aro%#d somebody ho smokes( the odor o! the smoke permeates yo%r clothi#g Da#d l%#gsE so e!!ectively that other people ill thi#k yo% smoke( tooH WhyM *eca%se the odor o! the smoke gets all over yo%. Whe# yo% start spe#di#g time ith God( the same thing happe#s. -# the realm o! me#( people o#1t be able to describe it( perhaps( b%t they ill be dra # to the !ragra#ce o! mercy( grace( a#d li!e that ill permeate yo%r bei#g. -# the spirit realm( the demo#s o! hell ill start thi#ki#g that yo% look a little bit like GodGyo% smell like 4imJ yo% glo ith a deadly light that they !ear. 6o%r prese#ce ill remi#d them o! 4is prese#ce. The smoke that s%rro%#ds the mercy seat o! God ill be absorbed by yo%r spirit. The atmosphere o! 4eave# ill get i#to yo%.

ISSUES OF THE HEART

4o do yo% go !rom prayer to 4is prese#ceM -t1s a heart iss%e. -1m #ot goi#g to give yo% !ive steps. - ca#1t beca%se - do#1t k#o them Daltho%gh - %sed to thi#k that - didE. All ca# tell is somethi#g like 4eidi *aker i# .o2ambi&%e( A!rica( FGod is looki#g !or laid do # loversHF $o let1s I%st lay do # o%r lives a#d lear# mercy( a#d God ill meet yo% to comm%#e ith yo% there. 4ebre s @A<? tells %s( "$et us therefore dra# near #ith "onfiden"e to the throne of gra"e( that #e might re"ei+e mer"y and may find gra"e to help in time of need." Jes%s said( " ut go and learn #hat this means. % desire "ompassion Omercy +J,P and not sa"rifi"e( for % did not "ome to "all the righteous( but sinners" D.att. BA<;E. God comm%#es ith %s at the seat o! mercy. -t does#1t go a ayJ it is the very atmosphere a#d e#viro#me#t o! God1s prese#ce. This gets to the core o! hat e call religio#. .a#1s religio# is I%dgme#t pe#di#g criticism( legalism( a#d debate. God does #ot a#t %s operati#g o%t o! I%dgme#t. 4e a#ts %s operati#g o%t o! the seat o! mercy. A ma# #amed 8e: A#dre s alked ith the /ord b%t !ell a ay i# the <B@0s. The# God reached o%t i# 4is mercy a#d cha#ged him( a#d he ret%r#ed to the /ord. The prese#ce o! God as restored to him i# a mome#t. -# <B@@( at the height o! World War --( God gave this ma# a revelatio# thro%gh a gi!t o! prophecy o! hat mercy is. God told himA

7@

6estoring the Path &rom Prayer to ,is Presen"e .ercy is God1s s%pply system !or every #eed every here. .ercy is that ki#d#ess( compassio#( a#d te#der#ess( hich is a passio# to s%!!er ith or participate i# a#other1s ills or evils i# order to relieve( heal( a#d restoreGto accept a#other !reely a#d gladly as he isGa#d to s%pply the #eed o! the good o! li!e to b%ild %p( to bri#g to peace( a#d keep i# peace. -t is to take a#other i#to o#e1s heart I%st as he is( to cherish a#d #o%rish him there. .ercy takes a#other1s si#s( evils( a#d !a%lts as its o # a#d !rees the other by beari#g them to God. This is called the glo o! love. This is the a#oi#ti#g.

*'m not who * was. *'m not who * yet want to be. * long to be a person of !is presence#one who spends time with !im and then releases the brilliance of !is great presence to the world around me.

5ve# tho%gh e store %p the Word( ask !or the cross o! broke##ess( alk i# the reality that God is good a#d that e are bo%#d together by 4is e:travaga#ce( 4is rich#ess( a#d 4is !at#ess( a#d clothe o%rselves i# the gi!t o! righteo%s#ess made available to %s thro%gh the blood o! Jes%sGthere is somethi#g more. Whe# e take this !reshly mi:ed i#ce#se( o!!er it o# the !ires o! !erve#t prayer( a#d take it beyo#d the veil( there is still one more ne"essary thing. We #eed to have mer"y b%ilt i#to o%r lives. - lo#g to be a perso# o! 4is prese#ce. -1m #ot ho - as. -1m #ot ho - yet a#t to be. - lo#g to be a perso# o! 4is prese#ceGo#e ho spe#ds time ith 4im a#d the# releases the brillia#ce o! 4is great prese#ce to the orld aro%#d me. The /ord is looki#g !or s%ch a people ho ill simply come a#d be #ith ,im. 4e a#ts a #atio# o! ki#gs a#d priests ho dilige#tly ill go !rom prayer to 4is prese#ce a#d bear the disti#g%ishi#g characteristic o! 4is peopleGGod #ith us. - believe that the Ch%rch has bee# corporately mi#isteri#g at the altar o! i#ce#se !or the last 20 years( b%t( i# o#e se#se( has #ever go#e i#side here 4is prese#ce abides. )o ( it is as tho%gh e are crossi#g over the threshold a#d thro%gh the veil i#to the place o! 4is ma#i!ested prese#ce. -t is a #e begi##i#g( a !resh start. That1s hy there1s a #e i#d blo i#g across the earth( a i#d called re#e al( revivalGa#d a h%#ger !or a great a ake#i#g to come. What is the /ord re&%iri#g o! %sM 4e is calli#g %s to be ith 4im. -t1s time to cross over( to abide i# 4is prese#ceA FCome( come( comeHF says the /ord. FCome( come( come be!ore .e.F 'rayer is #ot a tech#i&%e. 'rayer is #ot a methodology. 'rayer is #ot a matter o! Fsteps 7=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) o#e( t o( a#d three.F -t is o%r comi#g to a 'erso# a#d bei#g sat%rated ith the comm%#io# o! 4is great a#d glorio%s prese#ce. God is restori#g the !ire o# the altar i# 4is Ch%rch today. 0%ri#g the last <= to 20 years( re#e ed !ires o! prayer have circled the earth. That is marvelo%sH -t is the !irst time that these re#e ed !ires have b%rst !orth to this degree o# a global scale. *%t( - a#t to tell yo% that God is at the bri#k o! taki#g %s eve# deeperGbeca%se this is #ot a matter o! tech#i&%e or k#o -ho . -t does#1t hi#ge o# hat semi#ars e go to or hose tape sets or 0,0s e b%y. The Ch%rch is lear#i#g a#e hat the .oravia#s a#d others discovered almost hal! a mille##i%m ago. The greatest thi#g i# li!e is to be able to to%ch the heart o! God a#d have 4is heart to%ch yo%. -t is time to e#ter a#d bask i# 4is brillia#t prese#ce. Tea"h me to release the highest #eapon of spiritual #arfareCthe brillian"e of your great presen"e. % #ant to be a "ontagious "arrier of your infe"tious presen"e. $ike Moses % "ry( "$et Jour presen"e go before me*" % "hoose to spend time #ith Jou $ord( so that % #ill be armed #ith Jour might( po#er and presen"e. &or Jour honor and glory sake* !men*

EN!NOTES
<. Merriam.Webster's Collegiate 8i"tionary( 4<th Edition( All. 2. $tro#g1s( galba#%m DL2@?@E. ;. 8. /aird 4arris( Gleaso# /. Archer( Jr.( *r%ce +. Waltke( eds. Theologi"al Wordbook of the 2ld Testament( ,ol. < DChicago( -/A .oody 'ress( <B>0E( lebo#a( !ra#ki#ce#se DL<07@.@E( @?>. @. $tro#g1s( !ra#ki#ce#se DL;>2>E.

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C4A'T58 7

6estoring the ,ouse of Prayer for !ll >ations

Jesus said( "%s it not #ritten( 'My house shall be "alled a house of prayer for all the nations'K" =see Mark 4454;A - am grate!%l to be alive today. We1re seei#g the $o# o! God e#ter 4is 3ather1s ho%se agai# ith !iery 2eal to t%r# the tables o# the age#das o! ay ard me#. 9#ce agai# the /amb o! God has stormed i#to 4is 'apa1s ho%se ith the 2eal o! the /ord o! 4osts eati#g 4im %p. 4e is#1t co#te#t I%st to t%r# over o%r tables o! religio%s pomp a#d circ%msta#ce a#d ma#-pleasi#g programs. 4e is movi#g o# to the cages that e1ve co#str%cted ith o%r rigid religio# to co#!i#e a#d co#trol the 0ove o! God( the 4oly $piritH - ca# almost hear 4im say( F.y 0ove( me# have tho%ght to keep 6o% i# a cage( b%t - am goi#g to rattle this cage o#ce agai# a#d se#d 6o% !orth. 3or here the $pirit o! the /ord is( there is liberty.F - ca# almost imagi#e the sce#e i# the temple o! 4erod( he# a commotio# arose o# o#e side as the $pirit o! God moved %po# the childre# i# the temple. - ca# imagi#e the $pirit ca%si#g eve# the smallest little childre# to prophesy a#d si#g praises i# ecstasy. Almost o%t lo%d( - ca# hear the disapprovi#g m%rm%rs o! the religio%s cro d( F-t has#1t bee# see# this ay be!ore( a#d e do#1t like it.F The 2eal o! the /ord o! 4osts is loose i# the la#d. The po er a#d a#oi#ti#g i# the Ch%rch is escalati#g as God releases the 2eal o! the 3ather1s ho%se %po# 4is people. -t bri#gs holy bold#ess a#d a# %#&%e#chable spirit o! prayer. -t stems !rom the holy Iealo%sy o! God ho is declari#g i# a lo%d voice( F-1m comi#g to take over .y ho%se a#d to claim .y ho%se !or .y o #.F -# the $pirit( - ca# hear Jes%s declare to this ge#eratio# o! believersA F6o% have made .y ho%se i#to a de# o! thieves( b%t - say that .y 3ather1s

77

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) ho%se shall be called a ho%se o! prayer !or all the #atio#s. As it as i# the last days o! .y earthly mi#istry( so shall it be i# the last days o! .y mi#istry i# the earth by the po er o! the 4oly $pirit. Neal !or .y 3ather1s ho%se ill come %po# yo%( a#d there ill be a declaratio# that shall go !orth i# the latter days. There ill be a# %#dersta#di#g that ill go !orthA The 3ather1s ho%se is #ot !irst the ho%se o! preachi#g. The 3ather1s ho%se is #ot !irst the ho%se o! sacrame#ts. The 3ather1s ho%se is #ot !irst a ho%se o! !ello ship or s%per#at%ral gi!ts. .y 3ather1s ho%se shall have ma#y o! these thi#gs( b%t .y 3ather1s ho%se shall be k#o # !irst as a ho%se o! prayer !or all #atio#sGo! people bei#g b%ilt together( holy( o# !ire( compassio#ateJ o! livi#g sto#es bei#g bro%ght together as they seek .y !ace. A#d there ill be a smoke that shall come !orth !rom these livi#g sto#es bei#g b%ilt together. A#d the smoke sig#al shall rise %p to the highest heave# a#d ill be received. This smoke is called the i#ce#se o! prayer.F D$ee 'salm ?BAB a#d Joh# 2A<7.E -# .ark <<A<7( Jes%s said( F... %s it not #ritten( 'My house shall be called a house o f prayer for all the nations'+ ut you ha+e made it a robbers' den.' Jes%s Christ perso#ally clea#sed the temple o! mercha#disers ho had desecrated a#d de!iled 4is 3ather1s Fho%se o! prayer.F All !o%r Gospels care!%lly record this demo#stratio# o! the Iealo%sy o! God Dsee .att. 2<A<2-<;J .ark <<A<=-<7J /%ke <BA@=J Joh# 2A<@E. Joh#1s acco%#t says that Jes%s perso#ally !ashio#ed a hip ith cords !or the task. The /ord co#dem#ed the actio#s o! me# by sayi#g i# e!!ect( F6o% cha#ged .y 3ather1s ho%se a#d made it i#to somethi#g that it sho%ld #ever becomeH 6o% have made it i#to a de# o! thievery.F Christ &%oted !rom the scroll o! -saiah be!ore 4e declared that the ill( the p%rpose( a#d the heart o! the 3ather had bee# violated Dsee -sa. =?A7E. 4e said the ho%se o! God as to be marked !or prayer !or all #atio#s. The Greek ord !or #atio#s is ethnos. God i#te#ded !or 4is Fho%se o! prayerF to take a orld ide Fredemptive i#tercessory post%reF that e:te#ds !ar beyo#d -srael. 5very believer i# this royal priesthood is called to orship( praise( prayer( a#d i#tercessio#. Altho%gh prayer or orship is #ever speci!ically listed amo#g the spirit%al grace gi!ts( "harisma i# the Greek( like the gi!t o! !aith or the gi!t o! discer#i#g o! spirits( e do !i#d a# a#oi#ti#g %po# the /evitical priesthood o! the 9ld Testame#t that !oreshado s the a#oi#ti#g o# the #e order o! priests %#der the blood. -#stead o! o#e small !amily bei#g set aside to be orshipers( God marked a# e#tire #atio# o! !aith ith blood as 4is o #.

WHERE IS PRAYER ON THE GIFT LIST1

5phesia#s chapter @ describes the leadership gi!ts =doma i# the GreekE o! apostles( prophets( eva#gelists( pastors( a#d teachers( b%t prayer a#d orship speci!ically are #ot listed there. 6et a!ter &%i22i#g o%r 3ather ma#y times( - have come to the stro#g co#victio# that God p%rpose!%lly omitted them. WhyM *eca%se as )e Testame#t 7>

6estoring the ,ouse of Prayer for !ll >ations believers be!ore God the 3ather a#d 4is Christ( e are each called be!ore the thro#e o! God to o!!er co#ti#%al sacri!ices o! orship( praise( a#d prayer Di#cl%di#g i#tercessio#E. Worship is the act a#d attit%de o! holeheartedly givi#g yo%rsel! to God ith all o! yo%r spirit( so%l( a#d body. The Greek ord tra#slated as F orshipF is proskuneo. -t mea#s Fto kiss( like a dog licki#g his master1s ha#dJ to 'rostrate o#esel! i# homage( revere#ce( a#d adoratio#F Dsee .att. @A<0E. Jes%s told the $amarita# oma# at the ell that God as looki#g !or those ho o%ld orship 4im i# spirit a#d i# tr%th Dsee Joh# @A2;E.< -#tercessio# mea#s to make a re&%est to a s%perior. 'rayer is o%r mea#s o! aski#g o%r lovi#g 3ather God !or 4is i#terve#tio# o# o%r behal! #ight a#d day Dsee /%ke <<A<;E. 'rayer is o%r key to release 4is blessi#gs to o#e a#other !or salvatio#( heali#g( a#oi#ti#g( a#d every other perso#al a#d corporate #eed. We are s%pposed to o!!er prayers o# behal! o! people( cities( ch%rches( #atio#s( !amily gro%ps( a#d the tho%sa#ds o! tribes i# the earth. Accordi#g to 8evelatio# chapters = a#d >( orship a#d prayer are to come together as a seamless garme#t or# by the priests o! GodGIoi#ed( %#ited( a#d ed together. God is seeki#g people ho ill orship and prayH 4e told 52ekiel that 4e had !o%#d #o o#e ho o%ld sta#d i# the gap a#d i#tercede( a#d 4e as appalled Dsee 52ekiel 22A;0E.

A HEART 4OWE! !OWN

5:pressio#s o! prayer a#d orship co#ti#%ally appear together thro%gho%t the )e Testame#t. )early everyo#e ho asked Jes%s to i#terve#e i# their lives or meet a #eed came a#d bo ed do # be!ore 4im first. Worship i#volves bo i#g o%r hearts Da#d bodies( at timesE be!ore God. God is looki#g !or a people ho ill prostrate themselves i# their heart a#d lavishly give themselves to praise. They ill create a# atmosphere !or a thro#e o! praise i# hich God 4imsel! is pleased to d ellH Whe# e prostrate o%rselves a#d lavishly give o%r hearts i# praise a#d i# adoratio# to 4im( e are creati#g a place i# the spirit !rom hich 4e ill r%le a#d reig# over 4is e#emies. The $yro-'hoe#icia# oma# i# .atthe <=A2= prostrated hersel! be!ore Jes%s !irst. The# she asked 4im !or a miracle. 'rayer a#d orship are me#tio#ed as i#teractive i#tegral parts o! the !irst ch%rch. Acts <?A2= describes ho 'a%l a#d $ilas( their backs sti#gi#g a#d bleedi#g( boldly prayed a#d orshiped God alo%dGeve# hile bo%#d i# stocks. -t as also impossible to separate praise a#d prayer i# the 9ld Testame#t. Je ish orshipers o!te# sa#g God1s praise a#d slipped smoothly i#to prayer a#d back agai#. The t o ere %#i&%ely i#terIoi#ed a#d ere #ever i#te#ded to be separated. 0%e to the i#!l%e#ce o! -49' i# +a#sas City a#d other locatio#s aro%#d the globe( the applicatio#s a#d termi#ology o! the 4arp a#d *o l is rather commo# place today. Worship a#d prayer is mergi#g together as a seemless garme#t !or the )e Testame#t priesthood o! all believers. The /ord declared( "E+en those % #ill bring to My holy mountain( and make them 0oyful in My house of prayer" D-sa. =?A7aE. The 4ebre ord !or prayer here is tephillah. -t is %sed to

7B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) describe prayer 77 times i# the 9ld Testame#t( a#d it re!ers to Fi#tercessio#( s%pplicatio#J by implicatio# a hymnGprayer.F2 A#other so%rce implies several mea#i#gs i#cl%di#g i#tercessio#( to the act o! i#terve#i#g( I%dgme#t( a#d broke# s%pplicatio#.;

0early everyone who as"ed Jesus to intervene in their lives or meet a need came and bowed down before !im first.

.y co#de#sed de!i#itio# o! this ki#d o! prayer is based o# 0avid the psalmist1s decisio# to label his psalm-hym#s as prayers. - call the tephillah the "sung inter"essory 0udgments of God." This term speci!ically is %sed to title the !ive greatest psalms o! 0avidG 'salms <7J >?J B0J <02J a#d <@2. -t also is %sed i# the title !or the prayer o! 4abakk%k i# 4abakk%k ;A<. This as a Ioi#i#g together o! the high priestly mi#istry o! prayer a#d o! praise. -# 'salm 72A20( the *ible says( "The prayers of 8a+id the son of Jesse are ended.' Agai#( 0avid the psalmist %ses the pl%ral o! the ord here( tephillah( mea#i#g "the sung inter"essory 0udgments of God." This re!ere#ce to 'salms < thro%gh 72 clearly tells %s that they ere all Fs%#g prayers.F They ere most likely set to m%sic a#d s%#g i# !ormal orship.

A !I3INE APPOINT6ENT
)o that e better %#dersta#d hat the /ord mea#s he# 4e says 4is ho%se is to be a Fho%se o! prayer !or all #atio#s(F e #eed to go back to the #%mber F;7.F A!ter o%r e#co%#ter ith the /ord i# the atchto er at 4err#h%t i# <BB;( .ichal A## a#d - took the team o! i#tercessors to the city o! /iberec i# the C2ech 8ep%blic. Three years earlier( i# <BB0( - had visited 'rag%e ith my dear brother( .ahesh Chavda( abo%t si: mo#ths a!ter comm%#ism !ell. 4e co#d%cted a massive gatheri#g here <0(000 people came( a#d e prayed !or people !or heali#g %#til 2A00 i# the mor#i#g every #ight. 9#e year later( - as i#vited to speak at their #atio#al co#!ere#ce i# 'rag%e( a#d %po# its completio# took my team to #orther# C2ech to this &%ai#t city called /iberec. 9#e day( he# the other people i# o%r mi#istry team took a day o!! a#d e#t o%t to%ri#g( - stayed i# my room to seek the /ord. 9#ly o#e thi#g came to me that day. God a#ted me to meet a ma# ho had received a heave#ly visio#. - as sched%led to speak at a ch%rch i# the city that #ight( a#d -1d #ever met the leadership o! the ch%rch. - did#1t eve# k#o hat ki#d o! ch%rch it as. - #oticed that the se#ior pastor as#1t o# the plat!orm( b%t - did#1t reali2e that he as sitti#g i# the co#gregatio# to the side o! the plat!orm that #ight. - stood %p to speak( a#d abo%t hal! ay thro%gh( the /ord had me poi#t to this perso# o# the side a#d sayA F$ir( yo%1ve had a

>0

6estoring the ,ouse of Prayer for !ll >ations heave#ly visitatio#. 6o% have bee# take# %p i# the $pirit be!ore God( a#d 4e spoke to yo% abo%t te# thi#gs that are goi#g to happe#. A#d yo% are goi#g to be %sed to help restore the Watch o! the /ord.F - did #ot k#o that this ma#( 'astor 5vald 8%cky( as a .oravia# pastor o! this co#gregatio# o! <; people( hich si#ce has gro # to a vibra#t ch%rch o! a !e h%#dred. 0%ri#g comm%#ism( it had bee# a little gro%p. 5arlier i# the year( 5vald had traveled to $ ede#. While he as preachi#g( he had a heart attack a#d e#t i#to a coma !or a !e days. 4is associate pastor( 'eter( as also his best !rie#d. 5vald told me later that he F e#t o# a little trip !or three daysF a#d sa the /ord. 4e looked do # %po# the globe m%ch like 52ekiel as "hung bet#een ,ea+en and earth" D52ek. >A;E. 5vald sa dark clo%ds over ce#tral 5%rope pe#etrated by hite lights goi#g %p a#d do # !rom the heave#s. The 4oly $pirit e:plai#ed( FThese are .y a#gels bei#g released i# a#s er to the prayers o! the sai#ts.F They ere breaki#g %p the black clo%ds( hich ere territorial spirits massed over ce#tral 5%rope. 9# the third day o! 5vald1s heave#ly visit( his best !rie#d( 'eter( Ioi#ed 5vald1s i!e at the bedside o! his dear !rie#d hom he believed as si#ki#g i#to a# irreversible coma. 'eter did#1t k#o ho to pray !or his !rie#d. 5vald( hose spirit seemed to be i# 4eave# at the time( did #ot reali2e that he as a h%sba#d( a !ather( a#d a pastor hose ork as i#complete. 4e as I%st e#Ioyi#g 4eave#. The# 'eter bega# to pray a Fprayer o! tearsF !rom his heart. As 'eter1s tears !ell !rom his eyes a#d la#ded o# 5vald1s body i# the hospital bed( 5vald s%dde#ly bega# to be a are i# 4eave# that he as a h%sba#d( a !ather( a#d a pastor( a#d that his ork as #ot yet complete. 4e also k#e that he had a decisio# to make. Withi# mome#ts( 5vald !o%#d himsel! soari#g thro%gh the heave#s. The# his spirit hit his body i# the hospital bed. 4e as mirac%lo%sly healed i# a mome#t. The doctors declared it a miracle. 4e as released !rom the hospital a#d did#1t have to pay a dime o! the medical e:pe#sesH Today( - k#o the story ell. *%t that #ight i# <BB<( - I%st said( FThere1s a ma# over here ho1s had a heave#ly visitatio#.F 5vald respo#ded( a#d the rest is history. The people i# that service passed aro%#d a sig#-%p list. 'eople sig#ed %p that very #ight to la%#ch a re#e ed Watch o! the /ordGa#d they have#1t stopped. They have o#e o! the most vital ch%rches i# all o! the C2ech 8ep%blic today( a#d rece#tly started several other satellite ch%rches. - believe 5vald is operati#g i# a# a%the#tic apostolic !or his #atio# a#d his de#omi#atio#.

><

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9)

/vald @Auc"yB saw dar" clouds over central /urope penetrated by white lights going up and down from the heavens. ;he !oly pirit e,plained, ';hese are My angels being released in answer to the prayers of the saints.'

7NEELING IN THE STREETS!

$o i# <BB;( !resh !rom o%r 4err#h%t e#co%#ter( e !o%#d o%rselves back i# 5vald1s city o! /iberec. We divided o%r prayer gro%p i#to smaller teams to stay i# the homes o! the people there( a#d my i!e a#d - led a small gro%p to a# area called 4ei#eso# here a satellite ch%rch as bei#g pla#ted. .ichal A## a#d - ere alki#g do # a little cobblesto#e street i# the compa#y o! some o! the ch%rch leaders a#d members he# #oticed some little hite obIects scattered o# the street. - looked closer at these obIects a#d !elt !aith start to rise %p i# me. - poi#ted them o%t to .ichal A##( ho bega# to get e:cited( too. The obIects looked like hite marbles. 3or some reaso# - !elt like e ere s%pposed to pick them %p. D- love the 4oly Ghost. 4e is #ot o#ly good( b%t 4e is also lots o! !%#.E $o .ichal A## a#d - got do # o# o%r ha#ds a#d k#ees to pick %p these marbles o# a cobblesto#e street i# the C2ech 8ep%blic hile rai# dri22led %po# %s. - thi#k the local ch%rch leaders ho ere atchi#g %s ere o#deri#g i! e1d lost o%r marblesH The tr%th is that e !o%#d them that day. These marbles looked like they ere ha#dmade !rom hite sto#e o! some ki#d. A!ter e picked %p every si#gle marble( e !elt led to co%#t them hile the leaders aited !or %s. G%ess ho ma#y e !o%#dM Thirty-seve#H /ittle keys ope# big doors. The symbolic i#terpretatio# o! this little i#cide#t came i#sta#tlyA FThe Ch%rch 1lost her marbles1 some time ago( a#d e have lost the mi#d o! Christ abo%t the heave#ly perspective o! the eter#al val%e o! prayerHF God has somethi#g o# 4is mi#dG52ekiel ;7. God is o%t to ret%r# 4is marbles( the mi#d o! Christ( to 4is Ch%rch( beca%se she1s lost her ay. We are regai#i#g 4is eter#al perspective o# the val%e o! the prayers o! t o or three ho come together i# the #ame o! Jes%sH 4e a#ts to give %s back the key o! po er that is released he# believers harmo#i2e together i# the #ame o! Jes%s. -# yo%r li!e a#d mi#istry( %#dersta#di#g may o#ly re&%ire o#e simple a#d h%mble stepA Ask. .y i!e a#d - co%ld#1t !ig%re o%t hy e ere so e:cited that day i# 4ei#eso#( a#d those local ch%rch leaders co%ld#1t eitherG%#til e started co%#ti#g o%r marbles. Dstill have these precio%s ;7 marbles to this day o# display o# o%r !ireplace ma#tel.E

>2

6estoring the ,ouse of Prayer for !ll >ations

PRAYER PRECE!ES 6ISSIONS

9rga#i2ed missio#ary ork a#d orld eva#geli2atio# as e k#o it today really did#1t e:ist i# the Wester# orld %#til God lit a !ire i# the hearts o! the .oravia#s thro%gh the atch o! the /ord. -t as #o accide#t that God restored the !ire o# the altar o! prayer first( a#d the# 4e ig#ited a passio# !or lost so%ls i# a#d thro%gh prayer. /et me &%ote !rom /eslie +. Tarr1s acco%#t o#ce moreA $i: mo#ths a!ter the begi##i#g o! the prayer atch( the co%#t Ovo# Ni#2e#dor!P s%ggested to his !ello .oravia#s the challe#ge o! a bold eva#gelism aimed at the West -#dies( Gree#la#d( T%rkey( a#d /apla#d. $ome ere skeptical( b%t Ni#2e#dor! persisted. T e#ty-si: .oravia#s stepped !or ard !or orld missio#s herever the /ord led.@ *y <>;2( <00 years a!ter the !irst missio#aries le!t !or !oreig# soil( @2 .oravia# missio# statio#s e:isted aro%#d the orld. Today( membership i# the .oravia# missio# ch%rches o%t#%mber those at home @-to-<.=

*t was no accident that God restored the fire on the altar of prayer first, and then !e ignited a passion for lost souls in and through prayer.

Today( every ?0 mi#%tes abo%t 7(000 people die( o! hich ?(000( do #ot k#o the /ord Jes%s Christ. There are 2;= geographical e#tities( called #atio#s( o! hich B7 have bee# virt%ally closed to co#ve#tio#al reside#tial missio#ary activity. A# estimated 2.? billio# %#reached people live i# these closed #atio#s i# hat has bee# called FThe <0C@0 a#d the @0C70 Wi#do .F .illio#s o! Christia#s rece#tly have ba#ded together to pray a#d i#tercede !or these people( b%t this o#e-time or t o-time e!!ort is o#ly the begi##i#g o! hat God is doi#g i# 4is Ch%rch.? We ca# see a pict%re o! God1s goal i# 8evelatio# =A>-<0. Jes%s ta%ght %s to pray( "Jour #ill be done( on earth as it is in ,ea+en" D.att. ?A<0E. Accordi#g to this passage i# the *ook o! 8evelatio#( the redeemed o! God i# 4eave# come !rom every tribe( every to#g%e a#d people a#d #atio#. They ere i#volved i# %#ceasi#g orship a#d praise o! the /ordH

HEA3EN ON EARTH
-1ll #ever !orget the o#der!%l so%#d o! orship i# a service held i# Willemstad( the capital o! the isla#d #atio# o! C%raso DC%racaoE( o#e o! the )etherla#ds A#tilles isla#ds I%st o!! the coast o! ,e#e2%ela here appro:imately <;?(000 people live. What str%ck me >;

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) as ho these people orshipedH Their orship service as co#d%cted i# !o%r la#g%ages at o#ceH They sa#g i# 0%tch( 5#glish( $pa#ish( a#d i# their o # isla#d dialect called 'apiame#to. -t as o#der!%l. -t as a taste o! 4eave#. At o#e mome#t they o%ld si#g the praises o! Jes%s i# 5#glishJ the# they o%ld si#g i# 0%tch. They o%ld si#g F- 5:alt TheeF i# $pa#ish( the# i# 'apiame#to( a#d !i#ally i# 5#glish. They displayed m%ltiple e:pressio#s i# da#ce a#d i# prayer. - tho%ght( $ord( % like this. - !elt as i! 4e replied( F-! yo% like this( ait till yo% get %p here ith .eHF Jes%s Christ is tra#s!ormi#g %s i#to a Fho%se o! prayer.F 4e lo#gs !or %s to lavishly po%r o%r !ears( o%r love( o%r a!!ectio#( o%r adoratio#( a#d o%r tears %po# 4is !eet. 4e lo#gs to hear %s say agai# a#d agai#( FGod( - lay my li!e be!ore 6o%.F As e do this( 4e ill shi#e 4is !ace %po# %s i# all o! 4is glory a#d say( FGo. 6o%r !eet are shod ith the preparatio# o! the gospel o! peace.F -# 'salm 2A>( God says( "!sk of Me( and % #ill surely gi+e the nations as Jour inheritan"e( and the +ery ends of the earth as Jour possession." A lot o! voices i# the ch%rch orld ill say( F6o% ca# have the orldG- do#1t a#t it. This co%#try is goi#g to hellGb%t -1m goi#g to 4eave#.F $ometimes( e are too ready to give a ay the very thi#g God a#ts to give to %s I%st beca%se there are some gia#ts i# the la#d. God still #eeds some Josh%as a#d Calebs today. 4e is looki#g !or a people ho ill sta#d i# the gap a#d say( F6es( /ord( - am looki#g !or the re ards o! Christ1s s%!!eri#g. -1m aski#g !or the #atio#s as a !ootstool !or 6o%r marvelo%s !eet.F God a#ts to see a hole #atio# o! ki#gs a#d priests o!!er this prayer to 4im ith !aith( po er( a#d passio#.

7EYS TO THE HAR3EST

)o harvest ca# take place itho%t prayer !or !o%r very importa#t reaso#sA <. 9#ly a small part o! God1s people are i#volved i# seed so i#g. 2. 9#ly a small part o! the seed so # act%ally germi#ates. ;. 9#ly a small part o! the seed that germi#ates co#ti#%es gro i#g to !%ll harvest. @. 9#ly a small part o! the act%al harvest is !%lly %tili2ed. 6o%r prayers ca# make a vital di!!ere#ce( especially he# yo% harmo#i2e i# prayer ith others a#d care!%lly target yo%r prayers. $i#ce prayer is %#hi#dered by time( dista#ce( or la#g%age barriers( yo% ca# Ioi# a#y mi#istry team o# the earthH Teams ca# go co#sta#tly to so the seed o! the gospel i# the earth. 3or God1s sake( get o# somebody1s team. 'ray !or mi#istry leaders a#d help them see somethi#g make it to harvestH 8emember( thro%gh prayer yo% ca# Ioi# a#y teamH 6o% are #ot co#!i#ed by time( dista#ce( or space. Ask God to g%ide yo% to the mi#istry or perso#s 4e a#ts yo% to s%pport i# prayer. 4e ill b%rde# yo%r heart. 6o% ill become a moder#-day Aaro# or 4%r li!ti#g %p the eary ha#ds o! yo%r God-appoi#ted .oses. 6o%r prayers ca# F aterF the harvest a#d e#ergi2e the seed that has bee# so #. >@

6estoring the ,ouse of Prayer for !ll >ations 'erhaps the greatest #eed bet ee# seedtime a#d harvest is rai#.

Join with /%ra, 0ehemiah, /sther, >eborah, and >aniel#whose prayers changed the heart of rulers, altered the laws of the land, and influenced national leaders.

$pirit%ally speaki#g( e#o%gh seed has bee# so # to bri#g millio#s to ChristH There is #o !a%lt i# the seed. The problem is ater. The e:te#t o! the harvest ca# depe#d %po# the amo%#t o! prayer that aters the seed. 6o%r prayers ca# help c%ltivate the crop. Jes%s ar#ed that the tro%ble( persec%tio#( orries o! this li!e( a#d deceit!%l#ess o! ealth o%ld ca%se some to drop by the ayside a#d become %#!r%it!%l Dsee .att. <;A20-22E. 6o%r prayers ca# e#co%rage( stre#gthe#( a#d protect the germi#ated seed d%ri#g the critical period he# #e li!e comes %p. 6o%r prayer act%ally ca# i#!l%e#ce orld leaders a#d activate the reso%rces o! GodH 'roverbs 2<A< says( "The king's heart is like "hannels of #ater in the hand of the $ord3 ,e turns it like a #ater"ourse #here+er ,e #ishes." Joi# ith 52ra( )ehemiah( 5sther( 0eborah( a#d 0a#ielG hose prayers cha#ged the heart o! r%lers( altered the la s o! the la#d( a#d i#!l%e#ced #atio#al leaders.

PRAYING FOR THE HAR3EST

- have a !rie#d #amed 0ick $immo#s ho is o#e o! the overlooked key i#tercessory people i# this #atio#. .ore tha# ;= years ago( 0ick as atte#di#g *ible college i# )e 6ork City. 4e as marked !or i#tercessio#. -# the middle o! the #ight o# the ba#k o! the 4%dso# 8iver( he bega# to cry o%t to the /ord i# i#tercessio# !or )e 6ork City. 4e prayed at the top o! his l%#gs( F/ord( - beseech Thee that 6o% se#d !orth laborers %#to 6o%r !ieldHF 4is ago#i2ed prayers ere so lo%d at 2A00 A... Deve# by )e 6ork City sta#dardsHE that he s%dde#ly as bathed i# !loodlights o# the riverba#k. Ca%tio%s police o!!icers sho%ted o%t( FWhat are yo% doi#gM 6o% have bee# reported !or dist%rbi#g the peace beca%se yo%1ve bee# aki#g %p peopleHF 0ick bello ed back( F9h( - am I%st prayi#g to the /ord o! the harvest that 4e se#d !orth laborers i#to 4is !ield.F o%ld

The police o!!icers m%st have bee# shocked( or else they agreed ith *rother $immo#s. They let him go itho%t a#y charges or ar#i#g. That very #ight( the 4oly $pirit o! God desce#ded o# a little ski##y preacher i# r%ral 'e##sylva#ia a#d gave him a divi#e call to take the gospel to )e 6ork City. 0o yo% k#o his #ameM -t as 0avid Wilkerso#. -t is #o o#der that he# 0avid Wilkerso# established the !irst Tee# >=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) Challe#ge Ce#ter i# )e 6ork City( he chose 0ick $immo#s to be its !irst director.

- tell yo% the tr%thA -! yo% dare to echo the prayers o! Jes%s( yo%r petitio# ill pierce the heave#s a#d the 3ather 4imsel! ill receive it. The#( as the bo ls o! prayer are tipped over( 4e ill se#d it h%rtli#g back at the speed o! light to the earth to e!!ect 4is divi#e ill a#d I%dgme#t o# the matterH $t%dy God1s Word a#d lear# ho to pray ith po er a#d e!!ective#ess. *egi# to pray the te#!old claim o! the Colossia#s i# Colossia#s <AB-<2A &or this reason also( sin"e the day #e heard of it( #e ha+e not "eased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled #ith the kno#ledge of ,is #ill in all spiritual #isdom and understanding( so that you may #alk in a manner #orthy of the $ord( to please ,im in all respe"ts( bearing fruit in e+ery good #ork and in"reasing in the kno#ledge of God3 strengthened #ith all po#er( a""ording to ,is glorious might( for the attaining of all steadfastness and patien"e3 0oyously gi+ing thanks to the &ather( #ho has 9ualified us to share in the inheritan"e of the saints in light =Colossians 45@.4GA.

WIS!O6 APPLICATIONS
0ick 5astma# lists !ive claims o! revelatio# a#d !ive claims o! blessi#g i# this passage !rom his book( $o+e on %ts -nees( hich -1ve adapted !or this chapterA7

F#)e Cla#(' of Re)elat#o$

<. 'ray !or a revelatio# o! God's #ill !or the gospel is !or divi#e directio#. orker( a perso#( or people. This prayer

2. 'ray !or a revelatio# o! God's #isdom( or divi#e perceptio#. This is a prayer that the perso# o%ld #ot o#ly be !illed ith the k#o ledge o! God1s ill( b%t that he or she o%ld also k#o ho# to implement it i# a ise ma##er. ;. 'ray !or a revelatio# o! God's understanding or comprehe#sio#. This mea#s that the perso# ill k#o hat the 3ather has !or him or her to do a#d ho to do itGas ell as he#( here( a#d ith hom. @. 'ray !or a revelatio# o! God's holiness so the perso# please 4im i# every ay. ill alk orthy o! the /ord a#d

=. 'ray !or a revelatio# o! God's pleasure or divi#e grati!icatio#. This is really key. 6o% #eed to pray !or this !or yo%r o # li!e a#d !or the lives o! those hom God has laid o# yo%r heart. 'ray that they o%ld have a revelatio# o! the pleas%re God !i#ds i# them a#d their ork o! obedie#ce. Also pray !or Jes%s to become their chie! pleas%re. -# reality( this is a prayer !or i#timacy.

F#)e Cla#(' of 4le''#$*

<. 'ray !or in"reased effe"ti+eness( prod%ctivity( a#d !r%it!%l#ess. 'ray that the perso#s become more !r%it!%l i# every good ork a#d deed. >? ill

6estoring the ,ouse of Prayer for !ll >ations 2. 'ray !or their in"reased de+otional gro#th or spirit%ality. 'ray that they might k#o a#d dra #ear to 4im i# i#creased i#timacy. 4im

;. 'ray !or a# in"rease of strength. 6o% co%ld call this Fi#creased d%rability(F here the orker or perso# ill have a thick ski# like a rhi#oceros( b%t ith a te#der heart. @. 'ray !or a# in"rease of patien"e. =. 'ray !or a# in"rease of 0oy. 'ray that they ill have a# i#creased delight i# the ork o! the /ord. Ask God to bless them a#d pray !or a b%cket o! Ioy to be d%mped o# their heads. The Ioy o! the /ord is o%r stre#gth Dsee )eh. >A<0E.

HOW WILL THE HAR3EST CO6E1

The great harvest o! the /ord #ever ill be accomplished by a !e hired ha#ds( #or eve# by a team o! highly gi!ted eva#gelists( apostles( prophets( teachers( a#d pastors. The ork is too great( the scope too gra#d to be accomplished by a# elite !e Go#ly a prayi#g Ch%rch ca# harvest a# e#tire lost orld i# o#e ge#eratio#H God is calli#g every member o! 4is ho%sehold back to the !o%#datio# o! prayer that la%#ches every great move o! God i# the earth. -t is time !or %s to hit o%r k#ees a#d pray the heart o! God i#to bei#g i# the earthH -t1s time !or %s to recapt%re o%r marbles a#d have the mi#d o! Christ co#cer#i#g the F4o%se o! 'rayer !or All )atio#s.F % kno# prayer "hanges things* Therefore( % pray to the $ord of the ,ar+est that ,e send forth laborers into the fields as they are already #hite unto har+est. % #ant to see people from e+ery tribe and ethni" group before the throne of God( as % ask you( &ather( that you burden my heart #ith a nation( a people and tribe so that % "an be a "o.laborer #ith you for the great End Time har+est* !#esome* !men and !men*

EN!NOTES
<. $tro#g1s( orship DL@;=2E. 2. $tro#g1s( prayer DL>?0=E. ;. Theologi"al Wordbook of the 2ld Testament( ,ol. 2( prayer =lepilla( 4ebre L<77?aE( 72=-72?( provides the descriptive ords #oted i# my te:t( altho%gh - have #ot &%oted directly !rom this re!ere#ce ork. @. Tarr( FA 'rayer .eeti#g.F =. FThe World o! <7;2(F Christian ,istory( ,ol. -( )o. < DWorcester( .A( <B>2E( <;. ?. 0ick 5astma#( $o+e on %ts -nees DGra#d 8apids( .-A Chose# *ooks( <B>BE( <0=. $elected statistics a#d data ere dra # !rom this e:celle#t book o# prayer a#d the harvest. 7. 5astma#( $o+e.

>7

C4A'T58 >

6estoring the E/pe"tation of the Supernatural

The old priest1s ha#ds trembled as they slo ly dropped !i#ely gro%#d bits o! !reshly mi:ed i#ce#se o# the a#cie#t altar o! i#ce#se i# 4erod1s temple. ,o# many times ha+e % entered this pla"e and done this +ery same thing before the Presen"eK old Nacharias asked himsel!. The ha%#ti#g so%#d o! the %#ceasi#g cha#ts( moa#s( a#d cries o! the people prayi#g o%tside the 4oly 'lace co%ld still be heard( eve# tho%gh several !eet o! solid sto#e alls a#d the thick veil o! separatio# had d%lled their !orce i# part. 8eciti#g a#cie#t i#tercessory prayers !rom the Torah dati#g back to .oshe D.osesE( Nacharias the priest !elt a stra#ge thrill r%sh thro%gh his body as a tho%ght lo#g !orgotte# rose %#bidde# to his mi#dA Why don't you ask for yourselfK Taki#g the last pi#ch o! i#ce#se i# his right ha#d( he ge#tly dropped it i#to the !lickeri#g !lames o! the smoki#g !ire o# the altar a#d hispered to the 'rese#ce he co%ld almost !eel thro%gh the thick veilA F9 4oly God o! Abraham( -saac( a#d Jacob( !rom birth - have bee# called Nacharias( 16ah has remembered(1 a#d my lovely 5li2abeth has bee# called 1God o! the 9ath1 or 1the oath o! God1J yet the #ame e hear the most is 1barre#.1 Wo%ld 6o% remember me( A#cie#t 9#e( tho%gh - have #o heirM 6o% have declared 6o% o%ld bless those ho seek 6o%( a#d - seek 6o% this day. Gra#t me my heart1s desire that e may praise a#d orship 6o% i# the compa#y o! a so# be!ore e die. The# o%r very #ames ill declare the tr%th a#d mercy i# Thy #ame( 4oly 9#e.F< $%dde#ly( the dim !lickeri#g light !rom the seve# !lames o! the golde# ca#dlestick i# the 4oly 'lace ere eclipsed by a bli#di#g light a#d a paraly2i#g se#se o! a e. As Nacharias s%dde#ly sp%# aro%#d to see here the light came !rom( he had a si#ki#g !eeli#g i# the pit o! his stomach. %'m a dead man* he tho%ght. %'+e transgressed against the !lmighty and am undoneGThe mome#t his eyes stopped o# the brillia#t !ig%re sta#di#g to >B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) the side o! the altar o! i#ce#se( he as #early overcome ith terror a#d !ear.

ut the angel said to him( "8o not be afraid( Da"harias( for your petition has been heard( and your #ife Eli1abeth #ill bear you a son( and you #ill gi+e him the name John. Jou #ill ha+e 0oy and gladness( and many #ill re0oi"e at his birth" =$uke l54Eb.4: >!S A. .ome#ts later( old Nacharias staggered o%t o! the 4oly 'lace trembli#g a#d r%bbi#g his eyes ith tears soaki#g his priestly robes. The other priests r%shed to him a#d peppered him ith %rge#t &%estio#s abo%t hat had happe#ed a#d hy he had bee# go#e so lo#g. They soo# reali2ed that the priest they had k#o # most o! their lives as a cha#ged ma#. God m%st have visited him i# the 4oly 'lace( beca%se he co%ld #o lo#ger speak. $ome tho%ght that Nacharias had bee# c%rsed !or a tra#sgressio# o! some ki#d a#d !ig%red he as l%cky I%st to be alive( b%t others ho k#e him ell tho%ght di!!ere#tly. -# time( they o%ld all k#o e:actly hat had happe#ed i# the 4oly 'lace that day. The tr%th is that i# that i#timate scheme o! the old( represe#ted by the trappi#gs o! priestly orship ith bloody sacri!ice( !ire( a#d temporary ato#eme#t( God had birthed the #e . Gabriel( the archa#gel o! God( met Nacharias i# the 4oly 'lace a#d a##o%#ced God1s a#s er to his !erve#t prayer( b%t the priest1s %#belie! ca%sed him to lose his ability to talk. -t as 5li2abeth( hose #ame literally mea#s Fthe oath o! God(F ho o%ld carry God1s promised so# i# her aged omb !or #i#e mo#ths !rom the time Nacharias ret%r#ed home. $he mysterio%sly disappeared !rom p%blic vie !or the !irst !ive mo#ths( a#d ma#y o! the gossipers i# the city s ore she as tryi#g to escape the p%blic ridic%le that had met her everyday at the markets a#d eve# d%ri#g the temple gatheri#gs o# holy days. Nacharias o%ld #ot a#d co%ld #ot speak !or #i#e lo#g mo#ths a!ter his s%per#at%ral e#co%#ter. *%t o# the eighth day a!ter the mirac%lo%s birth o! his so#( Joh#( the !irst ords the aged priest %ttered as he ga2ed o# the #e li!e desti#ed to prepare the ay !or eter#al li!e ere ords o! orship a#d praise to God Dsee /%ke <A?@E. Nacharias1s s%per#at%ral e#co%#ter ith Gabriel is a o#der!%l pict%re o! the ay God i#terve#es i# the a!!airs o! me#.

;hose of us who are filled with !is desire and !is secrets find ourselves launched on a 4ourney of supernatural encounters, intercession, and intervention as we spea" forth the decrees of God in the earth by !is pirit!

Nacharias bega# the process ith a dedicated( co#secrated li!e that as blameless i# God1s sight. 4e stood i# the o!!ice o! priest o!!eri#g sacri!ices o! prayer a#d praise to God B0

6estoring the E/pe"tation of the Supernatural o# behal! o! others( to the accompa#ime#t o! corporate prayer a#d i#tercessio#. 4e !i#ally asked God to act o# his behal!( a#d the !r%it o! his prayer became a blessi#g to all the orld a#d every ge#eratio# a!ter ard. 4e did#1t reali2e that his secret heart1s desire had bee# God1s desire all alo#g. 4is petitio#Gbathed i# orship a#d praise a#d carried to the heart o! God i# perso#al a#d corporate prayerGca%sed the a#cie#t seed o! God( 4is Word a#d promises( to be pla#ted i# the earth as a #e seed o! s%per#at%ral i#terve#tio# to be revealed i# the !%ll#ess o! time.

THE 7ISS OF GO! ON OUR HEARTS

God lo#gs to see %s li#ger be!ore 4im a#d o!!er the i#ce#se o! prayer a#d praise o# the !ire o! o%r passio# !or 4im. -! e do( e ill soo# !i#d o%r hearts !illed ith the very desires a#d secrets o! God. Those o! %s ho are !illed ith ,is desire a#d ,is secrets !i#d o%rselves la%#ched o# a Io%r#ey o! s%per#at%ral e#co%#ters( i#tercessio#( a#d i#terve#tio# as e speak !orth the decrees o! God i# the earth by 4is $piritH We ca# literally ble#d the po er o! the %#cha#gi#g A#cie#t o! 0ays ith the !aith 4e gives %s today to create somethi#g #e a#d holy i# the earth. What a privilege e have i# o%r ability to pray i# Jes%s1 #ameH

THEN IT HAPPENE!!
The i#d as blo i#g !iercely o%tside o%r ho%se I%st be!ore mid#ight o# 9ctober ?( <BB2. -t as the 0ay o! Ato#eme#t( the a#cie#t day o! sacri!ice( salvatio#( a#d #e begi##i#gs observed by Je s aro%#d the orld !or tho%sa#ds o! years. At <<A=B '...( as s%dde#ly a ake#ed by a crash o! light#i#g that brightly ill%mi#ated o%r bedroom. -# the eerie !lickeri#g light i# o%r backyard - sa a ma# sta#di#g i# o%r room. 4e looked straight at me. - bli#ked a#d looked at him agai#( a#d he co#ti#%ed to look at me !or hat seemed like the lo#gest mi#%te o! my li!e. The# - heard the ords( FWatch yo%r i!e. -1m abo%t to speak to her.F .ichal A## as still asleep he# the bei#g spoke to me( b%t he# the clock reached the mid#ight ho%r( the ma#i!ested appearan"e seemed to leave the room. - co%ld se#se the bei#g1s prese#ce altho%gh - co%ld #o lo#ger see him. .ichal A## i#sta#tly oke %p( a#d trembli#g i# the !ear o! the /ord( - hispered to her( FA# a#gel has I%st comeHF Together e shook i# the bed ith the covers p%lled %p right to o%r !aces !or the #e:t ;0 mi#%tes. Tyler( o%r !o%r-year-old so#( had moved to o%r room he# he had become !righte#ed by the storm( a#d he as asleep o# the !loor o# my side o! the bed thro%gh the hole ordeal. 3or some reaso#( - !loated o!! to sleep !or a hile itho%t telli#g .ichal A## hat the Fma#F had said. $he as #o le!t ide a ake as the se#se o! the prese#ce i#creased a#d - sl%mbered a ay. While - slept( the 4oly $pirit bega# to move %po# .ichal A## i# some rather %#%s%al ays. At o#e poi#t she !elt a ha#d i# the middle o! her back e:erti#g great press%re( a#d she heard hersel! moa#i#g a#d groa#i#g as the activity i#creased. -t as so i#te#se that she as a!raid to eve# look at hersel! i# the mirror( thi#ki#g she might discover that her B<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) hair had t%r#ed hite or the appeara#ce o! her !ace had bee# dramatically rearra#ged. J%st as this portio# o! the i#te#se e#co%#ter came to a# e#d( - oke %p agai#. A light as shi#i#g over o%r bedroom dresser. We co#ti#%ed to tremble as the !ear o! the /ord as ever so stro#g. We tossed %p a !eeble prayer a#d said( F/ord( i! this visitatio# is o! 6o%( the# ca%se o#e o! o%r childre# to have a dream abo%t a# a#gel to co#!irm this visitatio#.F We aited a#d &%ietly prayed( F9h God( oh God( oh GodHF - thi#k e ide#ti!ied ith the old gospel hym#( FWere 6o% ThereMF i# the li#e here it says( F$ometimes 4e ca%ses me to tremble( tremble( tremble.F - the# !ell asleep !or the rest o! the #ight( b%t .ichal A## as le!t alo#e agai# %#til =A00 A... ith God1s terri!yi#g prese#ce thick i# the room. /ater that mor#i#g e a ake#ed to !i#d Tyler sta#di#g right beside me( a#d he said( F- had a dream last #ight that a# a#gel come a#d visited o%r ho%se.F J%sti#( o%r !irstbor#( as asleep i# his room right above %s o# the seco#d !loor. 4e as all e:cited that mor#i#g he# he told %s that he( too( had a dream that a#gels had come. -# the dream he as sho # a hite horse that as bei#g prepared !or a missio# that as yet to come. -#teresti#g( h%hM .ichal A## as sho # the same horse he# at o#e poi#t she seemed to have bee# Ftake# %p i# the $pirit.F 4o com!orti#g a#d reass%ri#g this asH God as atchi#g over 4is Word to per!orm it. 8emember( he# somethi#g is tr%ly o! the /ord( 4e ill co#!irm it by the it#ess o! t o a#d three.

A !REA6 4EFOREHAN!
Altho%gh e ere some hat already versed i# the s%per#at%ral activities o! the 4oly $pirit( this as a totally #e leag%e. *%t it1s i#teresti#g to #ote that i# the s%mmer o! <BB2( - had a dream i# hich the /ord i#str%cted me to st%dy the mi#istry a#d !%#ctio# o! a#gels. - avidly read all the $cript%res o# the s%bIect a#d every book that - co%ld !i#d. tho%ght it as a# i#teresti#g assig#me#t( b%t - had #o idea that i# the !all o! that year o%r ho%sehold o%ld become a Fvisitatio# gro%#dF !or a#gels. )or o%ld - have g%essed that !or the !ollo i#g #i#e eeks the visitatio#s o%ld ce#ter primarily aro%#d my i!e. At this poi#t( yo%1ll have to hear the rest o! the story !rom .ichal A## hersel!A - heard a spirit%al so#g i# my sleep that - I%st co%ld#1t !ig%re o%t. -t bothered me so m%ch that - oke %p. The si#ger i# this dream sa#g( FWhere is my bride( oh my GodMF - po#dered those ords over a#d over %#til - !i#ally reali2ed that it as Jes%s ho as si#gi#g the so#g. - as getti#g some clarity o# some o! the iss%es bro%ght %p by the 4oly $pirit at that poi#t( b%t it as very over helmi#g. - did#1t k#o hat to do ith the so#g( a#d this really bothered me beca%se - !elt that it had m%ch to do ith Jes%s1 ret%r# to claim 4is spotless *ride( the Ch%rch. The problem is that as a *ride e do#1t k#o hat e sho%ld look like( a#d e do#1t really k#o hat o%r Groom looks like either. 4e is comi#g( and #e don't intimately kno# #ho ,e is* - !elt a deep b%rde# to search o%t 4is !ace a#d to

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6estoring the E/pe"tation of the Supernatural kno# ,im I%st !or 4is sake. As i! i# a#s er to my &%est( the /ord se#t a#gelic visitors i#to o%r bedroom #ight a!ter #ight !or the #e:t #i#e eeks( a#d each time they came( they %shered i# the ma#i!est prese#ce o! God. This eighty glory o! God as almost %#bearable to me. - as scared o%t o! my its beca%se the !ear o! the /ord as so i#te#se. 9#e time - sa several !ireballs literally arch thro%gh the room a#d hit me s&%arely i# the chest. Their impact electri!ied my body a#d made me o#der i! as goi#g to s%rvive the e:perie#ce. *e!ore the arrival o! the 'rese#ce each #ight( - o%ld ear#estly pray to e:perie#ce God1s !%ll#ess agai#. As 4is glory !illed my bedroom( - o%ld !eel the pressi#g eight o! 4is holi#ess a#d begi# to cry o%t( F'lease /ord( - ca#1t take a#ymoreH - thi#k - am goi#g to dieHF 3i#ally( the /ord said( FA##( do yo% a#t .e to come or #otMF - took several days to thi#k over this &%estio# beca%se - as I%st so over helmed by the i#te#sity o! 4is prese#ce. -# 4is mercy( the /ord bro%ght me to a place here - had to decide hat really mattered the most to me. 4e as #o lo#ger illi#g to let me I%st a!!le back a#d !orth !rom day to day a#d retreat i#to my e:c%ses a#d !ears. 'erhaps it as a !orm o! the F.o%#t .oriahF test a#d God a#ted to see i! - as illi#g to climb %po# the altar o! God mysel! as a livi#g sacri!ice. 3i#ally( the /ord co#!ro#ted me ith a choiceG#ot a choice bet ee# salvatio# or dam#atio#( !or as already !orgive# a#d saved si#ce a childGb%t a choice to make bet ee# hat - had already e:perie#ced a#d hat God lo#ged yet to impart to me. The problem as that 4e a#ted me to empty my ha#ds be!ore 4e !illed them ith somethi#g greater. 4e asked me( FWell( hat do yo% a#tMF 3i#ally( - respo#ded to 4im i# the ay 4e al ays a#ted me to respo#d. said( FWell( /ord( i! - live( - liveJ a#d i! - die( - die. *%t - really( really a#t 6o% to come.F A#gelic visitors co#ti#%ed to visit o%r bedroom reg%larly. They still visit o# occasio#. -# every case( they al ays speak o! the thi#gs that are #earest a#d dearest to the heart o! God. At times e are str%ck ith ecstasy( a#d at other times e become str%ck lo ith the !ear o! God a#d a stark revelatio# o! o%r si#!%l#ess compared to 4is i#comparable holi#ess a#d bea%ty. - came o%t o! these times o! visitatio# ith a b%rde# to help me# a#d ome# get ready !or 4is comi#gG4is i#timate( perso#al comi#g. 5very time that - hear some o! the so#gs e si#g ith i#credible ords a#d melodies abo%t i#timacy ith God( - tremble. Whe# e si#g( F9h /ord( let me !eel the kisses o! 6o%r mo%thJ let me !eel 6o%r arm embrace( !eel the te#der#ess o! 6o%r to%ch....F a#d the like( -1m co#vi#ced e:perie#tially that #e ha+e no idea #hat ,is kiss is like*

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) J%st as - p%lled back he# the ma#i!est prese#ce o! God e#tered my room ith %#e:pected res%lts( e as a corporate body o! believers o!te# recoil he# 4e really a#s ers o%r s%#g prayers a#d to%ches %s ith 4is glory a#d !ireH We back %p a#d say( F)oH 6o%1re comi#g too close.F .ea# hile( God is sayi#g( F0o yo% reali2e that all o! those so#gs yo%1ve bee# si#gi#g to .e are aro%si#g .y loveM - am comi#g to yo% a#d yo% do#1t eve# k#o that it1s .e.F

'* felt a deep burden to search out !is face and to "now !im 4ust for !is sa"e. &s if in answer to my 9uest, the )ord sent angelic visitors into our bedroom night after night for the ne,t nine wee"s, and each time they came, they would usher in the manifest presence of God. ;his weighty glory of God was almost unbearable to me.' #Michal &nn Goll

CHANGE! 4Y HIS PRESENCE

A!ter the most i#te#se period o! these a#gelic visitatio#s had passed( - alked i#to o%r kitche# o#e #ight( looked at .ichal A##( a#d said( F- I%st do#1t k#o ho yo% are a#ymore.F $he looked at me a#d replied( F- 0ust don't kno# #ho % am be"oming." $i#ce the#( -1ve see# a #e depth o! ra po er a#d spirit%al a%thority rise %p i# .ichal A##1s li!e. God imparted somethi#g to her that allo s her to see past the barriers o! !ear( a#d she is able to mi#ister sec%rity( hope( a#d desti#y ith a%thority. 5ve# people ho have #ever k#o # .ichal A## be!ore recog#i2e that someo#e or somethi#g i#credible has totally tra#s!ormed her i#to a mighty oma# a#d mi#ister o! God. This highlights o#e o! the most dy#amic roles o! s%per#at%ral e#co%#ters i# o%r lives.

PRESENCE E3ANGELIS6
What does this s%bIect o! F8estori#g the 5:pectatio# o! the $%per#at%ralF have to do ith the lost art o! i#tercessio# a#d the great harvestM 5verythi#gH 9#ce agai#( - a#t to share a s%per#at%ral e:perie#ce my i!e had i# hich the /ord demo#strated to her one of ,is #ays o! i##i#g the lost to Christ. $he told me abo%t a series o! dreams that she had co#cer#i#g the /ord1s desire to to%ch the Je ish people. $he sa hersel! sta#di#g beside me. We ere !aci#g three very tall Je ish me# ith black beards a#d heavy hair. Their

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6estoring the E/pe"tation of the Supernatural arms ere !olded( a#d they ere looki#g ster#ly at .ichal A## as i! to say i# I%dgme#t( FWho do yo% thi#k yo% are that God o%ld %se you to bri#g the gospel to the Je sMF .ichal A## remembers looki#g at these me# a#d sayi#g( F6o% are absol%tely right. am #obody. There is#1t a reaso# i# the orld hy God sho%ld choose me. -t is o#ly by the a#oi#ti#g o! the /ord that e ca# do a#ythi#g.F The# she bega# to t%r# the co#versatio# a ay !rom the me# a#d to ard the /ord. The# she bega# to cry o%t to the /ord ith ords the /ord gave her to sayA F8elease 6o%r a#oi#ti#g( /ordH 8elease 6o%r prese#ce a#d 6o%r $pirit so that revelatio# ill come a#d the bli#ders ill !all o!! o! their eyes.F -# this dream( a spotlight s%dde#ly sho#e !rom 4eave# %po# .ichal A##. -mmediately the three critical me# ere all str%ck by the light. -#sta#tly( they li!ted their ha#ds to their mo%ths a#d took a step back. The# they bega# to declare( F- seeHF The !avor o! the /ord had bee# released a#d a maIor t%r#i#g poi#t had bee# reached. Where the Je ish me# had bee# closed to the gospel be!ore they sa the light( #o they ere s%dde#ly ope# to receive the tr%th abo%t the .essiah. I%st .ichal A## told me that she !elt like she is alki#g do # a path o! discoveryG#ot ith mi#istry to the Je ish people( b%t i# the hole mi#istry !ieldA -t1s almost like that is my li!e story. - !eel like God looked do # !rom 4eave# a#d picked the most %#likely( i#sec%re( !ear!%l perso# !or the Iob. -t does#1t depe#d o# the perso#J it depe#ds o# God a#d 4is i#!illi#g po er. That1s the o#ly ay that - ca# do a#ythi#g( go a#y here( or have a#y a#oi#ti#g. Whe# Jim a#d - !irst bega# to travel together( he o%ld speak a#d the# he o%ld call people %p !or mi#istry. - dreaded it beca%se he o%ld al ays t%r# to me a#d sayA F9kay( A##( yo% start over o# that side a#d -1ll start over here.F

'*n my case, God shined !is light on me said, '* choose you!' !e didn't as" for my opinion or the opinion of anyone else on the matter.'
#Michal &nn Goll

- %sed to !eel like a d%ck o%t o! ater. - did#1t k#o hat to do. - !elt so a k ard that - I%st a#ted to evaporate do # i#to a little p%ddle a#d go %#der#eath the door so #obody o%ld #otice that - had slipped o%t. - o%ld try to pray( a#d -1d atch Jim to see hat he as doi#g( b%t it I%st !ell !lat. 6o% k#o hatM God as#1t %pset by that at all. 4e as#1t %pset at maki#g me %#com!ortable or p%tti#g the spotlight o# me. 4e allo ed me time to become B=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) sec%re i# 4im. This sho%ld bri#g hope to every perso#( regardless o! ge#der( race( or age. -t does#1t depe#d o# %sGit depe#ds o# the /ord alo#e. Whe# yo% adI%st the ay yo% operate to accommodate this tr%th( the# yo% ca# do thi#gs( a#d God ca# %se yo% i# a#y ay that 4e sees !it. All yo% have to do is make yo%rsel! available. -# my case( God shi#ed 4is light o# me said( F- choose you*" 4e did#1t ask !or my opi#io# or the opi#io# o! a#yo#e else o# the matter. - atched the /ord impart to .ichal A## a s%per#at%ral grace( !avor( a#d a#oi#ti#g to do 4is biddi#g. -# !act( 4e has come to both o! %s i# ays that e o%ld#1t eve# k#o ho to ask !or.

THE PURPOSE OF THE SUPERNATURAL

Why do e #eed to restore the Fe:pectatio# o! s%per#at%ral e#co%#tersFM 9#e reaso# is !o%#d i# 5phesia#s ?A<2( hich says( "&or our struggle is not against flesh and blood( but against the rulers( against the po#ers( against the #orld for"es of this darkness( against the spiritual for"es of #i"kedness in the hea+enly pla"es." Whe# yo% !ace a s%per#at%ral adversary( yo% must de!eat him by s%per#at%ral mea#s. The ill%sory eapo#s o! the !lesh a#d physical realm mea# #othi#g to spirit bei#gsG hether they are holy or %#holy. The seco#d reaso# is that i# every tr%e revival i# h%ma# history( evide#ce o! sig#s a#d o#ders co#!irm the Word that as preached. These Fsig#s !ollo i#gF ere a beaco# to the %#saved declari#g that God is alive a#d ell. 4e is still i# the so%l-savi#g( miracleorki#g b%si#ess. "!nd they #ent forth( and prea"hed e+ery #here( the $ord #orking #ith them( and "onfirming the Word #ith signs follo#ing. !men" D.ark <?A20 +J,E. The third reaso# has to do ith the #at%re o! God ho is $pirit( a#d the ordai#ed p%rpose o! God1s most po er!%l a#d mysterio%s serva#ts( the a#gels. *y de!i#itio#( it is impossible !or o%r s%per#at%ral God ho is $pirit to step i#to o%r death-bo%#d( !leshdomi#ated orld apart !rom s%per#at%ral mea#s. That is hy liberal theologia#s aro%#d the orld ork so hard to disprove a#d cast aside every re!ere#ce to the s%per#at%ral i# the *ibleJ they !ear the idea that God is tr%ly God a#d that 4e i#terve#es s%per#at%rally i# the a!!airs o! me# a#d ome#. $%ch a God is totally %#co#trollable a#d eve# %#predictableH This is totally %#acceptable to pro!essio#al religio%s scholars ho have #ever perso#ally e#co%#tered the s%per#at%ral God. /et me brie!ly o%tli#e the three primary !%#ctio#s a#d at least !i!tee# activities o! a#gels D!or more o# this s%bIect read my i!e1s a#d my co-a%thored book God En"ountersA i#volved i# the a!!airs o! God a#d ma#A

T"ree Pr#(ary F%$ct#o$' of A$*el'

<. They co#ti#%ally o!!er praise a#d orship to God.

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6estoring the E/pe"tation of the Supernatural Praise ,im( all ,is angels3 praise ,im( all ,is hosts* =Psalm 4:B5GA. $et them praise the name of the $ord( for ,e "ommanded and they #ere "reated =Psalm 4:B5FA. 2. They are se#t as F!lames o! !ireF a#d F i#ds o! GodF to mi#ister to ma#ki#d. !nd of the angels ,e says( "Who makes ,is angels #inds( and ,is ministers a flame of fire" =,ebre#s 45;A. !re they not all ministering spirits( sent out to render ser+i"e for the sake of those #ho #ill inherit sal+ationK =,ebre#s 454:A. ;. A#gels ere created to e:cel i# stre#gth a#d obey the voice o! 4is Word so they co%ld per!orm God1s Word. less the $ord( you ,is angels( mighty in strength( #ho perform ,is Word( obeying the +oi"e of ,is Word* less the $ord( all you ,is hosts( you #ho ser+e ,im( doing ,is #ill =Psalm 4<E5G<.G4A.

Type' of A$*el#c Act#)#t#e'

<. They mi#ister the prese#ce o! the /ord Dsee -sa. ?;ABJ 8ev. <>A<E. 2. They are messe#gers se#t to pro#o%#ce God1s <A<B(2?E. ill Dsee .att. <A20J 2A<;(<BJ 2>A<-7J /%ke

;. They release %#dersta#di#g i# dreams a#d visio#s Dsee 0a#. >A<=-<BJ BA2;J 8ev. <A<E. @. They help give g%ida#ce a#d directio# Dsee Acts >A2?J 27A2;-2@(2BJ Ge#. 2@A7(@0E. =. They bri#g delivera#ce Dsee 2 +i#gs <BA;=J -sa. ;7A;?E. ?. They provide protectio# Dsee 's. ;@A7J B<A<<-<2J .att. <>A<0E. 7. They are prese#t %po# the death o! the sai#ts Dsee 's. 2;A@J <<?A<=J /%ke <?A22J J%de BE. >. They release stre#gth Dsee 0a#. <0A<?-<>J .att. @A<<J /%ke 22A@;E. B. They are %sed as heali#g i#str%me#ts i# the ha#ds o! God Dsee Joh# =A@E. <0. They co#ti#%ally o!!er praise a#d =A<<-<2E. <2. They serve as divi#e orship to God Dsee Ge#. ;2A<-2J /%ke 2A<@J 8ev.

<<. They bi#d demo#ic po ers at God1s biddi#g Dsee 0a#. <0A<;J 8ev. <2A7J 20A<-;E. atchers Dsee 0a#. @A<;(<7J Acts <2A20-2;J < Tim. =A2<E. <;. They help reap ma#y o! the harvests o! God Dsee .att. <;A;B-@2J 2@A;<J 8ev. <@A?(<@-<BE. <@. They e:ec%te the I%dgme#ts o! God Dsee Ge#. <BA<<J 5:od. <2A<>-;0J 2 +i#gs <BA;=J Acts <2A20-2;J 8ev. <?A<7E. 9%r i#teractio#s ith a#gels hi#ge o# !ive basic premisesA B7

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) <. We are co orkers ith Christ( a#d as s%ch( God1s reso%rces are released by ma#1s i#vitatio# i# accorda#ce ith 4is ill. -#tercessio# releases a#gelic i#terve#tio#. 2. A$'+ered prayer' #$fl%e$ce or "elp to deter(#$e t"e de't#$y of #$d#)#d%al' a$d $at#o$' ;. T"ere #' a$ #$$%(era-le co(pa$y of a$*el' +a#t#$* to -e d#'patc"ed D%#employed a#gels( i! yo% illE. "!s the host of ,ea+en "annot be "ounted( and the sand of the sea "annot be measured" DJer. ;;A22aE. @. A$*el' are #$)ol)ed #$ )#rt%ally all of t"e e)eryday& pract#cal affa#r' of (e$ They are i#volved i# virt%ally every !acet o! everyday li!e a#d the #ormal activities o! ma#ki#d. =. A$*el' are ofte$ %t#l#,ed -y God to del#)er or e>ec%te H#' a$'+er' to o%r prayer'

ANGELIC INTER3ENTION THROUGH INTERCESSION

.a#y e:amples o! a#gelic i#terve#tio# sta#d o%t i# the *ible. Abraham i#terceded !or $odom a#d Gomorrah a#d held back I%dgme#t %#til /ot1s !amily co%ld be saved by a#gelic co%riers Dsee Ge#. <BA<-2BE. 0a#iel persisted i# i#tercessio# %#til the a#gel Gabriel( himsel!( arrived a!ter battli#g the dark pri#ce o! 'ersia o# behal! o! 0a#iel a#d the Je ish people Dsee 0a#. <0A<2-2<E. The )e Testame#t record also tells %s abo%t three di!!ere#t i#sta#ces here prayer a#d the s%per#at%ral i#terve#tio# o! a#gels led to the delivera#ce o! early Ch%rch disciples !rom priso#. 'eter( the apostle( as perso#ally escorted o%t o! a# impreg#able priso# by a# a#gel dispatched i# respo#se to the si#gle-hearted prayers o! the sai#ts i# Jer%salem i# Acts <2A7-<0. So Peter #as kept in the prison( but prayer for him #as being made fer+ently by the "hur"h to God. !nd on the +ery night #hen ,erod #as about to bring him for#ard( Peter #as sleeping bet#een t#o soldiers( bound #ith t#o "hains3 and guards in front of the door #ere #at"hing o+er the prison. !nd behold( an angel of the $ord suddenly appeared( and a light shone in the "ell3 and he stru"k Peter's side and roused him( saying( "Get up 9ui"kly." !nd the "hains fell off his hands =!"ts 4G5F.;A. -# this i#sta#ce( it as prayer that delivered 'eter !rom 4erod1s m%rdero%s schemes Dsee Acts <2A=E. The !erve#t %#i!ied prayers o! the <20 believers aiti#g !or the comi#g o! the 4oly $pirit #early a year earlier had ca%sed the place to be s ept ith i#d a#d !ire i# Acts 2A2-?. The#( begi##i#g i# Acts <?A2?( the sacri!icial praise a#d orship that 'a%l a#d $ilas o!!ered !rom their stocks i# the priso# at Jer%salem triggered a viole#t earth&%ake a#d a#gelic delivera#ce !or themH -1ve already described the visio# received by 5vald 8%cky( the .oravia# pastor !rom the C2ech 8ep%blic( ho sa a#gels goi#g back a#d !orth bet ee# 4eave# a#d earth i# respo#se to the prayer o! the sai#ts. We1ve also e:ami#ed my !amily1s e:perie#ces ith a#gelic visitors i# the #ight. 6o% probably thi#k these stories are pretty e:citi#g( b%t yo% may a%tomatically e:empt yo%rsel! !rom s%ch Fspecial e:perie#ces.F 0o#1t. B>

6estoring the E/pe"tation of the Supernatural We are abo%t to move i#to a#other phase i# the po er!%l move o! God o# the earth. We1ve e:perie#ced a Fseco#d 'e#tecost(F i! yo% ill( characteri2ed by the #e i#e o! Ioy a#d re!reshi#g that s ept thro%gh ch%rches across the orld. The# the /ord stepped %p the pace a#d ig#ited the !ires o! repe#ta#ce( clea#si#g( a#d holi#ess he# 4e s%dde#ly desce#ded o# the 3ather1s 0ay service at *ro #sville Assembly o! God i# 'e#sacola( 3lorida. )o e are e#teri#g i#to a third level characteri2ed by po#er.

I WILL RESTORE PENTECOST

-# this third ave( the 4oly $pirit ill be %tili2i#g the gi!t o! orki#gs o! miracles thro%gho%t the *ody o! Christ. The /ord told me be!ore all o! this bega#( F- ill restore 'e#tecost.F The adve#t o! the 4oly $pirit o# 'e#tecost as marked by three sig#sA the i#d o! the $pirit1s comi#gJ the !ire o! the holi#ess a#d p%rity o! God i#d elli#g believersJ a#d the i#to:icati#g e!!ect o! the i#e o! the $pirit o# ma#ki#d. The !irst phase o! God1s appeari#g !ell o# Toro#to i# <BB@. $everal prophetic statesme# described it by sayi#g( FGod as servi#g the appeti2er.F The $pirit o! God !ell o# 'e#sacola i# <BB= ith holy !ire that restored the !ear o! the /ord Da#d the correspo#di#g %#dersta#di#g o! 4is immeas%rable graceE to the Ch%rch. )o ( e are goi#g deeper. -# $eptember o! <BB?( o# the 0ay o! Ato#eme#t( the 4oly $pirit hispered this ord to meA FTell .y people #ot to treat this c%rre#t move o! re!reshi#g as a# America# !ad. Tell them they m%st stay ith it lo#g e#o%gh %#til it crests( %#til the #e:t ave comes.F

We've feasted on the wine of the pirit and have been refreshed with laughter, 4oy, and renewal. We have bowed our "nees in humility and repentance under the fiery presence of our 4ealous God, the righteous $ing of glory. We have been lifted up in !is grace as righteous, holy, and pure in !is sight. 0ow, we are about to e,perience the wind of God, characteri%ed by powerful supernatural gifts, supernatural encounters, and angelic intervention!

- believe !or the past decade a#d eve# lo#ger( e have bee# e:perie#ci#g a F'e#tecost e:perie#ceF marked by the same three sig#s see# i# the *ook o! Acts( b%t i# reverse order. We1ve !easted o# the i#e o! the $pirit a#d have bee# re!reshed ith la%ghter( Ioy( a#d BB

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) re#e al. We have bo ed o%r k#ees i# h%mility a#d repe#ta#ce %#der the !iery prese#ce o! o%r Iealo%s God( the righteo%s +i#g o! glory. We have bee# li!ted %p i# 4is grace as righteo%s( holy( a#d p%re i# 4is sight. )o ( e are abo%t to e:perie#ce a# %#precede#ted #ind of God( characteri2ed by po er!%l s%per#at%ral gi!ts( s%per#at%ral e#co%#ters( a#d a#gelic i#terve#tio#H - believe that e are to be prayi#g do # s%per#at%ral e#co%#ters o# a large scale. Already( some are seei#g i#credible divi#e i#terve#tio#s o# the missio# !ield i# a#s er to prayer. -# his article( F'rayi#g 0o # .iracles(F *r%ce $tei#ba%m roteA 6esear"hers "ontend that B< per"ent of the ne# Christians in South !sia "ome to Christ as a dire"t result of some kind of supernatural en"ounter. Ch%rch pla#ters amo#g the Gamit people o! G%Iarat( -#dia( say that membership I%mped !rom 0 to ?00(000 i# te# years as a res%lt o! h%#dreds o! mirac%lo%s heali#gs.2 .r. $tei#ba%m also reported i# the same article that i# $a%di Arabia( some Christia# #%rses ere asked to pray !or a <;-year-old girl ho as dyi#g o! le%kemia. Accordi#g to so%rces !amiliar ith her story( the girl as visited by the /ord Jes%s o#e #ight( eve# tho%gh she k#e #othi#g abo%t Jes%s. The #e:t day( she a##o%#ced to her asto#ished pare#t that she had met her 4ealer( a#d the e#tire !amily is #o !ollo i#g Christ. We #eed to pray do # s%per#at%ral e#co%#ters !or ca#cer patie#ts like this little girl. 'ray that God ill visit those ho are dyi#g o! termi#al diseases a#d ill heal them. 'ray that e#tire !amilies a#d villages ill !ollo God beca%se o! testimo#ies to divi#e visitatio#s !rom o# high. $tei#ba%m also ritesA The gospel has eve# pe#etrated -slam1s holiest cityH -# <BB;( several $a%di believers co#d%cted a prayer march aro%#d the periphery o! .ecca( the site o! the a##%al 4aII( or pilgrimage. They asked God to establish a ch%rch i# the city a#d reveal 4imsel! to the t o millio# tr%th-seeki#g pilgrims ho visit the city every year to pay homage to Allah at the +a1bah shri#e. Accordi#g to at least t o so%rces( Jes%s made a special g%est appeara#ce at the <BB@ 4aII( declari#g to a gro%p o! )igeria# .%slims that 4e i#deed as the 9#e they ere seeki#g. $ome +%rds reportedly have come to Christ as a res%lt o! i#tercessory prayer a#d s%per#at%ral dreams a#d visio#s. OThe +%rds live i# a# area some people call +%rdista#( sit%ated i# #orther# -ra&.P 9#e o! these #e Christia#s as co#verted a !e years ago i# T%rkish +%rdista#. A# avo ed atheist a#d the editor o! a# i#!l%e#tial .ar:ist maga2i#e( this ma# as arrested i# <B><. A Christia# ho gave him a )e Testame#t prayed that Jes%s o%ld reveal 4imsel! to him i# a series o! dreams. At their #e:t meeti#g( the ma# became a Christia# a#d a##o%#ced that Jes%s is the 9#e ho clea#ses si#s. -# T%#is( as i# other parts o! the Arab orld( God is employi#g dreams( visio#s( a#d mirac%lo%s heali#gs to dra tr%th-seekers to 4imsel!. 9#e dramatic e:ample o! this phe#ome#o# i#volved a gro%p o! the $%!i .%slims i# #orther#

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6estoring the E/pe"tation of the Supernatural A!rica ho ere cha#ti#g a#d da#ci#g be!ore Allah i# hopes that he might reveal himsel!. They say that Jes%s appeared a#d declared that 4e is the tr%e God. Accordi#g to the missio#aries i# the regio#( ma#y other people livi#g i# the isolated reaches o! the $ahara 0esert have reported similar visio#s o! the /ordG a#d they are re&%esti#g $cript%res so they ca# lear# more abo%t Christ. -# 5gypt( a .oslem military o!!icial said he as visited by Jes%s Christ i# a dream. "po# aki#g( he immediately so%ght o%t Christia#s i# his %#it to see i! they co%ld provide him ith a copy o! God1s Word. 3i#di#g o#ly o#e believer i# his o!!icer corps( he &%ietly asked i! he co%ld borro the ma#1s *ible. -# a ma##er remi#isce#t o! A#a#ias1 rel%cta#t mi#istry to $a%l o! Tars%s( the Christia# ca%tio%sly agreed. A#d a!ter several days o! pori#g over the Gospels( the o!!icer became a disciple o! Jes%s. Accordi#g to reports o%t o! Cairo( this ma# has become a bold it#ess. A team o! Christia#s reported that a 'akista#i .oslem rece#tly had a dream abo%t a *ible desce#di#g o%t o! 4eave#. While he ga2ed at the book i# ama2eme#t( the ma# said he heard the voice o! Jes%s declari#g( FThis is .y Word Gobey it.F $imilar reports o! dreams a#d visio#s are commo#place i#side 'akista#. -# C%ba a divi#e visitatio# o! heali#g desce#ded %po# a small to # abo%t @0 miles o%tside the capital. 5veryo#e ho alked i#to the ch%rch there as healed. As #e s o! this spread( people !rom all the other to #s bega# arrivi#g. They too ere healed. 5ve#t%ally people !rom all over the isla#d ere comi#g a#d bei#g healed. This e#t o# !or si: eeks. Te#s o! tho%sa#ds ere saved. .a#y ch%rches ere pla#ted a#d i#terest i# the gospel rose #atio# ide beca%se everyo#e had heard the #e s. -t as so po er!%l that eve# the Comm%#ist gover#me#t co%ld #ot de#y these eve#ts. D.ost o! these heali#gs ere by layi#g o# o! ha#dsGi# a Methodist ch%rch.E;

RE6E64ER& WHAT GOES UP& 6UST CO6E !OWN!

/et me ask you the &%estio# that God asked me i# the C2ech 8ep%blic i# Ja#%ary o! <BB;A ,a+e you e+er "onsidered the multidire"tional dimension of prayerK The o#ly ay so%ls are saved( the sick are healed( demo#s are cast o%t( ch%rches are established( a#d the e:plosive s%per#at%ral gi!ts o! God are %#leashed is !or people to pray. God is o#ce agai# drivi#g home this simple b%t vital compo#e#t to tr%e revivalA -! e a#t to restore the e:pectatio# o! the s%per#at%ral( the# e m%st !irst restore the labor o! love thro%gh !erve#t prayer o# o%r k#eesH -t as #o accide#t that the .oravia# believers e#Ioyed s%ch e!!ective#ess i# their missio#ary orkGthey lived by <0<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) o#e motto that e #eed to adopt as o%r o # i# the Ch%rchA F)o o#e orks %#less someo#e prays.F $%per#at%ral e#co%#ters are commo#place amo#g prayi#g people( a#d myths amo#g the prayerless. -t is time !or the redeemed #atio# o! ki#gs a#d priests to do# their li#e# robes a#d e#ter the .ost 4oly 'lace to o!!er prayers( petitio#s( a#d i#tercessio# !or all me#. -t is time to %#leash the po er o! God Almighty o# the earth thro%gh %#leashed prayer to 4eave#.

FRO6 THE EYES OF A CHIL!

/et me close o%t this chapter by telli#g yo% a#other story ce#teri#g aro%#d o%r oldest so#( J%sti#( he# he as o#ly seve# years old. -# 3ebr%ary o! <BB<( - as i# Atla#ta( Georgia( o# a# i#tercessory missio# o! prayer co#cer#i#g hat o%ld later be called the G%l! War. .o#ths be!ore the co#!lict ever broke o%t( the /ord had spoke# to me to be a ma# o! prayer thro%gh the mo#th o! 3ebr%ary. $o - kept my sched%le clear to have co#ce#trated time to be be!ore the /ord. While - as a ay( J%sti# had a# e#co%#ter o! s%per#at%ral dime#sio#s. 4e as lyi#g a ake i# the top b%#k o! his bed late o#e #ight he# ith his eyes he sa clo%ds e#velopi#g his room. A brillia#t thro#e appeared to be established i# the midst o! the clo%ds( a#d some creat%re-like thi#gs ith i#gs( !%ll o! somethi#g that looked like !ish scales( s%rro%#ded the thro#e. They each had di!!ere#t !aces( a#d seve#year-old J%sti# said that o#e had the !ace o! a# eagle( a#other looked like a b%ll( a third looked like a lio#( a#d the !o%rth had the !ace o! a ma#. A ladder desce#ded i#to his room a#d a#gels traipsed do # the ladderGcarryi#g !ire i# their ha#ds. $i#gle !ile( they o%ld desce#d o#e at a time( sta#d i# the room( a#d the# proceed back %p the ladder( o#ly !or a#other to be released to do the same. The last a#gel to come carried a piece o! 'aper i# his ha#d( a#d he le!t it o# J%sti#1s dresser. This a#gel climbed back %p the ladderJ the ladder asce#ded i#to the clo%dsJ the clo%ds e#!olded the thro#eJ the# everythi#g seemed to va#ish to the #at%ral eye. 9#ly o#e thi#g remai#ed. A piece o! a#gelic statio#ery as yet visible o# J%sti#1s dresser ith a !e short ords impri#ted %po# it. J%sti# m%st have looked p%22led he# he read the #ote. G%ess hat it saidA Pray for your dad. Ama2i#g( is#1t itM God eve# a#ts childre# to e:pect s%per#at%ral res%lts he# they prayH

E9PECT GREAT THINGS FRO6 GO!

'rayer releases 4eave#1s arse#al to come to the aid o! ma#. Why #ot e:pect a s%per#at%ral GodG ho has #ot cha#gedGto move i# e:traordi#ary aysM Who k#o s( he# the Almighty receives the i#ce#se o! yo%r prayers( maybe a hole tro%pe o! a#gels ill be se#t !orth i# respo#se to yo%r i#vitatio# biddi#g 4is illH Why #ot e:pect great thi#gs !rom God i# a#s er to yo%r prayersM % belie+e that the supernatural is for today* %n fa"t( % #ant to see demonstration of God's great po#er through my life* )se my prayer life to release angels on assignment. 2pen my spiritual eyes <02

6estoring the E/pe"tation of the Supernatural to see in the spirit realm* % #ant to be a belie+ing belie+er and see ,ea+en "ome do#n to earth. !s for me and my house( #e shall pray do#n supernatural en"ounters for the glory of God*

EN!NOTES
<. This prayer( o! co%rse( is a fi"tional a""ount o! hat Nacharias the priest might have said( si#ce accordi#g to /%ke <A<; e k#o he had made a perso#al petitio# to the /ord. -t seems likely this priest o%ld a#t to make the petitio# !rom the most adva#tageo%s place at the most appropriate timeG hat better time %#der the 9ld Cove#a#t tha# ith the !i#al o!!eri#g o! i#ce#se be!ore the veil shieldi#g the ark o! the /ord a#d ithi# earshot o! co#ti#%o%s i#tercessio# !rom the co#gregatio# o! the /ordM 2. *r%ce $tei#ba%m( F'rayi#g 0o # .iracles(F a# article i#cl%ded i# the trai#i#g #otebook( &ire on the !ltar( compiled a#d p%blished by Jim Goll o! .i#istry to the )atio#s D)ashville( T)( <BB=E. ;. $tei#ba%m( F'rayi#g 0o #.F

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C4A'T58 B

6estoring the !TM =!postoli" Team MinistryA

"%t's time for the '! Team' to "ome forth*" "%t's time for the !TM." "%t #ill be apostoli"( authenti"( abandoned Christianity." "%t #ill be teles"opi"C#ith prophets looking do#n the teles"ope of time and e+angelists telling the good ne#s. !nd it #ill be mi"ros"opi" #ith pastors and administrators "aring for the house." This ord came to me i# a dream i# the s%mmer o! <BB?. - k#e that this promise as that these three mi#istries Dapostolic( telescopic( a#d microscopicE o%ld cooperate together a#d #ot compete. -# my heart( - tho%ght( 0ow that #ould be a dream* As - a ake#ed !rom this dream( - sa a visio# o! a ma# %si#g a# AT. Da%tomatic teller machi#eE card at a ba#k machi#e a#d receivi#g a ithdra al o! !%#ds. 'erhaps the /ord as sayi#g that Apostolic Team .i#istry ill be %sed to release great s%pplies !rom 4is storeho%se !or the last days1 mi#istry. 9#e thi#g is !or certai# at this riti#gA )e teams a#d #e streams are emergi#g every day. -t is time !or the prophetic to come i#to mat%rity a#d !or tr%e( a%the#tic( h%mble( apostolic mi#istry to emerge. While - as i# A%stria mi#isteri#g at a $chool o! the 'rophetic i# A%g%st o! <BB?( the 4oly $pirit a ake#ed me i# the #ight. - heard 4is e:ter#al a%dible voice( sayi#gA F3or the #e:t ;>-<C2 mo#ths( - ill light %p o#e city per mo#th s%stai#ed prese#ceGlike Toro#to a#d 'e#sacola.F - k#e i# my spirit that this ord o! the /ord ith .y

as global i# scope( a#d that these

<0=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) cities o%ld be distrib%ted all over the orld. - also k#e that some o! these cities o%ld be i# o%t-o!-the- ay places( a#d that some o! these o%tpo%ri#gs o%ld #ot be p%blici2ed idely. The #ames o! a #%mber o! mostly %#!amiliar cities i# !oreig# co%#tries came to mi#d at the same time. As - po#dered the ords -1d heard( - reali2ed that the time period give# i# the ord o%ld e#d some here o# the 0ay o! Ato#eme#t i# <BBB. D)o - am #ot predicti#g the seco#d comi#g o! Christ( the mark o! the beast( or a#y s%ch thi#g. simply am relayi#g a po er!%l e#co%#ter to stir yo%r !aith i#to actio#.E 'erhaps cities !illed ith spirit%al !ire are part o! God1s strategy !or the harvest.

THE POWER OF SUSTAINE! PRAYER

- believe that everythi#g e have e:perie#ced to this poi#t is b%t a !oretaste o! hat God is bri#gi#g to the Ch%rchH "p to this poi#t( e have it#essed historic orld ide prayer eve#ts that revealed the great po er o! %#ity i# prayer to God. 6et( hat God revealed to o%r small gro%p o! i#tercessors o# the .oravia# atchto er i# 3ebr%ary o! <BB; is that 4e is raisi#g up sustained unity( sustained prayer( a#d sustained inter"ession i# a simple patter# a#d style that 4e raised %p years ago at 4err#h%t. The &%estio# is obvio%sA -! ;00 people co#d%cti#g s%stai#ed prayer i# t os a#d threes !or more tha# a ce#t%ry t%r#ed the orld %pside do # 200 years ago( hat ca# millions o! a#oi#ted i#tercessors accomplish thro%gh s%stai#ed prayer i# the prese#ce o! GodM "#!ort%#ately( m%ch o! the Ch%rch has bee# limpi#g alo#g ith bli#d eyes a#d cr%tches he# it sho%ld be r%##i#g to the battleH .ost ch%rch co#gregatio#s i# the Christia# orld have s&%a#dered a ay their pote#tial by livi#g %#der the ill%sio# that the t o vital leadership gi!ts listed i# 5ph-esia#s @Gthe apostle a#d the prophetGsomeho Fpassed a ayF some here bet ee# the co#cl%sio# o! the *ook o! Acts a#d o%r day. Gi!ted teachers a#d pastors have kept %s ell !ed a#d co#te#t to lear# a#d leaveG o!te# ith little acco%#tability !or applyi#g o%r ever-gro i#g ealth o! k#o ledge. Wise pastors bro%ght i# eva#gelists as o!te# as possible a#d gave them orders to com!ort the a!!licted a#d a!!lict the com!ortable( b%t the !irst love o! a# eva#gelist is o# a stage or tree st%mp some here s%rro%#ded by seas o! unsa+ed !aces. Witho%t the stre#gth( !o%#datio#( a#d visio#ary leadership o! apostolic mi#istry( o%r ch%rches have lived i# a perpet%al state o! eak#ess i# i#sec%rity. 0eprived o! the prophetic i#sight a#d God-give# se#se o! spirit%al directio# a#d correctio# !o%#d i# the prophet( the Ch%rch has bee# st%mbli#g !rom o#e short-term goal to a#other( #ever really havi#g or perceivi#g God1s ill !or the corporate *ody. 8emember( here there is #o visio#( the people perish Dsee 'rov. 2BA<>E.

THE CHURCH0S CON!ITION

As a res%lt( the Ch%rch has resembled a perso# hose diet is limited e:cl%sively to heavy starch-based or !at-rich !oods a#d s eets. The Ch%rch has become bloated !rom !easti#g e:cl%sively o# the !r%its o! Fpastor treesF a#d Fteacher trees(F ith I%st e#o%gh spice !rom rare helpi#gs o! Feva#gelist treesF to provide occasio#al heartb%r#. -# other <0?

6estoring the !TM =!postoli" Team MinistryA ords( o%r ig#ora#ce has deprived o%r corporate *ody o! t o o! the !ive FGod-ordai#ed daily allo a#cesF o! spirit%al #%trie#ts #ecessary to prod%ce a healthy( prod%ctive( a#d completely e&%ipped a#d spotless *ride. We are eak a#d mal#o%rished beca%se o! a# i#complete a#d %#healthy bala#ce i# o%r spirit%al dietH God has e:ami#ed the moder#-day global *ody o! Christ a#d( partic%larly( the )orth America# Ch%rch( a#d 4e has !o%#d her a#ti#g( m%ch as 4e did ith the ch%rches i# the *ook o! 8evelatio#. $he is bloated( give# to m%ch sleep a#d sl%mber( a#d she dislikes e:ercise or Fthe ork o! the mi#istryF i# ma#y !orms. 4er members have a track record o! avoidi#g a#ythi#g that re&%ires time( e!!ort( or perso#al acco%#tability !or doing hat God comma#ds i# 4is Word.

;he Church has become bloated from feasting e,clusively on the fruits of 'pastor trees' and 'teacher trees,' with 4ust enough spice from rare helpings of 'evangelist trees' to provide occasional heartburn.

"IN TEN YEARS"

)o let me revie some o! o%r prophetic history. -# April o! <B>@( a !rie#d o! mi#e( revivalist .ike *ickle( heard the voice o! the /ord say somethi#g like thisA F- am goi#g to begi# a #e ork i# the earth i# te# years.F God commissio#ed him to call !orth i#tercessory prayer i# a s%stai#ed ma##er over the #e:t decade a#d beyo#d. That as#1t e:actly the ki#d o! ord he a#ted to hear beca%se he had I%st pla#ted a #e ork. 4e as a# e#ergetic pastor i# his late t e#ties. 4e did#1t really a#t to ait te# years !or a maIor move o! God a#d spe#d m%ch o! the time i# a room simply remi#di#g God o! 4is ord( b%t he had #o choice. God also told .ike that 4e as speaki#g to a prophetic ge#tlema# #amed *ob Jo#es a#d i#str%cted .ike to co#tact the ma#. Whe# they met a#d compared #otes( they discovered that God had spoke# compleme#tary thi#gs to both me# at the same time hile i# t o di!!ere#t locatio#sH Their i#sights became like t o pieces o! a# i#terlocki#g p%22le. The /ord gave *ob a revelatio# at that time abo%t the *ible acco%#t o! Joseph1s stay i# 'haraoh1s priso#. 4e told *ob that it as a parable o! hat as goi#g to occ%r over the #e:t decade. $i#ce God1s Word declares( "Surely the $ord God does nothing unless ,e re+eals ,is se"ret "ounsel to ,is ser+ants the prophets" DAmos ;A7E( it is appropriate !or me to s%mmari2e *ob Jo#es1s prophecy released i# mid-<B>@. Whe# Joseph as ro#g!%lly thro # i#to 'haraoh1s priso# !or re!%si#g the adva#ces o! 'otiphar1s i!e( he shared his

<07

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) co#!i#eme#t ith 'haraoh1s b%tler a#d baker( ho had both bee# thro # i# Iail !or o!!e#di#g him. 5ach ma# had a dream a#d Joseph acc%rately i#terpreted their dreams a#d predicted hat o%ld happe# over the #e:t three days. The b%tler as restored to 'haraoh1s good !avor ith all o! the rights a#d privileges o! his positio# o! service. 4e as released to serve i# the ki#g1s prese#ce. The baker( ho ever( as h%#g high !or all to see a#d beheaded. The birds o! the air !easted o# his !lesh beca%se he had served his bread ith hypocrisy. D-# other ords( he said o#e thi#g a#d did a#other. 6o% ca# stop s&%irmi#g #o .E *ob Jo#es1s revelatio# as that the /ord as goi#g to deal ith the hypocritical bakers i# the +i#gdom( as ell as ith the teachi#g or FtableF mi#istries i# 4is ho%se. 4e as goi#g to deal ith 4is ho%sehold i# a severe ma##er to clea#se the leave# o! hypocrisy !rom o%r teachi#g mi#istries. At the e#d o! these te# years( a!ter the /ord1s deali#gs( #e little %#k#o # serva#ts( b%tlers o! the ki#g( o%ld be released to serve at the table o! the /ord a#d be give# the a esome respo#sibility to serve the #e i#e a#d livi#g bread i# the +i#g1s prese#ce. D- believe this ord act%ally goes !ar beyo#d a si#gle te#-year period. -t describes the o#goi#g a#d progressive clea#si#g ork o! the 4oly $pirit i# o%r day a#d i# past Ch%rch history.E

A !RA6ATIC FULFILL6ENT
)ot lo#g a!ter this prophecy as released( somethi#g dramatic occ%rred that shocked the e#tire ch%rch comm%#ity a#d o%traged %#saved people aro%#d the orld. Jim a#d Tammy *akker ere !ormally i#dicted !or !ra%d. .a#y other %#savory activities also ere e:posed p%blicly at their spra li#g mi#istry i# 3ort .ills( $o%th Caroli#a. The greatest( most damagi#g e:pos%res co#cer#ed blata#t hypocrisy i#volvi#g mo#ey( se:%al activities( a#d e:travaga#t li!estyles that bro%ght shame to mi#istry a#d the Christia# orld. - o#ly me#tio# these thi#gs !or i#str%ctio# a#d veri!icatio# o! *ob Jo#es1s prophecy( #ot to poi#t a !i#ger or be critical o! a#yo#e. God k#o s( e each #eed 4is mercy. The e:pos%re a#d p%blic p%#ishme#t o! the *akkers became symbolic o! the clea#si#g ork that God as doi#g thro%gho%t the Ch%rch. The te# years have go#e( a#d this clea#si#g still co#ti#%es. *%t somethi#g #e e#tered the pict%re i# early <BB@ he# God po%red o%t 4is $pirit o# a small ch%rch at the e#d o! a# airport r%# ay i# Toro#to( Ca#ada( a#d ma#y other places. A #e i#e as bei#g po%red o%t as the /ord bega# to release 4is little serva#ts to serve #e i#e a#d livi#g bread i# the +i#g1s prese#ce o#ce agai#. A#other la#dmark sig# came e:actly at the e#d o! the te#-year period prophesied by so ma#y vessels o! GodA Jimmy *akker as released !rom priso#. That( i# itsel!( as a prophetic proclamatio# that the /ord i#te#ds to restore backsliders to the Fpool o! 4is p%rpose.F 0%ri#g this same period o! time( the 4oly $pirit gave me some i#sight. 9#e a!ter#oo#( - as atchi#g o%r childre# playi#g o# o%r s i#g set i# o%r backyard. $%dde#ly( - sa a# ope# visio# s%perimposed over the #at%ral sce#e. With this e:tra <0>

6estoring the !TM =!postoli" Team MinistryA dime#sio# o! spirit-sight activated( - sa a gro # ad%lt ma# slidi#g do # o%r slideJ he as positio#ed o# his back( head!irst. -# this visio#( the ma# slid i#to a ro%#d s immi#g pool at the base o! the kids1 slide. - li!ted %p a# i#sta#t re&%est( FWhat does this mea#MF -mmediately( a reply came ithi#( F- ill restore the backslidde# ma# i#to the pool o! .y p%rpose.F 9#e o! the !irst sig#s that a great harvest is comi#g a#d has come %po# %s is that the prodigals are comi#g home !rom every &%arter. - reIoice to see Jim *akker a restored ma# o! h%mility amo#g a people o! restoratio#( o#ce agai# proclaimi#g the mercy a#d grace o! Jes%s Christ. /et the prodigals ret%r#. -# the <B>0s( ma#y prophetic voices prophesied abo%t a comi#g gra#d revival( still yet to comeA FA#d the stadi%ms ill be !illedJ a !aceless ge#eratio# Dlittle serva#tsE ill come !orth. Jes%s ill be mag#i!ied as the stadi%ms are !illed as heali#gs( miracles( a#d the dead are raised.F This speaks o! a rapid( large-scale revival a#d harvest that o#ly ca# be described as a Great A ake#i#g i# o%r la#d. -# the <B>0s( it took a lot o! co%rage to release a prophecy like that. Today( it is easier beca%se e have already see# people li#i#g %p at @A00 i# the mor#i#g I%st to atte#d eve#i#g revival services i# vario%s places a#d co#ti#e#ts aro%#d the orld. *%t a tidal #a+e o! God1s prese#ce is abo%t to break !orth.

?ne of the first signs that a great harvest is coming and has come upon us is that the prodigals are coming home from every 9uarter.

Whe# God %#leashed 4is $pirit i# Ja#%ary o! <BB@( it as like a FcorkF had popped o%t o! a bottle. )e i#e bega# g%shi#g !orth all over God1s people. - as mi#isteri#g ith my i#tercessory co orker( 0avid 3it2-patrick( i# a co#!ere#ce i# -#dia#apolis( -#dia#a( i# $eptember( the day a!ter the 0ay o! Ato#eme#t that same year( he# God bega# to speak to me. What - heard there relates closely to the eve#ts that occ%rred d%ri#g this te#-year period o! clea#si#g.

"IT0S TI6E TO 4EGIN"

- as asleep a#d alo#e i# a totally dark room he# - as a ake#ed by the a%dible voice o! the /ord. -t as a# %#%s%al e:perie#ce. -t seemed like a# a#gel had blo # a tr%mpet that reso#ated i# the room a#d oke me %p. - sat %p immediately i# the bed a#d !elt hat - ca# o#ly describe as Fthe prese#ce o! desti#yF i# my room. A large a#gel #o stood at the e#d o! my bed. The digital clock read 2A02. - sat i# the bed immersed i# the ta#gible prese#ce o! desti#y !or the #e:t ;0 mi#%tes. *%t - had bee# a ake#ed by heari#g these ordsA F-t1s time to begi#.F

<0B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) The a#gel as hat yo% might co#sider a Ftypical looki#gF a#gel that as dressed i# hite ith i#gs( a#d - co%ld see ha#ds %#der the i#gs. The ha#d %#der o#e i#g emerged holdi#g a gree# c%p !illed ith !resh oil. D- tho%ght it as o#der!%l beca%se it i#sta#tly bro%ght to mi#d 'salm B2A<0( hich says( " ut Jour ha+e e/alted my horn like that of the #ild o/3 % ha+e been anointed #ith fresh oil." The /ord is dispe#si#g !resh oil i# o%r day. -! yo% are stale a#d i# #eed( ask 4im to po%r some o! 4is a#oi#ti#g oil o# top o! yo% right #o . J%st e:press yo%r h%#ger( desire( a#d #eed as yo% declare( F9ver here( /ordH 8ight #o . 8emember me.F As - atched the a#gel holdi#g the gree# c%p !illed ith oil( he s%dde#ly e#t F$hhhhooooF a#d le!t the room. - the# looked over i# the cor#er o! the room a#d sa a bottle sitti#g there. The really odd part as the label o# the bottle that said( FCrisco 9il.F .y mi#d as really orki#g at this poi#t( a#d tho%gh - did#1t say a#ythi#g o%t lo%d( as thi#ki#g( 2h God( #hy do Jou al#ays do thisK Why does the propheti" al#ays ha+e to ha+e this paraboli" edge to itK $%dde#ly - Fsa the lightF a#d said to mysel!( 2h( no# % see5 Jesus Christ( the Christos( the !nointed 2ne. God as sayi#g that the a#oi#ti#g represe#ted by the oil as#1t bei#g give# to o#ly o#e ma#Git as to the Cristos "ompany( the FChrisCo.F 4e as releasi#g 4is oil !or a hole compa#y o! people to come !orth i# 4is po er a#d glory. -t1s time !or a ki#gdom o! !aith!%l b%tlers to arise. -t is time !or the c%ps o! oil bor#e abo%t i# the gree# vessels symbolic o! the priestly tribe o! /evitesGmea#i#g 4is i#tercessory people( 4is people o! praise( the people o! 4is brillia#t prese#ceGto arise a#d come !orth co#&%eri#g a#d to co#&%er. - co#ti#%ed to ga2e at this gree# bottle o! oil that as abo%t <2 to <> i#ches tallGa#d at the scores o! a#gels ho bega# to !ly o%t to %#k#o # desti#atio#s. $ome bore c%ps o! the oil o! a#oi#ti#g( others carried bottles o! #e i#e( a#d all o! them made the same so%#ds( F$hhhooo( shhhhoooo(F be!ore they departed. This visitatio# lasted abo%t a hal! a# ho%r. 5:perie#ce has ta%ght me #ot to overlook a#y detail i# a visio#Geve# the mi#or a#d seemi#gly i#co#se&%e#tial poi#ts. - asked the /ord( FWhat is the 202 abo%tMF This as the time( 2A02( o# the !ace o! the digital clock he# the visitatio# bega#. 4e dropped i#to my mi#d the $o#g o! $olomo# a#d the *ook o! 8evelatio#. - t%r#ed o# the light a#d ope#ed my *ible to read( "$ike a lily among the thorns( so is my darling... " D$o#g 2A2E a#d the passage i# 8evelatio# 2A2 praisi#g the 5phesia# ch%rch !or its deeds( !or its toil a#d persevera#ce( a#d !or its test to determi#e !alse apostles.

<<0

6estoring the !TM =!postoli" Team MinistryA

;he gifts of God operating apart from the character of God are a prescription for catastrophe. God, though, is ta"ing care of that through the cleansing and pruning periods. 0ow we were being freshly called bac" into service#hopefully wiser, humbler, and purer than we were before our affliction.

This remi#ded me o! the gr%eli#g te#-year period so ma#y believers had e#d%red i# a Fdry la#d.F 4e had !i#ally bro%ght !orth the c%re !or the spirit%al boredom that had settled i#to the Ch%rch. 4e as calli#g %s back to 4is royal ba#&%eti#g table a#d bri#gi#g 4is b%tlers( 4is little serva#ts( c%ps over!lo i#g ith the oil o! glad#ess a#d a#oi#ti#g( priestly bottles o! #e i#e a#d the Ioy a#d re!reshi#g o! the /ord.

RECEI3ING GO!0S APPRAISAL

While ma#y believers Di#cl%di#g mysel!E !elt at times that e ere barely Fha#gi#g o# by o%r !i#ger#ails(F the /ord had a di!!ere#t perspective. 4e is ell a are o! the desert co#ditio#s e e#d%red( b%t 4e says to those ho have h%#g o# a#d co#ti#%ed( F- bless yo% !or yo%r godly persevera#ce. - say %#to yo% that yo% are .y lily amo#gst the thor#s. 6o% are .y darli#g( .y *ride.F )o 4e is releasi#g !resh bottles o! i#e a#d the !resh a#oi#ti#g o! 4is great prese#ce %po# %s. The !o%r little ords that - received !rom a# a%dible voice that day simply declaredA F-t1s time to begi#.F A!ter -1d po#dered those ords !or several mo#ths( - bega# to see that God had( some hat( p%t %s o# a Fpa%seF mode beca%se( as a Ch%rch( o%r depth o! character simply did#1t match %p ith o%r level o! gi!ted#ess. The gi!ts o! God operati#g apart !rom the character o! God are a prescriptio# !or catastrophe. God( tho%gh( is taki#g care o! that thro%gh the clea#si#g a#d pr%#i#g periods. )o e ere bei#g !reshly called back i#to serviceGhope!%lly iser( h%mbler( a#d p%rer tha# e ere be!ore o%r a!!lictio#. A!ter that time( - as give# a dream i# hich - sa a pai#ter like .ichela#gelo pai#ti#g the arm o! the /ord comi#g do # o%t o! clo%ds. The# - sa the ha#d a#d arm o! a ma# rise %p !rom earth. The t o ere abo%t to to%ch each other. - #oticed a Fbato#F i# the ha#d o! the /ord as 4is arm e:te#ded to ard earth !rom 4eave#. - reali2ed that the /ord as placi#g this bato# i# the ha#d o! ma# as he e:te#ded his arm to ard 4eave#. The bato# represe#ted !o%r Fheart sta#dardsF give# to .ike *ickle i# a separate prophetic revelatio#( a#d to ma#y others as ell. These !o%r heart sta#dards ereA <. 0ay a#d #ight prayer. <<<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) 2. 5:travaga#t givi#g. ;. 4oli#ess o! heart. @. "# averi#g Dor prevaili#gE !aith. This dream ill%strated God1s lo#gi#g to e#tr%st o#ce agai# i#to the ha#ds o! 4is people heart stra#ds o! p%rity a#d devotio#( o%treach a#d mercy. )o these promises have #ever bee# promised or released to I%st o#e body( o#e city( o#e de#omi#atio#( or eve# to o#e FstreamF i# the *ody o! Christ. These are !o%#datio#al pri#ciples a#d promises a#d prophetic declaratio#s o! the heart o! God !or the hole Ch%rch( the *ody o! Christ. God as declari#g to %s a!ter a lo#g dro%ght( F- ill restore day a#d #ight prayer. - ill restore e:travaga#t givi#g. - ill restore a people o! p%rity a#d holi#ess o! heart. A#d - ill restore prevaili#g !aith amo#gst .y people.F

THE AR6 OF THE LOR!

- bega# to search the $cript%res !or re!ere#ces to Fthe arm o! the /ordF a#d discovered some key passagesA ... Jou shall #ell remember #hat the $ord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt5 the great trials #hi"h your eyes sa# and the signs and the #onders and the mighty hand and the outstret"hed arm by #hi"h the $ord your God brought you out =8euteronomy ;54B.4@aA. Jet they are Jour people( e+en Jour inheritan"e( #hom Jou ha+e brought out by Jour great po#er and by Jour outstret"hed arm =8euteronomy @5G@A. !nd kno# this day that % am not speaking #ith your sons #hom ha+e not kno#n and #ho ha+e not seen the dis"ipline of the $ord your GodC,is greatness( ,is mighty hand( and ,is outstret"hed arm( and ,is signs( and ,is #orks( #hi"h ,e did in the midst of Egypt to Pharaoh the king of Egypt and to all his land =8euteronomy 445GA. !nd the $ord brought us up out of Egypt #ith a mighty hand and an outstret"hed arm and #ith great terror and #ith signs and #onders =8euteronomy G?5BA. &or by their o#n s#ord they did not possess the land3 and their o#n arm did not sa+e them3 but Jour right hand( and Jour arm( and the light of Jour presen"e( for Jou did fa+or them =Psalm ::5EA. !nd the $ord #ill "ause ,is +oi"e of authority to be heard. !nd the des"ending of ,is arm to be seen in a fier"e anger and in the flame of a "onsuming fire( in a "loudburst( do#npour( and hailstones =%saiah E<5E<A. -t appears that he#ever the Farm o! the /ordF reaches i#to o%r time-space orld that it has somethi#g to do ith sig#s a#d o#ders( ith delivera#ce( a#d ith the brillia#t display o! God1s po er. -saiah =2A<0 tells %s( "The $ord has bared ,is holy arm." What is the <<2

6estoring the !TM =!postoli" Team MinistryA p%rpose o! 4is prese#ce( a#d hat is the p%rpose o! the prophetic gi!tsM -saiah =2A<0 says( "%n the sight of all the nations( that all the ends of the earth may see the sal+ation of our God." Who has belie+ed our messageK !nd to #hom has the arm of the $ord been re+ealedK =%saiah FE54A % ha+e made the earth( the men and the beasts #hi"h are on the fa"e of the earth by My great po#er and by My outstret"hed arm( and % #ill gi+e it to the one #ho is pleasing in My sight =Jeremiah G;5FA. The Farm o! the /ordF symbolically represe#ts stre#gth a#d po er( the demo#stratio# o! God1s right to both discipli#e a#d deliver i# the $cript%res. 0%ri#g a time o! e:te#ded mi#istry i# the /os A#geles area( - e#t ith /o% 5#gle( the pastor o! prayer at 4arvest 8ock Ch%rch i# 'asade#a( Cali!or#ia at that time( a#d some other !rie#ds o# a# e:peditio# to do some o#-site loca-tio#al prayi#g. We prayed at the origi#al site o! the A2%sa $treet o%tpo%ri#g a#d also at the little ho%se #earby here the 4oly $pirit !irst bapti2ed believers be!ore the little gro%p moved to the A2%sa $treet locatio#. The# e headed !or a place called 'isgah( hich as a#other ce#ter o! 'e#tecostal re#e al.

CALLING FORTH THE AR6 OF THE LOR!

3i#ally( e visited A#gelos Temple( the !o%#di#g ch%rch o! the 3o%r $&%are -#ter#atio#al Ch%rch established by Aimee $emple .c'herso# i# the <B20s. That ch%rch a#d Aimee $emple .c'herso#1s mi#istry ere very po er!%l i# that day. A!ter e e#t thro%gh a little m%se%m area a#d e:ami#ed some o! the doc%me#ts o# display( o%r o#der!%l host took o%r party o! eight right i#to the a%ditori%m to pray. 9#ce e reached the a%ditori%m a#d settled i# to pray( o%r host le!t %s alo#e i# that i#credible place. We sa a bea%ti!%l gra#d pia#o sitti#g o# the plat!orm. $omeo#e me#tio#ed that Aimee $emple .c'herso# played it d%ri#g her services. At that poi#t( my dear missio#ary !rie#d( .arc%s 6o%#g !rom Thaila#d( sat do # at the pia#o a#d bega# to play i# the spirit. The#( e I%st aited &%ietly i# the prese#ce o! the /ord i# this o#der!%l a%ditori%m that had played host a#d it#ess to co%#tless miracles( sig#s( a#d o#ders i# this ce#t%ry. While e aited o# the /ord( - sat do # o# a step leadi#g to the plat!orm( I%st soaki#g i# the s eet prese#ce o! the /ord i# that place. 3i#ally( - I%st lay do # o# the plat!orm be!ore the prese#ce o! the /ord. Whe# e !irst came i#( e ere str%ck by the per!ect aco%stics o! the a%ditori%m. -t had a high-domed ceili#g. 6o% co%ld speak !rom the stage itho%t a micropho#e( a#d the so%#d reso#ated aro%#d the b%ildi#g ith total clarity. While .arc%s played o# the pia#o( - bega# to pray o%t lo%d as - basked i# God1s prese#ce. The# - really bega# to pray. 3i#ally( - bega# the# to prophesy as somethi#g started to rise %p ithi# me. - moved i#to a place o! prophetic declaratio# a#d bega# to prophesyA <<;

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) - ill restore the sacred altar. - ill restore .y !ire %po# .y altar. - ill restore. - am goi#g to bri#g !orth the arm o! the /ord. - am goi#g to release apostolic restoratio# mi#istries. - am goi#g to restore the !o%r !aces o! .y gospel. - am goi#g to release the !o%r !aces o! .y livi#g creat%res that are aro%#d .y thro#e. /et the arm o! the /ord come !orthH The# - prophesied the restoratio# o! the !o%r-s&%are gospel o! the +i#g( the $avior( the *apti2er( a#d the 4ealerJ a#d o! the A8.Gthe Apostolic 8estoratio# .i#istries. -t is time !or the apostolic restoratio# mi#istries to begi#.

THE PROPHETIC SETS THE TA4LE

-t has bee# prophesied !or years that the prophetic o%ld set a table !or the apostolic. - m%st declare boldly that it is time to begi#. - am #ot givi#g de!i#itio#s o! hat the FapostolicF is i# this bookJ that is #ot my p%rpose !or this partic%lar book. )evertheless( it is time !or apostolic restoratio# mi#istries to come !orth. - co#ti#%ed to pray( prophesy( a#d release prophetic declaratio#s. 3i#ally - said o%t lo%d( F9h( may the altar o! the /ord be restoredHF $%dde#ly( - !elt t"e !loor start to rise %#der#eath me o%t o! the !loorH )o( - as#1t havi#g a dream or visio#( a#d - as#1t i# a tra#ce. A# altar bega# to rise o%t o! the !loor that m%st have meas%red three !eet ide by si: !eet lo#g. -t kept risi#g( a#d - kept prophesyi#gA FThe altar o! the /ord is comi#g. 3ire is comi#g o# .y altar.F D-1m telli#g yo% a prophetic eve#t that really happe#ed.E

A LI3ING SACRIFICE
- co%ld#1t help b%t #otice the sig#i!ica#ce o! my positio# o# the risi#g altar hile prophesied li!e a#d restoratio#. God is looki#g !or livi#g sacri!ices accordi#g to 8oma#s <2A<A F...present your bodies a li+ing and holy sa"rifi"e( a""eptable to God( #hi"h is your spiritual ser+i"e of #orship" D8om. <2A<bE. We are the sacri!ice that is ell pleasi#g a#d acceptable i# God1s sight. 4e is Iealo%s !or %s( a#d 4e a#ts %s to prese#t o%r hole bei#g o# 4is altar G ith spirit( so%l( a#d body. Whe# the altar reached the e#d o! its track( - I%st ki#d o! slid do # slo ly %#til the altar as right behi#d me( as other people i# the gro%p atched. - remai#ed i# that place declari#g i# prophetic proclamatio#A - ill restore the !ame o! .y great #ame i# all the earth. - ill restore the !o%r !aces o! the gospel. - ill restore .y tr%th o! bei#g $avior( *apti2er( a#d 4ealer. - ill release .y !o%r !aces a#d .y livi#g creat%res. - ill bri#g !orth( a#d - shall roll %p .y sleeve( a#d - shall bare .y holy right arm. - ill restore the a#cie#t altar. - ill bri#g !orth .y holy right arm. Thi#gs ill probably e#d %p looki#g di!!ere#t !rom hat e e:pect right #o ( b%t the /ord is goi#g to breathe !resh prophetic a#d apostolic teachi#g a#d revelatio# o# the

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6estoring the !TM =!postoli" Team MinistryA a#cie#t discipli#e o! day a#d #ight prayer. 4e is goi#g to release a #e %#dersta#di#g o! e:travaga#t givi#g a#d a #e place o! holi#ess o! heart. The !ire o! God is a# allco#s%mi#g !ire that ca# dry %p ca#cer or co#vict me# o! their si#s.

APOSTOLIC RESTORATION 6INISTRIES

What is the arm o! the /ordM -t is a symbol o! the /ord1s stre#gth a#d po er. -t is the demo#stratio# o! God1s ability to both discipli#e a#d deliver. -t is likely that 4is arm re!ers to apostolic restoratio# mi#istries or apostolic team mi#istries i# this great revival. *%t eve# more acc%rately( the arm o! the /ord %s%ally re!ers to Jes%s Christ 4imsel!A FA#d - ill bare .y holy right arm.F 6o% k#o ( this is #ot abo%t %s. -t is#1t abo%t a#oi#ted me# a#d ome#. This is all abo%t Jes%sGthe $acri!icial /amb receivi#g the re ard o! 4is s%!!eri#g. /et1s make o%r !oc%s clear. This is #ot abo%t %s. This is abo%t o%r tra#sce#de#t .aIesty. o#der!%l .essiah( Jes%s Christ( o%r

What is the arm of the )ord+ *t is a symbol of the )ord's strength and power. *t is the demonstration of God's ability to both discipline and deliver. *t is li"ely that !is arm refers to apostolic restoration ministries or apostolic team ministries in this great revival.

This is abo%t the po er o! 4is great prese#ce. -! yo% recall( - me#tio#ed ho God o#ce told me( F- am goi#g to teach yo% to release the highest eapo# o! spirit%al ar!are. am goi#g to teach yo% to release the brillia#ce o! .y great prese#ce.F What is the highest eapo# o! spirit%al ar!areM Why( it1s God 4imsel!. The /ord has bee# looki#g !or broke# people. 4e has bee# looki#g !or a h%mble people ho ca# be tr%sted ith God1s treas%re beca%se they k#o that it1s #ot themGit is Jes%s. Accordi#g to 'salm <<0A2( the /ord is seeki#g them o%t to place 4is scepter o! ki#gly a%thority a#d po er i#to their ha#ds to r%le over their e#emies o%t o! Nio# DGod1s abidi#g prese#ceE. /et the FA teamF come !orth. /et the arm o! the /ord be stretched o%tH -t1s time !or a !aceless people to emerge( a ge#eratio# o! little b%tlers hose passio# is the e:altatio# o! this o#e .a#( God a#d +i#gGChrist Jes%s( the /ord. % de"lare it is time for the !TMCfor apostoli" team ministry to begin* )se me* % #ant to see authenti"( apostoli" Christianity "o+er the earth as the #aters "o+er the seas. % de"lare( "%t is time to begin the greatest sho# on earth* %t's time for another great a#akening. $et it start here. $et it <<=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) start no# in Jesus great name*" !men

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C4A'T58 <0

10

The 8ay of the Wat"h ,as Come

"% #ill restore the an"ient tool( the Wat"h of the $ord( that has been used and #ill be used again to "hange the e/pression of Christianity a"ross the fa"e of the earth." This !i#al chapter o! this sectio# represe#ts the most di!!ic%lt task o! this book. WhyM *eca%se a b%rde# has bee# placed o# my heart to break the vile c%rse that has overcome a#d co#tami#ated the Ch%rch a#d the mi#istry si#ce the days he# James echoed the teachi#gs o! Jes%s a#d admo#ished believersA ut pro+e yoursel+es doers of the Word( and not merely hearers #ho delude themsel+es. &or if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer( he is like a man #ho looks at his natural fa"e in a mirror3 for on"e he has looked at himself and gone a#ay( he has immediately forgotten what "ind of person he was =James 45GG.G:A. $ome years have passed si#ce the /ord told me( F-t is time to begi#.F $i#ce the# the !ire o! God has !alle# i# co%#tless places across the globe Di#cl%di#g s%pposedly Fimpreg#ableF places s%ch as Japa# a#d .eccaE. .y b%rde# is to a ake# the Fsaved a#d redeemedF a#d remi#d them #ho they are* 9#ly the# ill they begi# to obey a#d( i# t%r#( pray !or the salvatio# o! the lost i# God1s great harvest. 9ddly e#o%gh( this has o!te# prove# to be the most di!!ic%lt gro%p to reachH $i#ce God ig#ited my b%rde# !or the Watch o! the /ord at 4err#h%t( the site o! the great .oravia# prayer atch( it is #o accide#t that 4e has se#t me to dra !rom their deep pool o! isdom agai# a#d agai# alo#g my Io%r#ey. The 0ay o! the Watch has come. The ords o! the 8ev. Joh# Gree#!ield( the great .oravia# eva#gelist a#d a%thor( ri#g as tr%e today as they did 70 or more years agoA 'rayer al ays precedes 'e#tecost. The *ook o! Acts describes ma#y o%tpo%ri#gs o! the 4oly $pirit( b%t #ever apart !rom prayer. -# o%r o # day the <<7

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) great Welsh a#d +orea# revivals ere preceded by mo#ths( i! #ot years( o! import%#ate a#d %#ited prayi#g. 4e#ce the s%preme importa#ce o! the prayer meeti#g( !or it is Fthe po er ho%se o! the Ch%rch.F< -# previo%s chapters( - me#tio#ed that the /ord told me( F- ill restore 'e#tecost.F .a#y people thi#k that is a# odd or eve# heretical stateme#t. FA!ter all( 'e#tecost happe#ed o#ce a#d !or all.F - also spoke o! a F$eco#d 'e#tecostF comi#g to the la#d( b%t hile - as completi#g some research !or this !i#al chapter( - discovered a better ay to describe this ork o! GodA 4e is se#di#g yet another 'e#tecostH The .oravia#s( a#d ma#y s%pposedly F!%#dame#tal eva#gelicalF leaders believed a#d prayed !or the same thi#g a#d received itH The o#ly ay to spread !ire is to catch !ireH Theology #ever saved a#yo#eGo#ly a perso#al e:perie#ce ith a livi#g $avior ca# do that. Theology #ever la%#ched a orld ide revival. -# every case( it took a !resh revelatio# o! the livi#g $avior to ig#ite the orld ith !ire !rom 4eave#. *e!ore yo% ca# participate i# the Watch o! the /ord( yo% m%st o!!er yo%rsel! as a livi#g sacri!ice o# the altar o! God a#d let 4im bapti2e yo% a!resh i# 4is holy !ireH 0./. .oody( o#e o! America1s most revered eva#gelists a#d co#servative ch%rch leaders( had this to say abo%t the 4oly $pirit i# o#e o! the last sermo#s he preached i# his li!eA $ee ho 4e came o# the day o! 'e#tecostH -t is #ot car#al to pray that 4e may come agai# a#d that the place be shake#. - believe 'e#tecost as b%t a specime# day. - thi#k the Ch%rch has made this oe!%l mistake that 'e#tecost as a miracle #ever to be repeated. - have tho%ght too that 'e#tecost as a miracle that is #ot to be repeated. - believe #o i! e looked o# 'e#tecost as a specime# day a#d bega# to pray( e sho%ld have the old 'e#tecostal !ire here i# *osto#.2 God is restori#g the !ire o! the 4oly $pirit to 4is people so #e ill restore the !ire o! prayer o# 4is altar o! i#ce#se a#d release the glory o! God o# the earthH /ook at the striki#g parallels bet ee# the o%tpo%ri#g o! the 4oly $pirit o# people o! prayer i# Jer%salem( a#d o# a#other people o! prayer <7 ce#t%ries later i# 4err#h%t( $a:o#yH ,erily the history o! the .oravia# Ch%rch co#!irms the doctri#e o! the great America# eva#gelist O0./. .oodyP as to the #eed a#d possibility o! the baptism ith the 4oly Ghost. The spirit%al e:perie#ces o! the .oravia# *rethre# t o ce#t%ries ago bear a striki#g resembla#ce to the 'e#tecostal po er a#d res%lts i# the days o! the Apostles. The compa#y o! believers both at Jer%salem a#d 4err#h%t #%mbered !e er tha# three h%#dred so%ls. *oth co#gregatio#s ere( h%ma#ly speaki#g( totally devoid o! orldly i#!l%e#ce( isdom( po er a#d ealth. Their e#emies called them F%#lear#ed a#d ig#ora#t.F Their best !rie#d described them i# the !ollo i#g la#g%ageA <<>

The 8ay of the Wat"h ,as Come "Je see your "alling( brethren( ho# that not many #ise men after the flesh( not many mighty( not many noble are "alled3 but God hath "hosen the foolish things of the #orld to "onfound the #ise( and God hath "hosen the #eak things of the #orld to "onfound the things #hi"h are mighty3 and the base things of the #orld( and things #hi"h are despised( hath God "hosen( yea( and things #hi"h are not( to bring to naught things that are( that no flesh should glory in ,is presen"e" =4 Cor. 45G?.GBA. 9# both these small a#d eak co#gregatio#s God po%red o%t 4is 4oly $pirit a#d e#d%ed them ith po er !rom o# high. At o#ce these believers( #at%rally timid a#d !ear!%l( ere tra#s!ormed i#to !lami#g eva#gelists. $%per#at%ral k#o ledge a#d po er seemed to possess them. F.o%th a#d isdomF ere give# them hich F#o#e o! their adversaries ere able to gai#say or resist.F; The same God ho e#gi#eered the miracles i# Jer%salem a#d i# 4err#h%t i# the <700s appears determi#ed to do the same across the earth be!ore the da # o! the mille##i%mH God is #ot i#terested i# Fcorporate asse#tF to the pri#ciple o! revivalG4e dema#ds perso#al s%rre#der( commitme#t( a#d sold-o%t service i# prayer a#d p%blic it#ess to 4is gloryH Whe# the people o! God dare to s%rre#der to the 4oly $pirit o! God a#d the# live lives o! co#ti#%o%s co#secrated prayer( they ill display a# i#!ectio%s Ioy that ill dra the lost to them agai# a#d agai# i# divi#e appoi#tme#ts o! desti#y. A# editorial i# the Wa"ho+ia Mora+ian described a Ftypical .oravia#F a!!ected by the 'e#tecostal o%tpo%ri#g o! that dayA There as a Co%#tess several ge#eratio#s ago ho had led hat the orld calls a very merry li!e. $he as highly sit%ated i# society( co##ected i# close !rie#dship ith ki#gs a#d emperors a#d pri#ces. $he as a elcome ce#tre o# brillia#t occasio#s o! da#ce a#d !estivity i# vie o! her brillia#t gi!ts a#d itty co#versatio#( a#d yet she became a!!licted ith a# i#c%rable mela#choly. )o#e o! her am%seme#ts a#d recreatio#s satis!ied her a#y lo#ger a#d everythi#g be!ore her a#d aro%#d her seemed dark i#deed. "#der the old c%stom o! meas%ri#g shoes !or the !eet o! their earers( a h%mble .oravia# shoemaker as o#e day i#vited i#to her prese#ce. As he ope#ed the door( she as str%ck by the remarkable cheer!%l#ess hich sho#e !orth !rom his !ace. $he atched him closely hile he k#elt at his h%mble task o! meas%ri#g !or the shoes a#d as deeply impressed by the %#a!!ected happi#ess ritte# %po# his very looks. $he as led to say to him( F6o% seem to be a very happy ma#.F F6es(F he said( F- am very happy all the time.F F6o% are very di!!ere#t !rom me(F the highbor# lady said. F- am I%st as miserable as a#ybody co%ld be. Wo%ld yo% mi#d telli#g me hat makes yo% so happyMF F)o(F the .oravia# shoemaker said( F-1ll be glad to tell yo%. Jes%s has !orgive# my si#s. 4e !orgives me every day a#d 4e loves me a#d that makes me happy thro%gh all <<B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) the ho%rs.F The Iob as !i#ished a#d the ma# e#t a ay. *%t the Co%#tess tho%ght over hat he said. Tho%ght led to prayer a#d prayer to co#victio# a#d co#victio# s i!tly i#trod%ced her i#to a Ioy!%l !aith i# the shoemaker1s $avio%r. $he became a it#ess !or Christ amo#g titled people a#d especially at the co%rt o! the 5mperor o! 8%ssia( Ale:a#der -( her i#timate !rie#d.@

GO!0S INTENTION
.atthe 4e#ry rote( FWhe# God i#te#ds great mercy !or 4is people( the !irst thi#g 4e does is to set them a-prayi#g.F= God i#te#ds to cover the earth ith 4is glory a#d ith a !lood o! mercy a#d grace. *%t !irst God m%st ake 4is sleepi#g gia#t( the Ch%rch. -t is time !or yo% a#d - to shake the orld !or Christ !rom o%r places o! prevaili#g prayerH We ca# #o lo#ger a!!ord to hear the %rge#t ord o! the /ord a#d alk a ay passively. The call is the same regardless o! hat title or !lavor ador#s the sig# over the door o! o%r place o! orship. - am compelled i# the spirit to %rge yo% to prayer. A!ter - mi#istered a message o# FThe Watch o! the /ordF i# .obile( Alabama( - ret%r#ed home to discover that - had bee# se#t a very bea%ti!%l !ramed pict%re i# the mail. This gracio%s giver had #o idea hat e!!ect that pict%re o%ld have o# my li!e. - perso#ally believe that this pict%re co#stit%tes the highest propheti" #ord that - have ever bee# give# i# my li!eH -t is a pict%re o! mo#%me#tal proportio#s i# !ro#t o! my eyes. The pict%re depicts a great city e#circled by a protective all. A hill rises o# o#e side a#d comi#g over that hill are h%#dreds o! i#vaders o# horses. The pict%re also depicts a atchma# o# the allGa #at"hman #ho has fallen asleep. The tr%mpet #ormally %sed to sig#al the approach o! da#ger lays %seless beside the sl%mberi#g atchma#. .ea# hile( the e#emy dra s closer a#d closer to the de!e#seless city. Whe# - !irst %# rapped this pict%re( - tho%ght( $ord( this is #onderful. This is a great gift. The# - read the verse i#scribed belo the sce#e( a#d s%dde#ly - as#1t as e:cited as be!ore. The verse as 52ekiel ;;A?( hich says( " ut if the #at"hman sees the s#ord "oming and does not blo# the trumpet( and the people are not #arned( and a s#ord "omes and takes a person from them( he is taken a#ay in his ini9uity3 but his blood * will re9uire from the watchman's hand.' - avoid %si#g this $cript%re passage i# a legalistic or co#dem#i#g ma##er( b%t it made the Fsobriety o! GodF si#k i#to my i##er bei#g. - k#o that - am called to be a atchma# o! the /ord. - do#1t a#t to !%l!ill the !ail%re depicted i# that pict%re. Jes%s ar#ed %s << times to Fbe o# the atch( be o# the alert( ake %p( a#d atch o%t that #o o#e deceives yo%.F Too ma#y o! %s have stopped liste#i#g a#d stopped cari#g. God is calli#g 4is atchme#Gevery blood- ashed sai#t a#d redeemed ki#g a#d priestGi# gro%ps o! t os or threes to come together o# the all. 4e is calli#g !orth the <20

The 8ay of the Wat"h ,as Come a#cie#t tools to bri#g salvatio# to o%r ge#eratio#. 8o you belie+e dead men's bones "an li+e againK

Jesus warned us 11 times to 'be on the watch, be on the alert, wa"e up, and watch out that no one deceives you.' ;oo many of us have stopped listening and stopped caring.

- believe dead me#1s bo#es #ill live agai#. - believe that the same $pirit ho kept the promises o! God !or ge#eratio#s i# the past is aiti#g !or %s to e#ter i#to the 4oly o! 4olies !or o%r time a#d o%r ge#eratio#H There is o#ly o#e path !or yo% to take i! yo% have received a#d believed the message o! this bookA 6o% #eed to be possessed. D0o#1t close yo%r mi#d a#d the pages o! this bookGthis is a *ible co#ceptHE God a#ts yo% to be possessed ith 4is $pirit i# the same ay Gideo# asH The Ampli!ied *ible saysA ut the Spirit of the $ord "lothed Gideon #ith ,imself and took possession of him( and he ble# a trumpet( and Hthe "lan ofI !bie1er #as gathered to him =Judges ?5E: !MPA.

GET POSSESSE!!
God is aiti#g !or a people to get possessed. 4e a#ts a people ho ill literally be clothed ith God 4imsel!( a#d ill blo the tr%mpet ith holy bold#ess as atchme# o# the all. Are yo% illi#g to be possessedM Are yo% ready !or a radical cha#ge o! clothesM - have al ays liked Gideo# beca%se - ca# really ide#ti!y ith him. 4e as mi#di#g his o # b%si#ess a#d orki#g i# his o # !ield he# somebody Da# a#gel o! the /ordE tapped him o# the sho%lder a#d said( F4ey yo%( mighty ma# o! co%rage( God a#ts to %se yo%.F - ca# imagi#e Gideo# looki#g aro%#d a#d sayi#g( FWho i# the orld are yo% talki#g to( b%ddyMF D$ee J%dges ?A<<-<7.E As it as ith Gideo#( God1s a#alysis o! o%r pote#tial is vastly di!!ere#t !rom o%r o #. God is looki#g !or a people ho %#dersta#d ho small they are a#d ho great 4e is. The#( 4e I%st loves to t%r# the tables o# all the #aysayers a#d co#te#ders by possessi#g %s a#d taki#g reside#ce ithi# %s. Gideo#1s !ather as #ot a righteo%s ma# beca%se he had b%ilt %p the high places i# ho#or o! idols a#d !alse gods. 5veryo#e #earby came to the site to co#d%ct their devilish rites o! idolatry. -# the same ay( o%r #atio# ca# #o lo#ger be called a FChristia# #atio#F beca%se e1ve t%r#ed aside to the idols o! sel!( perso#al pleas%re( a#d rebellio#. )evertheless( the $pirit o! the /ord gave Gideo# the task o! teari#g do # the very high

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) places that his !ather had b%iltH Gideo# decided to obey the a#gel1s comma#d( b%t he as o#deri#g( %'m not 9uite so sure be"ause you're talking about di+iding my o#n household here. 4e as so a!raid o! his !ather1s reactio# to the destr%ctio# o! the high places that he did it at #ight. Gideo#1s cl%msy attempt to hide his deed did#1t ork( evide#tly beca%se o#e o! the te# me# ho helped him decided to tell all Dsee J%dg. ?A2BE. Whe# the a#gry idol orshipers co#!ro#ted Gideo#1s !ather( Joash( he said prophetically( "%f he O*aalP is a god( let him "ontend for himself be"ause someone has torn do#n his altar" DJ%dg. ?A;<bE. Altho%gh Joash i#te#ded !or this stateme#t to be a c%rse o# the g%ilty ma#( it set %p a test o! tr%th similar to the co#!ro#tatio# o! 5liIah ith the priests o! *aal he# God1s !ire co#s%med all o! the priests o! *aal as ell as 5liIah1s ater-soaked altar a#d sacri!ice. -# the a#cie#t traditio#s o! that day( it as %#derstood that a#yo#e ho dared to break the c%rse o%ld themselves receive a pe#alty i# their o # lives. Gideo# !aced some serio%s problems that day. 6o% may be !aci#g some obstacles i# yo%r li!e that make commitme#t to the /ord1s call seem impossible or eve# s%icidal. The /ord is looki#g tirelessly !or a people ho ill overcome small me#talities( i#sec%rities( a#d !ears to allo 4im to take co#trol. Whe# yo% allo God to clothe yo% ith 4imsel!( he# yo% Fp%t o# Christ(F yo% ill have a totally di!!ere#t perspective o! the obstacles challe#gi#g yo% today. Too ma#y Christia#s are a!raid to step o%t o! their o # com!ort 2o#es a#d ve#t%re i#to places that the orld Da#d ma#y Christia#sE call Ftoo radical.F

GO!0S REWAR! SYSTE6

God has a re ard !or people ho dare to step o%t o# the limb o! !aith a#d I%st keep o# goi#g. There as a re ard !or Gideo#. 4e co%#ted the cost o! obeyi#g God1s comma#d. 4e had to !ace his paraly2i#g !ear o! reprisal i! he dared to come agai#st his o # !ather1s ho%sehold. Gideo# co%#ted the cost a#d stepped over the li#e i#to obedie#ce to God a#y ay. 4e as still Fh%ma#F e#o%gh to do the deed i# the dark o! #ight( b%t the poi#t is that he obeyed. 9#ce he stepped o%t( the *ible says he F a:ed stro#g.F 4e became stro#gerH /ook hat happe#s to the ma# ho steps !or ard !or FmoreF o! God i# his li!e. The *ible says( "So the Spirit of the $ord "ame upon Gideon3 and he ble# a trumpet( and the !bie1rites #ere "alled together to follo# him" DJ%dg. ?A;@E. - as i# a prayer co#!ere#ce i# Ca#ada several years ago a!ter - had spe#t three solid mo#ths seeki#g God. .a#y o! those days ere spe#t prayi#g i# to#g%es !or !o%r to si: ho%rs a day. This trip to Ca#ada as my F!irst time o%tF a!ter three mo#ths o! prayer. e#t i#to a place o! i#tercessio# there i# Ca#ada( a#d the 4oly $pirit ill%mi#ated this verse i# J%dges chapter ?. 4e p%t o# my heart to read the passage !rom the Ampli!ied ,ersio#. As %s%al he# - go i#to i#tercessio# a#d travail( - as sitti#g o# the !loor o! the room. Whe# - t%r#ed to J%dges ?A;@ i# my i!e1s Ampli!ied *ible( - read these ords ith

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The 8ay of the Wat"h ,as Come asto#ishme#tA " ut the Spirit of the $ord clothed Gideon with !imself and too" possession of him, and he ble# a trumpet( and Hthe "lan ofI !bie1er #as gathered to him DJ%dg. ?A;@ A.'E. -1ve got a ord !rom the /ord !or yo%A e possessed. We hear a lot o! talk abo%t people bei#g possessed by the devil( b%t - have somethi#g shocki#g to tell yo%A God is looking for a people that ,e "an possess. 4e a#ts to do more tha# legally o # %s beca%se 4e p%rchased %s ith 4is blood. 4e also a#ts to e:perie#tially ha+e us. - do#1t k#o abo%t yo%( b%t a#t to be possessed by a#d ith God. - a#t literally to be clothed ith 4im. - %rge yo% to let God come %po# yo%( to be possessed o! God.

We hear a lot of tal" about people being possessed by the devil, but * have something shoc"ing to tell you6 God is loo"ing for a people that !e can possess.

/ook at the evide#ce i# the *ible. Whe# the $pirit o! the /ord came %po# or possessed Gideo#( he as cha#ged i#to a #e ma#H 4e as #o lo#ger I%st a little p%#y g%y ith a mo%th !%ll o! e:c%ses abo%t ho poor his tribe as. 4e as possessed by God. 4e dared to so%#d the tr%mpet a#d( s%dde#ly( to his s%rprise( tho%sa#ds o! people ere s%dde#ly illi#g to !ollo himH 9#e mome#t he1s a !armer i# a barley !ield. The #e:t mome#t he gets possessed by God a#d sees ;2(000 armed me# come at his simple comma#d ready !or a battle to the death ith the .idia#ites ho held the Je s i# slaveryH That m%st have bee# some day.

6A7ING THE TEA6!

God1s ork o! tra#s!ormatio# did#1t stop there. 4e as o%t to raise %p a tr%e leader( #ot I%st a o#e-time( soo#-to-be-!orgotte# hero. Whe# God came do # to e:ami#e Gideo#1s #e ly !o%#d troops( 4e told Gideo#( F4ey( b%ddy( there are too ma#y o! them o%t there. -# !act( there are so ma#y o! them comi#g ith yo% that if you #in( the me# ill look at themselves a#d say( 1We did it.1 F !nd the $ord said to Gideon( "The people #ho are #ith you are too many for Me to gi+e Midian into their hands( lest %srael be"ome boastful( saying( 'My o#n po#er has deli+ered me.' >o# therefore "ome( pro"laim in the hearing of the people( saying( 'Whoe+er is afraid and trembling( let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.'" So GG(<<< people returned( but 4<(<<< remained =Judges ;5G.EA. This sce#e as similar to the p%blic basketball tryo%ts !or the /os A#geles /akers or Chicago *%lls basketball teams. A hole b%#ch o! people a#s ered Gideo#1s call( b%t o#ly o#e-third o! them made the !irst c%t !or people ho ere !ear!%l a#d a!raid. 9ver <2;

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) t o-thirds o! Gideo#1s miracle cro d le!t. DThis statistical perce#tage probably hold tr%e today.E Then the $ord said to Gideon( "The people are still too many3 bring them do#n to the #ater and % #ill test them for you there. Therefore it shall be that he of #hom % say to you( 'This one shall go #ith you(' he shall go #ith you3 but e+eryone of #hom % say to you( 'This one shall not go #ith you(' he shall not go." So he brought the people do#n to the #ater. !nd the $ord said to Gideon( "Jou shall separate e+eryone #ho laps the #ater #ith his tongue( as a dog laps( as #ell as e+eryone #ho kneels to drink." >o# the number of those #ho lapped( putting their hand to their mouth( #as E<< men3 but all the rest of the people kneeled to drink #ater =Judges ;5:.?A. T e#ty-t o tho%sa#d o! Gideo#1s s%rprise helpers ere a!raid. That1s easy to %#dersta#d. That le!t him ith <0(000 armed me# !or the battle. The# came FC%t #%mber t o.F God said( F$e#d them do # to the river !or a dri#k o! ater. A#d Gideo#( - a#t yo% to atch them hile they do it. Whoever gets do # o# both k#ees( se#d him home. *%t hoever laps the ater like a dog( keep him. - ca# r%# ith them.F - o#der i! Gideo# tho%ght somethi#g like( Sure( God( yeah( right. -t does#1t matter beca%se Gideo#1s actio#s spoke lo%der. 4e se#t <0(000 armed me# stampedi#g do # to the river !or a dri#k( a#d B(700 o! these !ootball-player types got do # o# both k#ees a#d p%t their !aces do # i#to the ater to really go !or it. The problem as that he# these g%ys ere do # o# both k#ees ith hal! o! their !aces i# the ater( the o#ly thi#g that they co%ld see as their o # re!lectio#. /ess tha# o#e ma# o%t o! every te# made this !i#al c%t( leavi#g Gideo# ith o#ly ;00 o%t o! his origi#al i#sta#t army o! ;2(000 me#. 4e !elt good abo%t it( tho%gh( beca%se these me# met God1s mai# re&%ireme#t !or battle !it#essA F/ook !or those ho ill lap the ater like a dog.F - do#1t k#o i! yo% have ever atched a dog eat or dri#k( b%t dogs al ays #at"h hile they eat or dri#k. They keep o#e eye o# the ater bo l a#d o#e eye o# the terrai# to see ho is approachi#g. A dog does#1t b%ry himsel! i# sel!-co#tai#me#t. To me it so%#ds I%st like the message o! Jes%s i# the Gospels. 3o%r times 4e told %s( F0o #ot be a!raidF Dthat1s the !irst c%tE. 3o%r times 4e said( F5#d%re( sta#dF Dthat1s the seco#d c%tE. A !%ll << times the /ord comma#ded %sA FWatchF Dthe !i#al a#d most importa#t re&%ireme#t !or battleE. o%ld

NEHE6IAH0S TOOLS
Whe# )ehemiah the prophet risked all to reb%ild the all o! Jer%salem i# occ%pied territory !illed ith viole#t e#emies( the !irst thi#g he did as to establish atchme# o# the alls. -# !act( everyo#e ho orked o# the all as both orkma# a#d atchma#( b%ilder a#d soldier. They o%ld ork ith a tro el i# o#e ha#d a#d a spear i# the other. God is &%ickly setti#g thi#gs i#to place to b%ild 4is Ch%rch i# a &%ick ork. Agai#( this b%ildi#g proIect takes place i# temporarily occ%pied territory s%rro%#ded by viole#t a#d desperate e#emies. The !irst thi#g God is setti#g i# place is Fthe Watch o! the /ord.F <2@

The 8ay of the Wat"h ,as Come 6o%1ve made the !irst t o Fc%ts.F )o 4e has led yo% to the river !or a test. Will yo% look at yo%rsel!( at hat yo% have( a#d be co#te#t ith hat yo% seeM 9r ill yo% eagerly receive 4is gi!ts today b%t care!%lly keep a atch !or the .aster1s sig#als a#d the e#emy1s schemesM What are the re ards !or these laborsM -! yo% co%ld ask the .oravia#s this &%estio#( they o%ld i#sta#tly a#s erA FTo i# !or the /amb that as slai# the re ard o! 4is s%!!eri#gs.F The prayers o! the FpossessedF are more po er!%l tha# a#y o! %s k#o . A Germa# historia# #amed 0r. War#eck rote i# his book( Protestant Missions( FThis small Ch%rch Othe .oravia#sP i# t e#ty years "alled into being more missio#s tha# the hole 5va#gelical Ch%rch has do#e i# t o ce#t%ries.F? The ork o! the 4oly $pirit as so complete a#d deep i# the people at 4err#h%t that they literally bega# to live o%t i# microcosm the pla# o! God !or 4is spotless *ride he# 4e ret%r#sH /iste# to the ords Joh# Wesley rote a!ter visiti#g 4err#h%t i# A%g%st o! <7;>( as recorded by .oravia# historia# 8ev. Joh# Gree#!ieldA FGod has give# me at le#gth(F he rote to his brother $am%el( Fthe desire o! my heart. - am ith a Ch%rch hose co#versatio# is i# 4eave#J i# hom is the mi#d that as i# Christ( a#d ho so alk as 4e alked.F -# his Io%r#al he roteA F- o%ld gladly have spe#t my li!e hereJ b%t my .aster called me to labo%r i# a#other part o! 4is vi#eyard. 9 he# shall this Christia#ity cover the earth( as the aters cover the seaMF7

ON A WORL!WI!E SCALE
God !%lly i#te#ds to do o# a orld ide scale hat 4e did more tha# 200 years ago amo#g a divided gro%p o! believers !rom diverse backgro%#ds. 4e is o%t to raise %p a Ch%rch( a #atio# o! ki#gs a#d priests( hose determi#atio# is to k#o #othi#g amo#g me# save Jes%s Christ a#d 4im cr%ci!ied( hose theology has become Christology( a#d hose creed as i# o#e ord( the FCross.F Are yo% illi#g to be Fpossessed !or prayerFM Will yo% yield yo%rsel! as a livi#g sacri!ice this very day so that God ca# clothe yo% ith 4imsel! a#d co#d%ct ar!are !or so%lsM /ittle keys ope# big doors. What goes %p m%st come do #H The key to !%l!illme#t a#d !r%it!%l#ess i# yo%r li!e is !o%#d i# o#e ord o! eter#al sig#i!ica#ceA F6es.F 6o%r commissio# is clearA As a ki#g a#d priest clea#sed by the blood o! Jes%s( yo%r li!elo#g calli#g is to o!!er the !ire a#d i#ce#se o! prayer( praise( orship( a#d i#tercessio# to the .ost 4igh God a#d to i#tercede o# behal! o! this lost a#d dyi#g ge#eratio#. Allo the $pirit o! 'e#tecost to !all o# yo% agai# i# all o! 4is !ire a#d glory. 3i#d those o! like mi#d ho also have discovered the secrets a#d po er o! God1s altar o! prayer. Joi# ith o#e or t o others to harmo#i2e yo%r re&%ests to God as yo% restore the Watch o! the /ord i# yo%r area. Work ith yo%r pastor or ch%rch members to raise %p a

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) Fho%se o! prayer !or all #atio#sF that tr%ly !%l!ills the desire o! God.

;he "ey to fulfillment and fruitfulness in your life is found in one word of eternal significance6 ':es.'

'ray !or the harvest( !or orkers o! the harvest. $eek the !ace o! 4im ho bared 4is right arm i# Christ Jes%s a#d redeemed yo% !rom the ki#gdom o! dark#ess. The#( do a#ythi#g a#d everythi#g that 4e tells yo% to do ith all o! yo%r heart. The .oravia#s discovered the secret place o! po er called prayer. They also lived o%t a#other secret o! e!!ective Christia# livi#gGthat all men and #omen are mi#isters o! the gospel o! Jes%s a#d ste ards o! a sacred hope that m%st be tr%mpeted to h%rti#g people at every occasio#. -t is time to mo%#t the Watch o! the /ord. -t is time to light the atch !ires a#d restore the lost art o! i#tercessio#( the a#cie#t tool o! the /ord( to the Ch%rch o! the /ord. /et it begi#H

A PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
,ere % am( $ord. Possess me #ith your ,oly $ife. Tea"h me to release the highest #eapon of spiritual #arfareCthe brillian"e of your great Presen"e. $et the fire of your hot lo+e burn on the altar of my heart. $et there be fire on my altar and may it ne+er go out. Count me in. Sign me up as a #at"hman on your #all. 6estore the lost art of inter"ession. 6estore the po#er and the passion of the #at"h of the $ord. )se me in Jour End Time !rmy and set me as an inter"essor for Christ's namesake. !men.

EN!NOTES
<. 8ev. Joh# Gree#!ield( Po#er &rom on ,igh or the T#o ,undredth !nni+ersary of the Great Mora+ian 6e+i+al( 4;G;.4@G; DAtla#tic City( )JA The World Wide 8evival 'rayer .oveme#t( <B27E( 2;. 2. Gree#!ield( Po#er( <;-<@. ;. Gree#!ield( Po#er( <?-<7. @. Gree#!ield( Po#er( =@-==. =. Gree#!ield( Po#er( 2;. ?. Gree#!ield( Po#er( <B. 7. Gree#!ield( Po#er( ?;.

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BOOK TWO

POWER THRO-GH
.RA/ER

E. M. BO-N0S

!bout the !uthor

5d ard .c+e#dree *o%#ds D<>;=-<B<;E( .ethodist mi#ister a#d devotio#al riter( as bor# i# $helby Co%#ty( .isso%ri. 4e st%died la a#d as admitted to the bar at age 2<. A!ter practici#g la !or three years( he bega# preachi#g !or the .ethodist 5piscopal Ch%rch( $o%th. At the time o! his pastorate at *r%#s ick( .isso%ri( ar as declared( a#d he as made a priso#er o! ar !or re!%si#g to take the oath o! allegia#ce to the !ederal gover#me#t. A!ter his release he served as chaplai# o! the 3i!th .isso%ri regime#t D!or the Co#!ederate ArmyE %#til the close o! the ar( he# he as capt%red a#d held as a priso#er i# )ashville( Te##essee. A!ter the ar e#ded( *o%#ds served as pastor o! ch%rches i# Te##essee( Alabama( a#d $t. /o%is( .isso%ri. *o%#ds spe#t the last <7 years o! his li!e ith his !amily i# Washi#gto#( Georgia( riti#g his F$pirit%al /i!e *ooks.F

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C4A'T58 <

Men of Prayer >eeded

We are co#sta#tly o# a stretch( i! #ot o# a strai#( to devise #e methods( #e pla#s( #e orga#i2atio#s to adva#ce the Ch%rch a#d sec%re e#largeme#t a#d e!!icie#cy !or the gospel. This tre#d o! the day has a te#de#cy to lose sight o! the ma# or si#k the ma# i# the pla# or orga#i2atio#. God1s pla# is to make m%ch o! the ma#( !ar more o! him tha# o! a#ythi#g else. .e# are God1s method. ;he Church is loo"ing for better methods. God is loo"ing for better men. FThere as a ma# se#t !rom God hose #ame as Joh#.F The dispe#satio# that heralded a#d prepared the ay !or Christ as bo%#d %p i# that ma# Joh#. F"#to %s a child is bor#( %#to %s a so# is give#.F The orld1s salvatio# comes o%t o! that cradled $o#. Whe# 'a%l appeals to the perso#al character o! the me# ho rooted the gospel i# the orld( he solves the mystery o! their s%ccess. The glory a#d e!!icie#cy o! the gospel is staked o# the me# ho proclaim it. Whe# God declares that Fthe eyes o! the /ord r%# to a#d !ro thro%gho%t the hole earth( to sho 4imsel! stro#g i# the behal! o! them hose heart is per!ect to ard him(F 4e declares the #ecessity o! me# a#d 4is depe#de#ce o# them as a cha##el thro%gh hich to e:ert 4is po er %po# the orld. This vital( %rge#t tr%th is o#e that this age o! machi#ery is apt to !orget. The !orgetti#g o! it is as ba#e!%l o# the ork o! God as o%ld be the striki#g o! the s%# !rom its sphere. 0ark#ess( co#!%sio#( a#d death o%ld e#s%e. What the Ch%rch #eeds today is #ot more machi#ery or better( #ot #e orga#i2atio#s or more a#d #ovel methods( b%t me# hom the 4oly Ghost ca# %seGme# o! prayer( me# mighty i# prayer. The 4oly Ghost does #ot !lo thro%gh methods( b%t thro%gh me#. 4e does #ot come o# machi#ery( b%t o# me#. 4e does #ot a#oi#t pla#s( b%t me#Gme# o! prayer. do A# emi#e#t historia# has said that the accide#ts o! perso#al character have more to ith the revol%tio#s o! #atio#s tha# either philosophic historia#s or democratic <;<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) politicia#s ill allo . This tr%th has its applicatio# i# !%ll to the gospel o! Christ( the character a#d co#d%ct o! the !ollo ers o! ChristGChristia#i2e the orld( tra#s!ig%re #atio#s a#d i#divid%als. 9! the preachers o! the gospel it is emi#e#tly tr%e. The character as ell as the !ort%#es o! the gospel is committed to the preacher. 4e makes or mars the message !rom God to ma#. The preacher is the golde# pipe thro%gh hich the divi#e oil !lo s. The pipe m%st #ot o#ly be golde#( b%t ope# a#d !la less( that the oil may have a !%ll( %#hi#dered( %# asted !lo . The ma# makes the preacher. God m%st make the ma#. The messe#ger is( i! possible( more tha# the message. The preacher is more tha# the sermo#. The preacher makes the sermo#. As the li!e-givi#g milk !rom the mother1s bosom is b%t the mother1s li!e( so all the preacher says is ti#ct%red( impreg#ated by hat the preacher is. The treas%re is i# earthe# vessels( a#d the taste o! the vessel impreg#ates a#d may discolor. The ma#( the hole ma#( lies behi#d the sermo#. 'reachi#g is #ot the per!orma#ce o! a# ho%r. -t is the o%t!lo o! a li!e. -t takes 20 years to make a sermo#( beca%se it takes 20 years to make the ma#. The tr%e sermo# is a thi#g o! li!e. The sermo# gro s beca%se the ma# gro s. The sermo# is !orce!%l beca%se the ma# is !orce!%l. The sermo# is holy beca%se the ma# is holy. The sermo# is !%ll o! the divi#e %#ctio# beca%se the ma# is !%ll o! the divi#e %#ctio#. 'a%l termed it Fmy gospelFJ #ot that he had degraded it by his perso#al ecce#tricities or diverted it by sel!ish appropriatio#( b%t the gospel as p%t i#to the heart a#d li!eblood o! the ma# 'a%l( as a perso#al tr%st to be e:ec%ted by his 'a%li#e traits( to be set a!lame a#d empo ered by the !iery e#ergy o! his !iery so%l. 'a%l1s sermo#sG hat ere theyM Where are theyM $keleto#s( scattered !ragme#ts( a!loat o# the sea o! i#spiratio#H *%t the ma# 'a%l( greater tha# his sermo#s( lives !orever( i# !%ll !orm( !eat%re( a#d stat%re( ith his moldi#g ha#d o# the Ch%rch. The preachi#g is b%t a voice. The voice i# sile#ce dies( the te:t is !orgotte#( the sermo# !ades !rom memoryJ the preacher lives. The sermo# ca##ot rise i# its li!e-givi#g !orces above the ma#. 0ead me# give o%t dead sermo#s( a#d dead sermo#s kill. 5verythi#g depe#ds o# the spirit%al character o! the preacher. "#der the Je ish dispe#satio# the high priest had i#scribed i# Ie eled letters o# a golde# !ro#tletA F4oli#ess to the /ord.F $o every preacher i# Christ1s mi#istry m%st be molded i#to a#d mastered by this same holy motto. -t is a cryi#g shame !or the Christia# mi#istry to !all lo er i# holi#ess o! character a#d holi#ess o! aim tha# the Je ish priesthood. Jo#atha# 5d ards saidA F- e#t o# ith my eager p%rs%it a!ter more holi#ess a#d co#!ormity to Christ. The heave# - desired as a heave# o! holi#ess.F The gospel o! Christ does #ot move by pop%lar aves. -t has #o sel!-propagati#g po er. -t moves as the me# ho have charge o! it move. The preacher m%st imperso#ate the gospel. -ts divi#e( most disti#ctive !eat%res m%st be embodied i# him. The co#strai#i#g po er o! love m%st be i# the preacher as a proIecti#g( ecce#tric( allcomma#di#g( sel!-oblivio%s !orce. The e#ergy o! sel!-de#ial m%st be his bei#g( his heart a#d blood a#d bo#es. 4e m%st go !orth as a ma# amo#g me#( clothed ith h%mility( abidi#g i# meek#ess( ise as a serpe#t( harmless as a doveJ the bo#ds o! a serva#t ith the spirit o! a ki#g( a ki#g i# high( royal( i#depe#de#t beari#g( ith the simplicity a#d

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Men of Prayer >eeded s eet#ess o! a child. The preacher m%st thro himsel!( ith all the aba#do# o! a per!ect( sel!-emptyi#g !aith a#d a sel!-co#s%mi#g 2eal( i#to his ork !or the salvatio# o! me#. 4earty( heroic( compassio#ate( !earless martyrs m%st the me# be ho take hold o! a#d shape a ge#eratio# !or God. -! they be timid time servers( place seekers( i! they be me# pleasers or me# !earers( i! their !aith has a eak hold o# God or 4is Word( i! their de#ial be broke# by a#y phase o! sel! or the orld( they ca##ot take hold o! the Ch%rch #or the orld !or God. The preacher1s sharpest a#d stro#gest preachi#g sho%ld be to himsel!. 4is most di!!ic%lt( delicate( laborio%s( a#d thoro%gh ork m%st be ith himsel!. The trai#i#g o! the <2 disciples as the great( di!!ic%lt( a#d e#d%ri#g ork o! Christ. 'reachers are #ot sermo# makers( b%t me# makers a#d sai#t makers( a#d he o#ly is ell-trai#ed !or this b%si#ess ho has made himsel! a ma# a#d a sai#t. -t is #ot great tale#ts #or great lear#i#g #or great preachers that God #eeds( b%t me# great i# holi#ess( great i# !aith( great i# love( great i# !idelity( great !or GodGme# al ays preachi#g by holy sermo#s i# the p%lpit( by holy lives o%t o! it. These ca# mold a ge#eratio# !or God. A!ter this order( the early Christia#s ere !ormed. .e# they ere o! solid mold( preachers a!ter the heave#ly typeGheroic( stal art( soldierly( sai#tly. 'reachi#g ith them mea#t sel!-de#yi#g( sel!-cr%ci!yi#g( serio%s( toilsome( martyr b%si#ess. They applied themselves to it i# a ay that told o# their ge#eratio#( a#d !ormed i# its omb a ge#eratio# yet %#bor# !or God. The preachi#g ma# is to be the prayi#g ma#. 'rayer is the preacher1s mightiest eapo#. A# almighty !orce i# itsel!( it gives li!e a#d !orce to all. The real sermo# is made i# the closet. The ma#GGod1s ma#Gis made i# the closet. 4is li!e a#d his pro!o%#dest co#victio#s ere bor# i# his secret comm%#io# ith God. The b%rde#ed a#d tear!%l ago#y o! his spirit( his eightiest a#d s eetest messages ere got he# alo#e ith God. 'rayer makes the ma#J prayer makes the preacherJ prayer makes the pastor. The p%lpit o! this day is eak i# prayi#g. The pride o! lear#i#g is agai#st the depe#de#t h%mility o! prayer. 'rayer is ith the p%lpit too o!te# o#ly o!!icialGa per!orma#ce !or the ro%ti#e o! service. 'rayer is #ot to the moder# p%lpit the mighty !orce it as i# 'a%l1s li!e or 'a%l1s mi#istry. 5very preacher ho does #ot make prayer a mighty !actor i# his o # li!e a#d mi#istry is eak as a !actor i# God1s ork a#d is po erless to proIect God1s ca%se i# this orld.

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2ur Suffi"ien"y %s of God

The s eetest graces by a slight perversio# may bear the bitterest !r%it. The s%# gives li!e( b%t s%#strokes are death. 'reachi#g is to give li!eJ it may kill. The preacher holds the keysJ he may lock as ell as %#lock. 'reachi#g is God1s great i#stit%tio# !or the pla#ti#g a#d mat%ri#g o! spirit%al li!e. Whe# properly e:ec%ted( its be#e!its are %#toldJ he# ro#gly e:ec%ted( #o evil ca# e:ceed its damagi#g res%lts. -t is a# easy matter to destroy the !lock i! the shepherd be %# ary or the past%re be destroyed( easy to capt%re the citadel i! the atchme# be asleep or the !ood a#d ater be poiso#ed. -#vested ith s%ch gracio%s prerogatives( e:posed to so great evils( i#volvi#g so ma#y grave respo#sibilities( it o%ld be a parody o# the shre d#ess o! the devil a#d a libel o# his character a#d rep%tatio# i! he did #ot bri#g his master i#!l%e#ces to ad%lterate the preacher a#d the preachi#g. -# !ace o! all this( the e:clamatory i#terrogatory o! 'a%l( FWho is s%!!icie#t !or these thi#gsMF is #ever o%t o! order. 'a%l saysA F9%r s%!!icie#cy is o! God( ho also hath made %s able mi#isters o! the #e testame#tJ #ot o! the letter( b%t o! the spiritA !or the letter killeth( b%t the spirit giveth li!e.F The tr%e mi#istry is God-to%ched( God-e#abled( a#d God-made. The $pirit o! God is o# the preacher i# a#oi#ti#g po er( the !r%it o! the $pirit is i# his heart( the $pirit o! God has vitali2ed the ma# a#d the ordJ his preachi#g gives li!e( gives li!e as the spri#g gives li!eJ gives li!e as the res%rrectio# gives li!eJ gives arde#t li!e as the s%mmer gives arde#t li!eJ gives !r%it!%l li!e as the a%t%m# gives !r%it!%l li!e. The li!e-givi#g preacher is a ma# o! God( hose heart is ever athirst !or God( hose so%l is ever !ollo i#g hard a!ter God( hose eye is si#gle to God( a#d i# hom by the po er o! God1s $pirit the !lesh a#d the orld have bee# cr%ci!ied a#d his mi#istry is like the ge#ero%s !lood o! a li!e-givi#g river. The preachi#g that kills is #o#-spirit%al preachi#g. The ability o! the preachi#g is #ot !rom God. /o er so%rces tha# God have give# to it e#ergy a#d stim%la#t. The $pirit is #ot evide#t i# the preacher #or his preachi#g. .a#y ki#ds o! !orces may be proIected a#d <;=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) stim%lated by preachi#g that kills( b%t they are #ot spirit%al !orces. They may resemble spirit%al !orces( b%t are o#ly the shado ( the co%#ter!eitJ li!e they may seem to have( b%t the li!e is mag#eti2ed. The preachi#g that kills is the letterJ shapely a#d orderly it may be( b%t it is the letter still( the dry( h%sky letter( the empty( bald shell. The letter may have the germ o! li!e i# it( b%t it has #o breath o! spri#g to evoke itJ i#ter seeds they are( as hard as the i#ter1s soil( as icy as the i#ter1s air( #o tha i#g #or germi#ati#g by them. This letter-preachi#g has the tr%th. *%t eve# divi#e tr%th has #o li!e-givi#g e#ergy alo#eJ it m%st be e#ergi2ed by the $pirit( ith all God1s !orces at its back. Tr%th %#&%icke#ed by God1s $pirit deade#s as m%ch as( or more tha#( error. -t may be the tr%th itho%t admi:t%reJ b%t itho%t the $pirit its shade a#d to%ch are deadly( its tr%th error( its light dark#ess. The letter-preachi#g is %#ctio#less( #either mello ed #or oiled by the $pirit. There may be tears( b%t tears ca##ot r%# God1s machi#eryJ tears may be b%t s%mmer1s breath o# a s#o -covered iceberg( #othi#g b%t s%r!ace sl%sh. 3eeli#gs a#d ear#est#ess there may be( b%t it is the emotio# o! the actor a#d the ear#est#ess o! the attor#ey. The preacher may !eel !rom the ki#dli#g o! his o # sparks( be elo&%e#t over his o # e:egesis( ear#est i# deliveri#g the prod%ct o! his o # brai#J the pro!essor may %s%rp the place a#d imitate the !ire o! the apostleJ brai#s a#d #erves may serve the place a#d !eig# the ork o! God1s $pirit( a#d by these !orces the letter may glo a#d sparkle like a# ill%mi#ed te:t( b%t the glo a#d sparkle ill be as barre# o! li!e as the !ield so # ith pearls. The death-deali#g eleme#t lies back o! the ords( back o! the sermo#( back o! the occasio#( back o! the ma##er( back o! the actio#. The great hi#dra#ce is i# the preacher himsel!. 4e has #ot i# himsel! the mighty li!e-creati#g !orces. There may be #o disco%#t o# his orthodo:y( ho#esty( clea##ess( or ear#est#essJ b%t someho the ma#( the i##er ma#( i# its secret places has #ever broke# do # a#d s%rre#dered to God( his i##er li!e is #ot a great high ay !or the tra#smissio# o! God1s message( God1s po er. $omeho sel! a#d #ot God r%les i# the holy o! holiest. $ome here( all %#co#scio%s to himsel!( some spirit%al #o#co#d%ctor has to%ched his i##er bei#g( a#d the divi#e c%rre#t has bee# arrested. 4is i##er bei#g has #ever !elt its thoro%gh spirit%al ba#kr%ptcy( its %tter po erless#essJ he has #ever lear#ed to cry o%t ith a# i#e!!able cry o! sel!-despair a#d sel!-helpless#ess till God1s po er a#d God1s !ire comes i# a#d !ills( p%ri!ies( empo ers. $el!-esteem( sel!-ability i# some per#icio%s shape has de!amed a#d violated the temple that sho%ld be held sacred !or God. /i!e-givi#g preachi#g costs the preacher m%ch Gdeath to sel!( cr%ci!i:io# to the orld( the travail o! his o # so%l. Cr%ci!ied preachi#g o#ly ca# give li!e. Cr%ci!ied preachi#g ca# come o#ly !rom a cr%ci!ied ma#.

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C4A'T58 ;

The $etter -illeth

The preachi#g that kills may be( a#d o!te# is( orthodo:Gdogmatically( i#violably orthodo:. We love orthodo:y. -t is good. -t is the best. -t is the clea#( clear-c%t teachi#g o! God1s Word( the trophies o# by tr%th i# its co#!lict ith error( the levees that !aith has raised agai#st the desolati#g !loods o! ho#est or reckless misbelie! or %#belie!J b%t orthodo:y( clear a#d hard as crystal( s%spicio%s a#d milita#t( may be b%t the letter ellshaped( ell-#amed( a#d ell-lear#ed( the letter hich kills. )othi#g is so dead as a dead orthodo:y( too dead to spec%late( too dead to thi#k( to st%dy( or to pray. The preachi#g that kills may have i#sight a#d grasp o! pri#ciples( may be scholarly a#d critical i# taste( may have every mi#%tia o! the derivatio# a#d grammar o! the letter( may be able to trim the letter i#to its per!ect patter#( a#d ill%me it as 'lato a#d Cicero may be ill%mi#ed( may st%dy it as a la yer st%dies his te:tbooks to !orm his brie! or to de!e#d his case( a#d yet be like a !rost( a killi#g !rost. /etter-preachi#g may be elo&%e#t( e#ameled ith poetry a#d rhetoric( spri#kled ith prayer spiced ith se#satio#( ill%mi#ed by ge#i%s a#d yet these be b%t the massive or chaste( costly mo%#ti#gs( the rare a#d bea%ti!%l !lo ers hich coffin the corpse. The preachi#g that kills may be itho%t scholarship( %#marked by a#y !resh#ess o! tho%ght or !eeli#g( clothed i# tasteless ge#eralities or vapid specialties( ith style irreg%lar( slove#ly( savori#g #either o! closet #or o! st%dy( graced #either by tho%ght( e:pressio#( or prayer. "#der s%ch preachi#g ho ide a#d %tter the desolatio#H 4o pro!o%#d the spirit%al deathH This letter-preachi#g deals ith the s%r!ace a#d shado o! thi#gs( a#d #ot the thi#gs themselves. -t does #ot pe#etrate the i##er part. -t has #o deep i#sight i#to( #o stro#g grasp o!( the hidde# li!e o! God1s Word. -t is tr%e to the o%tside( b%t the o%tside is the h%ll that m%st be broke# a#d pe#etrated !or the ker#el. The letter may be dressed so as to attract a#d be !ashio#able( b%t the attractio# is #ot to ard God #or is the !ashio# !or 4eave#. <;7

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) The !ail%re is i# the preacher. God has #ot made him. 4e has #ever bee# i# the ha#ds o! God like clay i# the ha#ds o! the potter. 4e has bee# b%sy abo%t the sermo#( its tho%ght a#d !i#ish( its dra i#g a#d impressive !orcesJ b%t the deep thi#gs o! God have #ever bee# so%ght( st%died( !athomed( e:perie#ced by him. 4e has #ever stood be!ore Fthe thro#e high a#d li!ted %p(F #ever heard the seraphim so#g( #ever see# the visio# #or !elt the r%sh o! that a !%l holi#ess( a#d cried o%t i# %tter aba#do# a#d despair %#der the se#se o! eak#ess a#d g%ilt( a#d had his li!e re#e ed( his heart to%ched( p%rged( i#!lamed by the live coal !rom God1s altar. 4is mi#istry may dra people to him( to the Ch%rch( to the !orm a#d ceremo#yJ b%t #o tr%e dra i#gs to God( #o s eet( holy( divi#e comm%#io# i#d%ced. The Ch%rch has bee# !rescoed b%t #ot edi!ied( pleased b%t #ot sa#cti!ied. /i!e is s%ppressedJ a chill is o# the s%mmer airJ the soil is baked. The city o! o%r God becomes the city o! the deadJ the Ch%rch a graveyard( #ot a# embattled army. 'raise a#d prayer are sti!ledJ orship is dead. The preacher a#d the preachi#g have helped si#( #ot holi#essJ peopled hell( #ot 4eave#. 'reachi#g that kills is prayerless preachi#g. Witho%t prayer the preacher creates death( a#d #ot li!e. The preacher ho is !eeble i# prayer is !eeble i# li!e-givi#g !orces. The preacher ho has retired prayer as a co#spic%o%s a#d largely prevaili#g eleme#t i# his o # character has shor# his preachi#g o! its disti#ctive li!e-givi#g po er. 'ro!essio#al prayi#g there is a#d ill be( b%t pro!essio#al prayi#g helps the preachi#g to its deadly ork. 'ro!essio#al prayi#g chills a#d kills both preachi#g a#d prayi#g. .%ch o! the la: devotio# a#d la2y( irrevere#t attit%des i# co#gregatio#al prayi#g are attrib%table to pro!essio#al prayi#g i# the p%lpit. /o#g( disc%rsive( dry( a#d i#a#e are the prayers i# ma#y p%lpits. Witho%t %#ctio# or heart( they !all like a killi#g !rost o# all the graces o! orship. 0eath-deali#g prayers they are. 5very vestige o! devotio# has perished %#der their breath. The deader they are the lo#ger they gro . A plea !or short prayi#g( live prayi#g( real heart prayi#g( prayi#g by the 4oly $piritGdirect( speci!ic( arde#t( simple( %#ct%o%s i# the p%lpitGis i# order. A school to teach preachers ho to pray( as God co%#ts prayi#g( o%ld be more be#e!icial to tr%e piety( tr%e orship( a#d tr%e preachi#g tha# all theological schools. $topH 'a%seH Co#siderH Where are eM What are e doi#gM 'reachi#g to killM 'rayi#g to killM 'rayi#g to GodH The great God( the .aker o! all orlds( the J%dge o! all me#H What revere#ceH What simplicityH What si#cerityH What tr%th i# the i# ard parts is dema#dedH 4o real e m%st beH 4o heartyH 'rayer to God the #oblest e:ercise( the lo!tiest e!!ort o! ma#( the most real thi#gH $hall e #ot discard !orever acc%rsed preachi#g that kills a#d prayer that kills( a#d do the real thi#g( the mightiest thi#gGprayer!%l prayi#g( li!e-creati#g preachi#g( bri#g the mightiest !orce to bear o# 4eave# a#d earth a#d dra o# God1s e:ha%stless a#d ope# treas%re !or the #eed a#d beggary o! ma#M

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C4A'T58 @

Tenden"ies to e !+oided

There are t o e:treme te#de#cies i# the mi#istry. The o#e is to sh%t itsel! o%t !rom i#terco%rse ith the people. The mo#k( the hermit ere ill%stratio#s o! thisJ they sh%t themselves o%t !rom me# to be more ith God. They !ailed( o! co%rse. 9%r bei#g ith God is o! %se o#ly as e e:pe#d its priceless be#e!its o# me#. This age( #either ith preacher #or ith people( is m%ch i#te#t o# God. 9%r ha#keri#g is #ot that ay. We sh%t o%rselves to o%r st%dy( e become st%de#ts( book orms( *ible orms( sermo# makers( #oted !or literat%re( tho%ght( a#d sermo#sJ b%t the people a#d God( here are theyM 9%t o! heart( o%t o! mi#d. 'reachers ho are great thi#kers( great st%de#ts( m%st be the greatest o! prayers( or else they ill be the greatest o! backsliders( heartless pro!essio#als( ratio#alistic( less tha# the least o! preachers i# God1s estimate. The other te#de#cy is to thoro%ghly pop%lari2e the mi#istry. 4e is #o lo#ger God1s ma#( b%t a ma# o! a!!airs( o! the people. 4e prays #ot( beca%se his missio# is to the people. -! he ca# move the people( create a# i#terest( a se#satio# i# !avor o! religio#( a# i#terest i# Ch%rch orkGhe is satis!ied. 4is perso#al relatio# to God is #o !actor i# his ork. 'rayer has little or #o place i# his pla#s. The disaster a#d r%i# o! s%ch a mi#istry ca##ot be comp%ted by earthly arithmetic. What the preacher is i# prayer to God( !or himsel!( !or his people( so is his po er !or real good to me#( so is his tr%e !r%it!%l#ess( his tr%e !idelity to God( to ma#( !or time( !or eter#ity. -t is impossible !or the preacher to keep his spirit i# harmo#y ith the divi#e #at%re o! his high calli#g itho%t m%ch prayer. That the preacher by di#t o! d%ty a#d laborio%s !idelity to the ork a#d ro%ti#e o! the mi#istry ca# keep himsel! i# trim a#d !it#ess is a serio%s mistake. 5ve# sermo#-maki#g( i#cessa#t a#d ta:i#g as a# art( as a d%ty( as a ork( or as a pleas%re( ill e#gross a#d harde#( ill estra#ge the heart( by #eglect o! prayer( !rom God. The scie#tist loses God i# #at%re. The preacher may lose God i# his sermo#. 'rayer !reshe#s the heart o! the preacher( keeps it i# t%#e <;B ith God a#d i# sympathy

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) ith the people( li!ts his mi#istry o%t o! the chilly air o! a pro!essio#( !r%cti!ies ro%ti#e a#d moves every heel ith the !acility a#d po er o! a divi#e %#ctio#. .r. $p%rgeo# saysA F9! co%rse the preacher is above all others disti#g%ished as a ma# o! prayer. 4e prays as a# ordi#ary Christia#( else he ere a hypocrite. 4e prays more tha# ordi#ary Christia#s( else he ere dis&%ali!ied !or the o!!ice he has %#dertake#. -! yo% as mi#isters are #ot very prayer!%l( yo% are to be pitied. -! yo% become la: i# sacred devotio#( #ot o#ly ill yo% #eed to be pitied b%t yo%r people also( a#d the day cometh i# hich yo% shall be ashamed a#d co#!o%#ded. All o%r libraries a#d st%dies are mere empti#ess compared ith o%r closets. 9%r seaso#s o! !asti#g a#d prayer at the Taber#acle have bee# high days i#deedJ #ever has 4eave#1s gate stood iderJ #ever have o%r hearts bee# #earer the ce#tral Glory.F The prayi#g that makes a prayer!%l mi#istry is #ot a little prayi#g p%t i# as e p%t !lavor to give it a pleasa#t smack( b%t the prayi#g m%st be i# the body( a#d !orm the blood a#d bo#es. 'rayer is #o petty d%ty( p%t i#to a cor#erJ #o piecemeal per!orma#ce made o%t o! the !ragme#ts o! time hich have bee# s#atched !rom b%si#ess a#d other e#gageme#ts o! li!eJ b%t it mea#s that the best o! o%r time( the heart o! o%r time a#d stre#gth m%st be give#. -t does #ot mea# the closet absorbed i# the st%dy or s allo ed %p i# the activities o! mi#isterial d%tiesJ b%t it mea#s the closet !irst( the st%dy a#d activities seco#d( both st%dy a#d activities !reshe#ed a#d made e!!icie#t by the closet. 'rayer that a!!ects o#e1s mi#istry m%st give to#e to o#e1s li!e. The prayi#g that gives color a#d be#t to character is #o pleasa#t( h%rried pastime. -t m%st e#ter as stro#gly i#to the heart a#d li!e as Christ1s Fstro#g cryi#g a#d tearsF didJ m%st dra o%t the so%l i#to a# ago#y o! desire as 'a%l1s didJ m%st be a# i# ro%ght !ire a#d !orce like the Fe!!ect%al( !erve#t prayerF o! JamesJ m%st be o! that &%ality hich( he# p%t i#to the golde# ce#ser a#d i#ce#sed be!ore God( orks mighty spirit%al throes a#d revol%tio#s. 'rayer is #ot a little habit pi##ed o#to %s hile e ere tied to o%r mother1s apro# stri#gsJ #either is it a little dece#t &%arter o! a mi#%te1s grace said over a# ho%r1s di##er( b%t it is a most serio%s ork o! o%r most serio%s years. -t e#gages more o! time a#d appetite tha# o%r lo#gest di#i#gs or richest !easts. The prayer that makes m%ch o! o%r preachi#g m%st be made m%ch o!. The character o! o%r prayi#g ill determi#e the character o! o%r preachi#g. /ight prayi#g ill make light preachi#g. 'rayer makes preachi#g stro#g( gives it %#ctio#( a#d makes it stick. -# every mi#istry eighty !or good( prayer has al ays bee# a serio%s b%si#ess. The preacher m%st be preemi#e#tly a ma# o! prayer. 4is heart m%st grad%ate i# the school o! prayer. -# the school o! prayer o#ly ca# the heart lear# to preach. )o lear#i#g ca# make %p !or the !ail%re to pray. )o ear#est#ess( #o dilige#ce( #o st%dy( #o gi!ts ill s%pply its lack. Talki#g to me# !or God is a great thi#g( b%t talki#g to God !or me# is greater still. !e will never tal" well and with real success to men for God who has not learned well how to tal" to God for men. .ore tha# this( prayerless ords i# the p%lpit a#d o%t o! it are deade#i#g ords.

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C4A'T58 =

Prayer( the Great Essential

'rayer( i# the preacher1s li!e( i# the preacher1s st%dy( i# the preacher1s p%lpit( m%st be a co#spic%o%s a#d a# all-impreg#ati#g !orce a#d a# all-colori#g i#gredie#t. -t m%st play #o seco#dary part( be #o mere coati#g. To him it is give# to be ith his /ord Fall #ight i# prayer.F The preacher( to trai# himsel! i# sel!-de#yi#g prayer( is charged to look to his .aster( ho( Frisi#g %p a great hile be!ore day( e#t o%t( a#d departed i#to a solitary place( a#d there prayed.F The preacher1s st%dy o%ght to be a closet( a *ethel( a# altar( a visio#( a#d a ladder( that every tho%ght might asce#d heave# ard ere it e#t ma# ardJ that every part o! the sermo# might be sce#ted by the air o! 4eave# a#d made serio%s( beca%se God as i# the st%dy. As the e#gi#e #ever moves %#til the !ire is ki#dled( so preachi#g( ith all its machi#ery( per!ectio#( a#d polish( is at a dead sta#dstill( as !ar as spirit%al res%lts are co#cer#ed( till prayer has ki#dled a#d created the steam. The te:t%re( !i#e#ess( a#d stre#gth o! the sermo# is as so m%ch r%bbish %#less the mighty imp%lse o! prayer is i# it( thro%gh it( a#d behi#d it. The preacher m%st( by prayer( p%t God i# the sermo#. The preacher m%st( by prayer( move God to ard the people be!ore he ca# move the people to God by his ords. The preacher m%st have had a%die#ce a#d ready access to God be!ore he ca# have access to the people. A# ope# ay to God !or the preacher is the s%rest pledge o! a# ope# ay to the people. -t is #ecessary to iterate a#d reiterate that prayer( as a mere habit( as a per!orma#ce go#e thro%gh by ro%ti#e or i# a pro!essio#al ay( is a dead a#d rotte# thi#g. $%ch prayi#g has #o co##ectio# ith the prayi#g !or hich e plead. We are stressi#g tr%e prayi#g( hich e#gages a#d sets o# !ire every high eleme#t o! the preacher1s bei#gGprayer that is bor# o! vital o#e#ess ith Christ a#d the !%ll#ess o! the 4oly Ghost( hich spri#gs !rom the deep( over!lo i#g !o%#tai#s o! te#der compassio#( deathless solicit%de !or ma#1s eter#al goodJ a co#s%mi#g 2eal !or the glory o! GodJ a thoro%gh co#victio# o! the <@<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) preacher1s di!!ic%lt a#d delicate ork a#d o! the imperative #eed o! God1s mightiest help. 'rayi#g gro%#ded o# these solem# a#d pro!o%#d co#victio#s is the o#ly tr%e prayi#g. 'reachi#g backed by s%ch prayi#g is the o#ly preachi#g that so s the seeds o! eter#al li!e i# h%ma# hearts a#d b%ilds me# %p !or 4eave#. -t is tr%e that there may be pop%lar preachi#g( pleasa#t preachi#g( taki#g preachi#g( preachi#g o! m%ch i#tellect%al( literary( a#d brai#y !orce( ith its meas%re a#d !orm o! good( ith little or #o prayi#gJ b%t the preachi#g that sec%res God1s e#d i# preachi#g m%st be bor# o! prayer !rom te:t to e:ordi%m( delivered ith the e#ergy a#d spirit o! prayer( !ollo ed a#d made to germi#ate( a#d kept i# vital !orce i# the hearts o! the hearers by the preacher1s prayers( lo#g a!ter the occasio# has past. We may e:c%se the spirit%al poverty o! o%r preachi#g i# ma#y ays( b%t the tr%e secret ill be !o%#d i# the lack o! %rge#t prayer !or God1s prese#ce i# the po er o! the 4oly $pirit. There are preachers i##%merable ho ca# deliver master!%l sermo#s a!ter their orderJ b%t the e!!ects are short-lived a#d do #ot e#ter as a !actor at all i#to the regio#s o! the spirit here the !ear!%l ar bet ee# God a#d sata#( 4eave# a#d hell( is bei#g aged beca%se they are #ot made po er!%lly milita#t a#d spirit%ally victorio%s by prayer. The preachers ho gai# mighty res%lts !or God are the me# ho have prevailed i# their pleadi#gs ith God ere ve#t%ri#g to plead ith me#. The preachers ho are the mightiest i# their closets ith God are the mightiest i# their p%lpits ith me#. 'reachers are h%ma# !olks( a#d are e:posed to a#d o!te# ca%ght by the stro#g dri!ti#gs o! h%ma# c%rre#ts. 'rayi#g is spirit%al orkJ a#d h%ma# #at%re does #ot like ta:i#g( spirit%al ork. 4%ma# #at%re a#ts to sail to 4eave# %#der a !avori#g bree2e( a !%ll( smooth sea. 'rayer is h%mbli#g ork. -t abases i#tellect a#d pride( cr%ci!ies vai#glory( a#d sig#s o%r spirit%al ba#kr%ptcy( a#d all these are hard !or !lesh a#d blood to bear. -t is easier #ot to pray tha# to bear them. $o e come to o#e o! the cryi#g evils o! these times( maybe o! all timesGlittle or #o prayi#g. 9! these t o evils( perhaps little prayi#g is orse tha# #o prayi#g. /ittle prayi#g is a ki#d o! make-believe( a salvo !or the co#scie#ce( a !arce a#d a del%sio#. The little estimate e p%t o# prayer is evide#t !rom the little time e give to it. The time give# to prayer by the average preacher scarcely co%#ts i# the s%m o! the daily aggregate. )ot i#!re&%e#tly the preacher1s o#ly prayi#g is by his bedside i# his #ightdress( ready !or bed a#d soo# i# it( ith( percha#ce the additio# o! a !e hasty s#atches o! prayer ere he is dressed i# the mor#i#g. 4o !eeble( vai#( a#d little is s%ch prayi#g compared ith the time a#d e#ergy devoted to prayi#g by holy me# i# a#d o%t o! the *ibleH 4o poor a#d mea# o%r petty( childish prayi#g is beside the habits o! the tr%e me# o! God i# all agesH To me# ho thi#k prayi#g their mai# b%si#ess a#d devote time to it accordi#g to this high estimate o! its importa#ce does God commit the keys o! 4is +i#gdom( a#d by them does 4e ork 4is spirit%al o#ders i# this orld. Great prayi#g is the sig# a#d seal o! God1s great leaders a#d the ear#est o! the co#&%eri#g !orces ith hich God ill cro # their labors.

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Prayer( the Great Essential The preacher is commissio#ed to pray as ell as to preach. 4is missio# is i#complete i! he does #ot do both ell. The preacher may speak ith all the elo&%e#ce o! me# a#d o! a#gelsJ b%t %#less he ca# pray ith a !aith that dra s all 4eave# to his aid( his preachi#g ill be Fas so%#di#g brass or a ti#kli#g cymbalF !or perma#e#t God-ho#ori#g( so%l-savi#g %ses.

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C4A'T58 ?

! Praying Ministry Su""essful

-t may be p%t do # as a spirit%al a:iom that i# every tr%ly s%ccess!%l mi#istry prayer is a# evide#t a#d co#trolli#g !orceGevide#t a#d co#trolli#g i# the li!e o! the preacher( evide#t a#d co#trolli#g i# the deep spirit%ality o! his ork. a mi#istry may be a very tho%ght!%l mi#istry itho%t prayerJ the preacher may sec%re !ame a#d pop%larity itho%t prayerJ the hole machi#ery o! the preacher1s li!e a#d ork may be r%# itho%t the oil o! prayer or ith scarcely e#o%gh to grease o#e cogJ b%t #o mi#istry ca# be a spirit%al o#e( sec%ri#g holi#ess i# the preacher a#d i# his people( itho%t prayer bei#g made a# evide#t a#d co#trolli#g !orce. The preacher ho prays i#deed p%ts God i#to the ork. God does #ot come i#to the preacher1s ork as a matter o! co%rse or o# ge#eral pri#ciples( b%t 4e comes by prayer a#d special %rge#cy. That God ill be !o%#d o! %s i# the day that e seek 4im ith the hole heart is as tr%e o! the preacher as o! the pe#ite#t. A prayer!%l mi#istry is the o#ly mi#istry that bri#gs the preacher i#to sympathy ith the people. 'rayer as esse#tially %#ites to the h%ma# as it does to the divi#e. A prayer!%l mi#istry is the o#ly mi#istry &%ali!ied !or the high o!!ices a#d respo#sibilities o! the preacher. Colleges( lear#i#g( books( theology( preachi#g ca##ot make a preacher( b%t prayi#g does. The apostles1 commissio# to preach as a bla#k till !illed %p by the 'e#tecost that prayi#g bro%ght. A prayer!%l mi#ister has passed beyo#d the regio#s o! the pop%lar( beyo#d the ma# o! mere a!!airs( o! sec%larities( o! p%lpit attractive#essJ passed beyo#d the ecclesiastical orga#i2er or ge#eral i#to a s%blimer a#d mightier regio#( the regio# o! the spirit%al. 4oli#ess is the prod%ct o! his orkJ tra#s!ig%red hearts a#d lives embla2o# the reality o! his ork( its tr%e#ess a#d s%bsta#tial #at%re. God is ith him. 4is mi#istry is #ot proIected o# orldly or s%r!ace pri#ciples. 4e is deeply stored ith a#d deeply schooled i# the thi#gs o! God. 4is lo#g( deep comm%#i#gs ith God abo%t his people a#d the <@=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) ago#y o! his restli#g spirit have cro #ed him as a pri#ce i# the thi#gs o! God. The ici#ess o! the mere pro!essio#al has lo#g si#ce melted %#der the i#te#sity o! his prayi#g. The s%per!icial res%lts o! ma#y a mi#istry( the dead#ess o! others( are to be !o%#d i# the lack o! prayi#g. )o mi#istry ca# s%cceed itho%t m%ch prayi#g( a#d this prayi#g m%st be !%#dame#tal( ever-abidi#g( ever-i#creasi#g. The te:t( the sermo#( sho%ld be the res%lt o! prayer. The st%dy sho%ld be bathed i# prayer( all its d%ties so impreg#ated ith prayer( its hole spirit the spirit o! prayer. F- am sorry that - have prayed so little(F as the deathbed regret o! o#e o! God1s chose# o#es( a sad a#d remorse!%l regret !or a preacher. F- a#t a li!e o! greater( deeper( tr%er prayer(F said the late Archbishop Tait. $o may e all say( a#d this may e all sec%re. God1s tr%e preachers have bee# disti#g%ished by o#e great !eat%reA they ere me# o! prayer. 0i!!eri#g o!te# i# ma#y thi#gs( they have al ays had a commo# ce#ter. They may have started !rom di!!ere#t poi#ts( a#d traveled by di!!ere#t roads( b%t they co#verged to o#e poi#tA they ere o#e i# prayer. God to them as the ce#ter o! attractio#( a#d prayer as the path that led to God. These me# prayed #ot occasio#ally( #ot a little at reg%lar or at odd timesJ b%t they so prayed that their prayers e#tered i#to a#d shaped their charactersJ they so prayed as to a!!ect their o # lives a#d the lives o! othersJ they so prayed as to make the history o! the Ch%rch a#d i#!l%e#ce the c%rre#t o! the times. They spe#t m%ch time i# prayer( #ot beca%se they marked the shado o# the dial or the ha#ds o# the clock( b%t beca%se it as to them so mome#to%s a#d e#gagi#g a b%si#ess that they co%ld scarcely give over. 'rayer as to them hat it as to 'a%l( a strivi#g ith ear#est e!!ort o! so%lJ hat it as to Jacob( a restli#g a#d prevaili#gJ hat it as to Christ( Fstro#g cryi#g a#d tears.F They Fprayed al ays ith all prayer a#d s%pplicatio# i# the $pirit( a#d atchi#g there%#to ith all persevera#ce.F FThe e!!ect%al( !erve#t prayerF has bee# the mightiest eapo# o! God1s mightiest soldiers. The stateme#t i# regard to 5liIahGthat he F as a ma# s%bIect to like passio#s as e are( a#d he prayed ear#estly that it might #ot rai#A a#d it rai#ed #ot o# the earth by the space o! three years a#d si: mo#ths. A#d he prayed agai#( a#d the heave# gave rai#( a#d the earth bro%ght !orth her !r%itFGcomprehe#ds all prophets a#d preachers ho have moved their ge#eratio# !or God( a#d sho s the i#str%me#t by hich they orked their o#ders.

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C4A'T58 7

Mu"h Time Should e Gi+en to Prayer

While ma#y private prayers( i# the #at%re o! thi#gs( m%st be shortJ hile p%blic prayers( as a r%le( o%ght to be short a#d co#de#sedJ hile there is ample room !or a#d val%e p%t o# eIac%latory prayerGyet i# o%r private comm%#io#s ith God time is a !eat%re esse#tial to its val%e. .%ch time spe#t ith God is the secret o! all s%ccess!%l prayi#g. 'rayer that is !elt as a mighty !orce is the mediate or immediate prod%ct o! m%ch time spe#t ith God. 9%r short prayers o e their poi#t a#d e!!icie#cy to the lo#g o#es that have preceded them. The short prevaili#g prayer ca##ot be prayed by o#e ho has #ot prevailed ith God i# a mightier str%ggle o! lo#g co#ti#%a#ce. Jacob1s victory o! !aith co%ld #ot have bee# gai#ed itho%t that all-#ight restli#g. God1s ac&%ai#ta#ce is #ot made by pop calls. God does #ot besto 4is gi!ts o# the cas%al or hasty comers a#d goers. .%ch ith God alo#e is the secret o! k#o i#g 4im a#d o! i#!l%e#ce ith 4im. 4e yields to the persiste#cy o! a !aith that k#o s 4im. 4e besto s 4is richest gi!ts %po# those ho declare their desire !or a#d appreciatio# o! those gi!ts by the co#sta#cy as ell as ear#est#ess o! their import%#ity. Christ( ho i# this as ell as other thi#gs is o%r 5:ample( spe#t ma#y hole #ights i# prayer. 4is c%stom as to pray m%ch. 4e had 4is habit%al place to pray. .a#y lo#g seaso#s o! prayi#g make %p 4is history a#d character. 'a%l prayed day a#d #ight. -t took time !rom very importa#t i#terests !or 0a#iel to pray three times a day. 0avid1s mor#i#g( #oo#( a#d #ight prayi#g ere do%btless o# ma#y occasio#s very protracted. While e have #o speci!ic acco%#t o! the time these *ible sai#ts spe#t i# prayer( yet the i#dicatio#s are that they co#s%med m%ch time i# prayer( a#d o# some occasio#s lo#g seaso#s o! prayi#g as their c%stom. We o%ld #ot have a#y thi#k that the val%e o! their prayers is to be meas%red by the clock( b%t o%r p%rpose is to impress o# o%r mi#ds the #ecessity o! bei#g m%ch alo#e ith GodJ a#d that i! this !eat%re has #ot bee# prod%ced by o%r !aith( the# o%r !aith is o! a <@7

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) !eeble a#d s%r!ace type. The me# ho have most !%lly ill%strated Christ i# their character( a#d have most po er!%lly a!!ected the orld !or 4im( have bee# me# ho spe#t so m%ch time ith God as to make it a #otable !eat%re o! their lives. Charles $imeo# devoted the ho%rs !rom !o%r till eight i# the mor#i#g to God. .r. Wesley spe#t t o ho%rs daily i# prayer. 4e bega# at !o%r i# the mor#i#g. 9! him( o#e ho k#e him ell roteA F4e tho%ght prayer to be more his b%si#ess tha# a#ythi#g else( a#d - have see# him come o%t o! his closet ith a sere#ity o! !ace #e:t to shi#i#g.F Joh# 3letcher stai#ed the alls o! his room by the breath o! his prayers. $ometimes he o%ld pray all #ightJ al ays( !re&%e#tly( a#d ith great ear#est#ess. 4is hole li!e as a li!e o! prayer. F- o%ld #ot rise !rom my seat(F he said( F itho%t li!ti#g my heart to God.F 4is greeti#g to a !rie#d as al aysA F0o - meet yo% prayi#gMF /%ther saidA F-! - !ail to spe#d t o ho%rs i# prayer each mor#i#g( the devil gets the victory thro%gh the day. - have so m%ch b%si#ess - ca##ot get o# itho%t spe#di#g three ho%rs daily i# prayer.F 4e had a mottoA F4e that has prayed ell has st%died ell.F Archbishop /eighto# as so m%ch alo#e ith God that he seemed to be i# a perpet%al meditatio#. F'rayer a#d praise ere his b%si#ess a#d his pleas%re(F says his biographer. *ishop +e# as so m%ch ith God that his so%l as said to be Gode#amored. 4e as ith God be!ore the clock str%ck three every mor#i#g. *ishop Asb%ry saidA F- propose to rise at !o%r o1clock as o!te# as - ca# a#d spe#d t o ho%rs i# prayer a#d meditatio#.F $am%el 8%ther!ord( the !ragra#ce o! hose piety is still rich( rose at three i# the mor#i#g to meet God i# prayer. Joseph Allei#e arose at !o%r o1clock !or his b%si#ess o! prayi#g till eight. -! he heard other tradesme# plyi#g their b%si#ess be!ore he as %p( he o%ld e:claimA F9 ho this shames meH 0oth #ot my .aster deserve more tha# theirsMF 4e ho has lear#ed this trade ell dra s at ill( o# sight( a#d ith accepta#ce o! 4eave#1s %#!aili#g ba#k. 9#e o! the holiest a#d amo#g the most gi!ted o! $cotch preachers saysA F- o%ght to spe#d the best ho%rs i# comm%#io# ith God. -t is my #oblest a#d most !r%it!%l employme#t( a#d is #ot to be thr%st i#to a cor#er. The mor#i#g ho%rs( !rom si: to eight( are the most %#i#terr%pted a#d sho%ld be th%s employed. A!ter tea is my best ho%r( a#d that sho%ld be solem#ly dedicated to God. - o%ght #ot to give %p the good old habit o! prayer be!ore goi#g to bedJ b%t g%ard m%st be kept agai#st sleep. Whe# - a ake i# the #ight( - o%ght to rise a#d pray. A little time a!ter break!ast might be give# to i#tercessio#.F This as the prayi#g pla# o! 8obert .cChey#e. The memorable .ethodist ba#d i# their prayi#g shame %s. F3rom !o%r to !ive i# the mor#i#g( private prayerJ !rom !ive to si: i# the eve#i#g( private prayer.F Joh# Welch( the holy a#d o#der!%l $cotch preacher( tho%ght the day ill spe#t i! he did #ot spe#d eight or te# ho%rs i# prayer. 4e kept a plaid that he might rap himsel! he# he arose to pray at #ight. 4is i!e o%ld complai# he# she !o%#d him lyi#g o# the gro%#d eepi#g. 4e o%ld replyA F9 oma#( - have the so%ls o! three tho%sa#d to a#s er !or( a#d - k#o #ot ho it is ith ma#y o! themHF

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C4A'T58 >

E/amples of Praying Men

*ishop Wilso# saysA F-# 4. .arty#1s Io%r#al the spirit o! prayer( the time he devoted to the d%ty( a#d his !ervor i# it are the !irst thi#gs hich strike me.F 'ayso# ore the hard ood boards i#to grooves here his k#ees pressed so o!te# a#d so lo#g. 4is biographer saysA F4is co#ti#%i#g i#sta#t i# prayer( be his circ%msta#ces hat they might( is the most #oticeable !act i# his history( a#d poi#ts o%t the d%ty o! all ho o%ld rival his emi#e#cy. To his arde#t a#d perseveri#g prayers m%st #o do%bt be ascribed i# a great meas%re his disti#g%ished a#d almost %#i#terr%pted s%ccess.F The .ar&%is 0e8e#ty( to hom Christ as most precio%s( ordered his serva#t to call him !rom his devotio#s at the e#d o! hal! a# ho%r. The serva#t at the time sa his !ace thro%gh a# apert%re. -t as marked ith s%ch holi#ess that he hated to aro%se him. 4is lips ere movi#g( b%t he as per!ectly sile#t. 4e aited %#til three hal! ho%rs had passedJ the# he called to him( he# he arose !rom his k#ees( sayi#g that the hal! ho%r as so short he# he as comm%#i#g ith Christ. *rai#erd saidA F- love to be alo#e i# my cottage( prayer.F here - ca# spe#d m%ch time i#

William *ram ell is !amo%s i# .ethodist a##als !or perso#al holi#ess a#d !or his o#der!%l s%ccess i# preachi#g a#d !or the marvelo%s a#s ers to his prayers. 3or ho%rs at a time he o%ld pray. 4e almost lived o# his k#ees. 4e e#t over his circ%its like a !lame o! !ire. The !ire as ki#dled by the time he spe#t i# prayer. 4e o!te# spe#t as m%ch as !o%r ho%rs i# a si#gle seaso# o! prayer i# retireme#t. *ishop A#dre es spe#t the greatest part o! !ive ho%rs every day i# prayer a#d devotio#. $ir 4e#ry 4avelock al ays spe#t the !irst t o ho%rs o! each day alo#e ith God. -!

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) the e#campme#t as str%ck at ? A...( he o%ld rise at !o%r.

5arl Cair#s rose daily at si: o1clock to sec%re a# ho%r a#d a hal! !or the st%dy o! the *ible a#d !or prayer( be!ore co#d%cti#g !amily orship at a &%arter to eight. 0r. J%dso#1s s%ccess i# prayer is attrib%table to the !act that he gave m%ch time to prayer. 4e says o# this poi#tA Arra#ge thy a!!airs( i! possible( so that tho% ca#st leis%rely devote t o or three ho%rs every day #ot merely to devotio#al e:ercises b%t to the very act o! secret prayer a#d comm%#io# ith God. 5#deavor seve# times a day to ithdra !rom b%si#ess a#d compa#y a#d li!t %p thy so%l to God i# private retireme#t. *egi# the day by risi#g a!ter mid#ight a#d devoti#g some time amid the sile#ce a#d dark#ess o! the #ight to this sacred ork. /et the ho%r o! ope#i#g da # !i#d thee at the same ork. /et the ho%rs o! #i#e( t elve( three( si:( a#d #i#e at #ight it#ess the same. *e resol%te i# his ca%se. .ake all practicable sacri!ices to mai#tai# it. Co#sider that thy time is short( a#d that b%si#ess a#d compa#y m%st #ot be allo ed to rob thee o! thy God. -mpossible( say e( !a#atical directio#sH 0r. J%dso# impressed a# empire !or Christ a#d laid the !o%#datio#s o! God1s +i#gdom ith imperishable gra#ite i# the heart o! *%rmah. 4e as s%ccess!%l( o#e o! the !e me# ho mightily impressed the orld !or Christ. .a#y me# o! greater gi!ts a#d ge#i%s a#d lear#i#g tha# he have made #o s%ch impressio#J their religio%s ork is like !ootsteps i# the sa#ds( b%t he has e#grave# his ork o# the adama#t. The secret o! its pro!%#dity a#d e#d%ra#ce is !o%#d i# the !act that he gave time to prayer. 4e kept the iro# red-hot ith prayer( a#d God1s skill !ashio#ed it ith e#d%ri#g po er. )o ma# ca# do a great a#d e#d%ri#g ork !or God ho is #ot a ma# o! prayer( a#d #o ma# ca# be a ma# o! prayer ho does #ot give m%ch time to prayi#g. -s it tr%e that prayer is simply the complia#ce ith habit( d%ll a#d mecha#icalM A petty per!orma#ce i#to hich e are trai#ed till tame#ess( short#ess( s%per!iciality are its chie! eleme#tsM F-s it tr%e that prayer is( as is ass%med( little else tha# the hal!-passive play o! se#time#t hich !lo s la#g%idly o# thro%gh the mi#%tes or ho%rs o! easy reverieMF Ca#o# /iddo# co#ti#%esA F/et those ho have really prayed give the a#s er. They sometimes describe prayer ith the patriarch Jacob as a restli#g together ith a# "#see# 'o er hich may last( #ot %#!re&%e#tly i# a# ear#est li!e( late i#to the #ight ho%rs( or eve# to the break o! day. $ometimes they re!er to commo# i#tercessio# ith $t. 'a%l as a co#certed str%ggle. They have( he# prayi#g( their eyes !i:ed o# the Great -#tercessor i# Gethsema#e( %po# the drops o! blood that !all to the gro%#d i# that ago#y o! resig#atio# a#d sacri!ice. -mport%#ity is o! the esse#ce o! s%ccess!%l prayer. -mport%#ity mea#s #ot dreami#ess b%t s%stai#ed ork. -t is thro%gh prayer especially that the ki#gdom o! 4eave# s%!!ereth viole#ce a#d the viole#t take it by !orce.F -t as a sayi#g o! the late *ishop 4amilto# that F)o ma# is likely to do m%ch good i# prayer ho does #ot begi# by looki#g %po# it i# the light o! a ork to be prepared !or a#d persevered i# ith all the ear#est#ess hich e bri#g to bear %po# s%bIects hich are i# o%r opi#io# <=0

E/amples of Praying Men at o#ce most i#teresti#g a#d most #ecessary.F

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C4A'T58 B

egin the 8ay With Prayer

The me# ho have do#e the most !or God i# this orld have bee# early o# their k#ees. 4e ho !ritters a ay the early mor#i#g( its opport%#ity a#d !resh#ess( i# other p%rs%its tha# seeki#g God ill make poor head ay seeki#g 4im the rest o! the day. -! God is #ot !irst i# o%r tho%ghts a#d e!!orts i# the mor#i#g( 4e ill be i# the last place the remai#der o! the day. *ehi#d this early risi#g a#d early prayi#g is the arde#t desire that presses %s i#to this p%rs%it a!ter God. .or#i#g listless#ess is the i#de: to a listless heart. The heart that is behi#dha#d i# seeki#g God i# the mor#i#g has lost its relish !or God. 0avid1s heart as arde#t a!ter God. 4e h%#gered a#d thirsted a!ter God( a#d so he so%ght God early( be!ore daylight. The bed a#d sleep co%ld #ot chai# his so%l i# its eager#ess a!ter God. Christ lo#ged !or comm%#io# ith GodJ a#d so( risi#g a great hile be!ore day( 4e o%ld go o%t i#to the mo%#tai# to pray. The disciples( he# !%lly a ake a#d ashamed o! their i#d%lge#ce( o%ld k#o here to !i#d 4im. We might go thro%gh the list o! me# ho have mightily impressed the orld !or God( a#d e o%ld !i#d them early a!ter God. A desire !or God that ca##ot break the chai#s o! sleep is a eak thi#g a#d ill do b%t little good !or God a!ter it has i#d%lged itsel! !%lly. The desire !or God that keeps so !ar behi#d the devil a#d the orld at the begi##i#g o! the day ill #ever catch %p. -t is #ot simply the getti#g %p that p%ts me# to the !ro#t a#d makes them captai# ge#erals i# God1s hosts( b%t it is the arde#t desire that stirs a#d breaks all sel!-i#d%lge#t chai#s. *%t the getti#g %p gives ve#t( i#crease( a#d stre#gth to the desire. -! they had lai# i# bed a#d i#d%lged themselves( the desire o%ld have bee# &%e#ched. The desire aro%sed them a#d p%t them o# the stretch !or God( a#d this heedi#g a#d acti#g o# the call gave their !aith its grasp o# God a#d gave to their hearts the s eetest a#d !%llest revelatio# o! God( a#d this stre#gth o! !aith a#d !%ll#ess o! revelatio# made them sai#ts by emi#e#ce( a#d the halo o! their sai#thood has come do # to %s( a#d e have e#tered <=;

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) o# the e#Ioyme#t o! their co#&%ests. *%t e take o%r !ill i# e#Ioyme#t( a#d #ot i# prod%ctio#s. We b%ild their tombs a#d rite their epitaphs( b%t are care!%l #ot to !ollo their e:amples. We #eed a ge#eratio# o! preachers ho seek God a#d seek 4im early( ho give the !resh#ess a#d de o! e!!ort to God( a#d sec%re i# ret%r# the !resh#ess a#d !%ll#ess o! 4is po er that 4e may be as the de to them( !%ll o! glad#ess a#d stre#gth( thro%gh all the heat a#d labor o! the day. 9%r la2i#ess a!ter God is o%r cryi#g si#. The childre# o! this orld are !ar iser tha# e. They are at it early a#d late. We do #ot seek God ith ardor a#d dilige#ce. )o ma# gets God ho does #ot !ollo hard a!ter 4im( a#d #o so%l !ollo s hard a!ter God ho is #ot a!ter 4im i# early mor#.

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10

Prayer and 8e+otion )nited

)ever as there greater #eed !or sai#tly me# a#d ome#J more imperative still is the call !or sai#tly( God-devoted preachers. The orld moves ith giga#tic strides. $ata# has his hold a#d r%le o# the orld( a#d labors to make all its moveme#ts s%bserve his e#ds. 8eligio# m%st do its best ork( prese#t its most attractive a#d per!ect models. *y every mea#s( moder# sai#thood m%st be i#spired by the lo!tiest ideals a#d by the largest possibilities thro%gh the $pirit. 'a%l lived o# his k#ees( that the 5phesia# Ch%rch might meas%re the heights( breadths( a#d depths o! a# %#meas%rable sai#tli#ess( a#d Fbe !illed ith all the !%ll#ess o! God.F 5paphras laid himsel! o%t ith the e:ha%stive toil a#d stre#%o%s co#!lict o! !erve#t prayer( that the Colossia# Ch%rch might Fsta#d per!ect a#d complete i# all the ill o! God.F 5very here( everythi#g i# apostolic times as o# the stretch that the people o! God might each a#d Fall come i# the %#ity o! the !aith( a#d o! the k#o ledge o! the $o# o! God( %#to a per!ect ma#( %#to the meas%re o! the stat%re o! the !%ll#ess o! Christ.F )o premi%m as give# to d ar!sJ #o e#co%rageme#t to a# old babyhood. The babies ere to gro J the old( i#stead o! !eeble#ess a#d i#!irmities( ere to bear !r%it i# old age( a#d be !at a#d !lo%rishi#g. The di-vi#est thi#g i# religio# is holy me# a#d holy ome#. )o amo%#t o! mo#ey( ge#i%s( or c%lt%re ca# move thi#gs !or God. 4oli#ess e#ergi2i#g the so%l( the hole ma# a!lame ith love( ith desire !or more !aith( more prayer( more 2eal( more co#secratio#Gthis is the secret o! po er. These e #eed a#d m%st have( a#d me# m%st be the i#car#atio# o! this God-i#!lamed devoted#ess. God1s adva#ce has bee# stayed( 4is ca%se crippledA 4is #ame disho#ored !or their lack. Ge#i%s Dtho%gh the lo!tiest a#d most gi!tedE( ed%catio# Dtho%gh the most lear#ed a#d re!i#edE( positio#( dig#ity( place( ho#ored #ames( high ecclesiastics ca##ot move this chariot o! o%r God. -t is a !iery o#e( a#d !iery !orces o#ly ca# move it. The ge#i%s o! a .ilto# !ails. The imperial stre#gth o! a /eo !ails. *rai#erd1s spirit ca# move it. *rai#erd1s spirit as o# !ire <==

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) !or God( o# !ire !or so%ls. )othi#g earthly( orldly( sel!ish came i# to abate i# the least the i#te#sity o! this all-impelli#g a#d all-co#s%mi#g !orce a#d !lame. 'rayer is the creator as ell as the cha##el o! devotio#. The spirit o! devotio# is the spirit o! prayer. 'rayer a#d devotio# are %#ited as so%l a#d body are %#ited( as li!e a#d the heart are %#ited. ;here is no real prayer without devotion, no devotion without prayer. The preacher m%st be s%rre#dered to God i# the holiest devotio#. 4e is #ot a pro!essio#al ma#( his mi#istry is #ot a pro!essio#J it is a divi#e i#stit%tio#( a divi#e devotio#. 4e is devoted to God. 4is aim( aspiratio#s( ambitio# are !or God a#d to God( a#d to s%ch prayer is as esse#tial as !ood is to li!e. The preacher( above everythi#g else( m%st be devoted to God. The preacher1s relatio#s to God are the i#sig#ia a#d crede#tials o! his mi#istry. These m%st be clear( co#cl%sive( %#mistakable. )o commo#( s%r!ace type o! piety m%st be his. -! he does #ot e:cel i# grace( he does #ot e:cel at all. -! he does #ot preach by li!e( character( co#d%ct( he does #ot preach at all. -! his piety be light( his preachi#g may be as so!t a#d as s eet as m%sic( as gi!ted as Apollo( yet its eight ill be a !eather1s eight( visio#ary( !leeti#g as the mor#i#g clo%d or the early de . 0evotio# to GodGthere is #o s%bstit%te !or this i# the preacher1s character a#d co#d%ct. 0evotio# to a Ch%rch( to opi#io#s( to a# orga#i2atio#( to orthodo:yGthese are paltry( misleadi#g( a#d vai# he# they become the so%rce o! i#spiratio#( the a#im%s o! a call. God m%st be the mai#spri#g o! the preacher1s e!!ort( the !o%#tai# a#d cro # o! all his toil. The #ame a#d ho#or o! Jes%s Christ( the adva#ce o! 4is ca%se( m%st be all i# all. The preacher m%st have #o i#spiratio# b%t the #ame o! Jes%s Christ( #o ambitio# b%t to have 4im glori!ied( #o toil b%t !or 4im. The# prayer ill be a so%rce o! his ill%mi#atio#s( the mea#s o! perpet%al adva#ce( the ga%ge o! his s%ccess. The perpet%al aim( the o#ly ambitio#( the preacher ca# cherish is to have God ith him. )ever did the ca%se o! God #eed per!ect ill%stratio#s o! the possibilities o! prayer more tha# i# this age. )o age( #o perso#( ill be e#samples o! the gospel po er e:cept the ages or perso#s o! deep a#d ear#est prayer. A prayerless age ill have b%t sca#t models o! divi#e po er. 'rayerless hearts ill #ever rise to these Alpi#e heights. The age may be a better age tha# the past( b%t there is a# i#!i#ite dista#ce bet ee# the betterme#t o! a# age by the !orce o! a# adva#ci#g civili2atio# a#d its betterme#t by the i#crease o! holi#ess a#d Christlike#ess by the e#ergy o! prayer. The Je s ere m%ch better he# Christ came tha# i# the ages be!ore. -t as the golde# age o! their 'harisaic religio#. Their golde# religio%s age cr%ci!ied Christ. )ever more prayi#g( #ever less prayi#gJ #ever more sacri!ices( #ever less sacri!iceJ #ever less idolatry( #ever more idolatryJ #ever more o! temple orship( #ever less o! God orshipJ #ever more o! lip service( #ever less o! heart service DGod orshiped by lips hose hearts a#d ha#ds cr%ci!ied God1s $o#HEJ #ever more o! ch%rchgoers( #ever less o! sai#ts. -t is prayer-!orce that makes sai#ts. 4oly characters are !ormed by the po er o! real prayi#g. The more o! tr%e sai#ts( the more o! prayi#gJ the more o! prayi#g( the more o! tr%e sai#ts. <=?

C4A'T58 <<

11

!n E/ample of 8e+otion

God has #o ( a#d has had( ma#y o! these devoted( prayer!%l preachersGme# i# hose lives prayer has bee# a mighty( co#trolli#g( co#spic%o%s !orce. The orld has !elt their po er( God has !elt a#d ho#ored their po er( God1s ca%se has moved mightily a#d s i!tly by their prayers( holi#ess has sho#e o%t i# their characters ith a divi#e e!!%lge#ce. God !o%#d o#e o! the me# he as looki#g !or i# 0avid *rai#erd( hose ork a#d #ame have go#e i#to history. 4e as #o ordi#ary ma#( b%t as capable o! shi#i#g i# a#y compa#y( the peer o! the ise a#d gi!ted o#es( emi#e#tly s%ited to !ill the most attractive p%lpits a#d to labor amo#g the most re!i#ed a#d the c%lt%red( ho ere so a#:io%s to sec%re him !or their pastor. 'reside#t 5d ards bears testimo#y that he as Fa yo%#g ma# o! disti#g%ished tale#ts( had e:traordi#ary k#o ledge o! me# a#d thi#gs( had rare co#versatio#al po ers( e:celled i# his k#o ledge o! theology( a#d as tr%ly( !or o#e so yo%#g( a# e:traordi#ary divi#e( a#d especially i# all matters relati#g to e:perime#tal religio#. - #ever k#e his e&%al o! his age a#d sta#di#g !or clear a#d acc%rate #otio#s o! the #at%re a#d esse#ce o! tr%e religio#. 4is ma##er i# prayer as almost i#imitable( s%ch as - have very rarely k#o # e&%aled. 4is lear#i#g as very co#siderable( a#d he had e:traordi#ary gi!ts !or the p%lpit.F )o s%blimer story has bee# recorded i# earthly a##als tha# that o! 0avid *rai#erdJ #o miracle attests ith divi#er !orce the tr%th o! Christia#ity tha# the li!e a#d ork o! s%ch a ma#. Alo#e i# the savage ilds o! America( str%ggli#g day a#d #ight ith a mortal disease( %#schooled i# the care o! so%ls( havi#g access to the -#dia#s !or a large portio# o! time o#ly thro%gh the b%#gli#g medi%m o! a paga# i#terpreter( ith the Word o! God i# his heart a#d i# his ha#d( his so%l !ired ith the divi#e !lame( a place a#d time to po%r o%t his so%l to God i# prayer( he !%lly established the orship o! God a#d sec%red all its gracio%s res%lts. The -#dia#s ere cha#ged ith a great cha#ge !rom the lo est <=7

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) besotme#ts o! a# ig#ora#t a#d debased heathe#ism to p%re( devo%t( i#tellige#t Christia#sJ all vice re!ormed( the e:ter#al d%ties o! Christia#ity at o#ce embraced a#d acted o#J !amily prayer set %pJ the $abbath i#stit%ted a#d religio%sly observedJ the i#ter#al graces o! religio# e:hibited ith gro i#g s eet#ess a#d stre#gth. The sol%tio# o! these res%lts is !o%#d i# 0avid *rai#erd himsel!( #ot i# the co#ditio#s or accide#ts b%t i# the ma# *rai#erd. 4e as God1s ma#( !or God !irst a#d last a#d all the time. God co%ld !lo %#hi#dered thro%gh him. The om#ipote#ce o! grace as #either arrested #or straighte#ed by the co#ditio#s o! his heartJ the hole cha##el as broade#ed a#d clea#ed o%t !or God1s !%llest a#d most po er!%l passage( so that God ith all 4is mighty !orces co%ld come do # o# the hopeless( savage ilder#ess( a#d tra#s!orm it i#to 4is bloomi#g a#d !r%it!%l garde#J !or #othi#g is too hard !or God to do i! 4e ca# get the right ki#d o! a ma# to do it ith. *rai#erd lived the li!e o! holi#ess a#d prayer. 4is diary is !%ll a#d mo#oto#o%s ith the record o! his seaso#s o! !asti#g( meditatio#( a#d retireme#t. The time he spe#t i# private prayer amo%#ted to ma#y ho%rs daily. FWhe# - ret%r# home(F he said( Fa#d give mysel! to meditatio#( prayer( a#d !asti#g( my so%l lo#gs !or morti!icatio#( sel!-de#ial( h%mility( a#d divorceme#t !rom all thi#gs o! the orld.F F- have #othi#g to do(F he said( F ith earth b%t o#ly to labor i# it ho#estly !or God. - do #ot desire to live o#e mi#%te !or a#ythi#g hich earth ca# a!!ord.F A!ter this high order did he prayA 3eeli#g some hat o! the s eet#ess o! comm%#io# ith God a#d the co#strai#i#g !orce o! 4is love( a#d ho admirably it captivates the so%l a#d makes all the desires a#d a!!ectio#s to ce#ter i# God( - set apart this day !or secret !asti#g a#d prayer( to e#treat God to direct a#d bless me ith regard to the great ork that - have i# vie o! preachi#g the gospel( a#d that the /ord o%ld ret%r# to me a#d sho me the light o! 4is co%#te#a#ce. - had little li!e a#d po er i# the !ore#oo#. )ear the middle o! the a!ter#oo# God e#abled me to restle arde#tly i# i#tercessio# !or my abse#t !rie#ds( b%t I%st at #ight the /ord visited me marvelo%sly i# prayer. - thi#k my so%l as #ever i# s%ch ago#y be!ore. - !elt #o restrai#t( !or the treas%res o! divi#e grace ere ope#ed to me. - restled !or abse#t !rie#ds( !or the i#gatheri#g o! so%ls( !or m%ltit%des o! poor so%ls( a#d !or ma#y that - tho%ght ere the childre# o! God( perso#ally( i# ma#y dista#t places. - as i# s%ch ago#y !rom s%# hal! a# ho%r high till #ear dark that - as all over et ith s eat( b%t yet it seemed to me - had do#e #othi#g. 9( my dear $avio%r did s eat blood !or poor so%lsH - lo#ged !or more compassio# to ard them. - !elt still i# a s eet !rame( %#der a se#se o! divi#e love a#d grace( a#d e#t to bed i# s%ch a !rame( ith my heart set o# God. -t as prayer that gave to his li!e a#d mi#istry their marvelo%s po er.

The me# o! mighty prayer are me# o! spirit%al might. 'rayers #ever die. *rai#erd1s hole li!e as a li!e o! prayer. *y day a#d by #ight he prayed. *e!ore preachi#g a#d a!ter preachi#g he prayed. 8idi#g thro%gh the i#termi#able solit%des o! the !orests he prayed. <=>

!n E/ample of 8e+otion 9# his bed o! stra he prayed. 8etiri#g to the de#se a#d lo#ely !orests( he prayed. 4o%r by ho%r( day a!ter day( early mor# a#d late at #ight( he as prayi#g a#d !asti#g( po%ri#g o%t his so%l( i#tercedi#g( comm%#i#g ith God. 4e as ith God mightily i# prayer( a#d God as ith him mightily( a#d by it he bei#g dead yet speaketh a#d orketh( a#d ill speak a#d ork till the e#d comes( a#d amo#g the glorio%s o#es o! that glorio%s day he ill be ith the !irst. Jo#atha# 5d ards says o! himA 4is li!e sho s the right ay to s%ccess i# the orks o! the mi#istry. 4e so%ght it as the soldier seeks victory i# a siege or battleJ or as a ma# that r%#s a race !or a great pri2e. A#imated ith love to Christ a#d so%ls( ho did he laborM Al ays !erve#tly. )ot o#ly i# ord a#d doctri#e( i# p%blic a#d i# private( b%t i# prayers by day a#d #ight( restli#g ith God i# secret a#d travaili#g i# birth ith %#%tterable groa#s a#d ago#ies( %#til Christ as !ormed i# the hearts o! the people to hom he as se#t. /ike a tr%e so# o! Jacob( he persevered i# restli#g thro%gh all the dark#ess o! the #ight( %#til the breaki#g o! the dayH

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12

,eart Preparation >e"essary

'rayer( ith its ma#i!old a#d ma#y-sided !orces( helps the mo%th to %tter the tr%th i# its !%ll#ess a#d !reedom. The preacher is to be prayed !orJ the preacher is made by prayer. The preacher1s mo%th is to be prayed !orJ his mo%th is to be ope#ed a#d !illed by prayer. a holy mo%th is made by prayi#g( by m%ch prayi#gJ a brave mo%th is made by prayi#g( by m%ch prayi#g. The Ch%rch a#d the orld( God a#d 4eave#( o e m%ch to 'a%l1s mo%thJ 'a%l1s mo%th o ed its po er to prayer. 4o ma#i!old( illimitable( val%able( a#d help!%l prayer is to the preacher i# so ma#y ays( at so ma#y poi#ts( i# every ayH 9#e great val%e is( it helps his heart. 'rayi#g makes the preacher a heart preacher. 'rayer p%ts the preacher1s heart i#to the preacher1s sermo#J prayer p%ts the preacher1s sermo# i#to the preacher1s heart. The heart makes the preacher. .e# o! great hearts are great preachers. .e# o! bad hearts may do a meas%re o! good( b%t this is rare. The hireli#g a#d the stra#ger may help the sheep at some poi#ts( b%t it is the good shepherd ith the good shepherd1s heart ho ill bless the sheep a#d a#s er the !%ll meas%re o! the shepherd1s place. We have emphasi2ed sermo#-preparatio# %#til e have lost sight o! the importa#t thi#g to be preparedGthe heart. A prepared heart is m%ch better tha# a prepared sermo#. A prepared heart ill make a prepared sermo#. ,ol%mes have bee# ritte# layi#g do # the mecha#ics a#d taste o! sermo#-maki#g( %#til e have become possessed ith the idea that this sca!!oldi#g is the b%ildi#g. The yo%#g preacher has bee# ta%ght to lay o%t all his stre#gth o# the !orm( taste( a#d bea%ty o! his sermo# as a mecha#ical a#d i#tellect%al prod%ct. We have thereby c%ltivated a vicio%s taste amo#g the people a#d raised the clamor !or tale#t i#stead o! grace( elo&%e#ce i#stead o! piety( rhetoric i#stead o! revelatio#( rep%tatio# a#d brillia#cy i#stead o! holi#ess. *y it e have lost the tr%e idea o! preachi#g( lost preachi#g po er( lost p%#ge#t <?<

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) co#victio# !or si#( lost the rich e:perie#ce a#d elevated Christia# character( lost the a%thority over co#scie#ces a#d lives hich al ays res%lts !rom ge#%i#e preachi#g. -t o%ld #ot do to say that preachers st%dy too m%ch. $ome o! them do #ot st%dy at allJ others do #ot st%dy e#o%gh. )%mbers do #ot st%dy the right ay to sho themselves orkme# approved o! God. *%t o%r great lack is #ot i# head c%lt%re( b%t i# heart c%lt%reJ #ot lack o! k#o ledge b%t lack o! holi#ess is o%r sad a#d telli#g de!ectG#ot that e k#o too m%ch( b%t that e do #ot meditate o# God a#d 4is Word a#d atch a#d !ast a#d pray e#o%gh. The heart is the great hi#dra#ce to o%r preachi#g. Words preg#a#t ith divi#e tr%th !i#d i# o%r hearts #o#co#d%ctorsJ arrested( they !all shor# a#d po erless. Ca# ambitio#( hich l%sts a!ter praise a#d place( preach the gospel o! 4im ho made 4imsel! o! #o rep%tatio# a#d took o# 4im the !orm o! a serva#tM Ca# the pro%d( the vai#( the egotistical preach the gospel o! 4im ho as meek a#d lo lyM Ca# the bad-tempered( passio#ate( sel!ish( hard( orldly ma# preach the system that teems ith lo#g-s%!!eri#g( sel!-de#ial( te#der#ess( hich imperatively dema#ds separatio# !rom e#mity a#d cr%ci!i:io# to the orldM Ca# the hireli#g o!!icial( heartless( per!%#ctory( preach the gospel that dema#ds the shepherd to give his li!e !or the sheepM Ca# the coveto%s ma#( ho co%#ts salary a#d mo#ey( preach the gospel till he has glea#ed his heart a#d ca# say i# the spirit o! Christ a#d 'a%l i# the ords o! WesleyA F- co%#t it d%#g a#d drossJ - trample it %#der my !eetJ - Dyet #ot -( b%t the grace o! God i# meE esteem it I%st as the mire o! the streets( - desire it #ot( - seek it #otMF God1s revelatio# does #ot #eed the light o! h%ma# ge#i%s( the polish a#d stre#gth o! h%ma# c%lt%re( the brillia#cy o! h%ma# tho%ght( the !orce o! h%ma# brai#s to ador# or e#!orce itJ b%t it does dema#d the simplicity( the docility( h%mility( a#d !aith o! a child1s heart. -t as this s%rre#der a#d s%bordi#atio# o! i#tellect a#d ge#i%s to the divi#e a#d spirit%al !orces that made 'a%l peerless amo#g the apostles. -t as this that gave Wesley his po er a#d radicated his labors i# the history o! h%ma#ity. This gave to /oyola the stre#gth to arrest the retreati#g !orces o! Catholicism. 9%r great #eed is heart-preparatio#. /%ther held it as a# a:iomA F4e ho has prayed ell has st%died ell.F We do #ot say that me# are #ot to thi#k a#d %se their i#tellectsJ b%t he will use his intellect best who cultivates his heart most. We do #ot say that preachers sho%ld #ot be st%de#tsJ b%t e do say that their great st%dy sho%ld be the *ible( a#d he st%dies the *ible best ho has kept his heart ith dilige#ce. We do #ot say that the preacher sho%ld #ot k#o me#( b%t he ill be the greater adept i# h%ma# #at%re ho has !athomed the depths a#d i#tricacies o! his o # heart. We do say that hile the cha##el o! preachi#g is the mi#d( its !o%#tai# is the heartJ yo% may broade# a#d deepe# the cha##el( b%t i! yo% do #ot look ell to the p%rity a#d depth o! the !o%#tai#( yo% ill have a dry or poll%ted cha##el. We do say that almost a#y ma# o! commo# i#tellige#ce has se#se e#o%gh to preach the gospel( b%t very !e have grace e#o%gh to do so. We do say that he ho has str%ggled ith his o # heart a#d co#&%ered itJ ho has ta%ght it h%mility( !aith( love( tr%th( mercy( sympathy( co%rageJ ho ca# po%r the rich treas%res o! the heart th%s trai#ed( thro%gh a ma#ly i#tellect( all s%rcharged ith the po er o! the gospel o# the co#scie#ces o! his hearersGs%ch a o#e ill be the tr%est( most s%ccess!%l preacher i# the <?2

,eart Preparation >e"essary esteem o! his /ord.

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Gra"e &rom the ,eart 6ather Than the ,ead

The heart is the $avior o! the orld. 4eads do #ot save. Ge#i%s( brai#s( brillia#cy( stre#gth( #at%ral gi!ts do #ot save. The gospel !lo s thro%gh hearts. All the mightiest !orces are heart !orces. All the s eetest a#d loveliest graces are heart graces. Great hearts make great charactersJ great hearts make divi#e characters. God is love. There is #othi#g greater tha# love( #othi#g greater tha# God. 4earts make 4eave#J 4eave# is love. There is #othi#g higher( #othi#g s eeter( tha# 4eave#. -t is the heart a#d #ot the head that makes God1s great preachers. The heart co%#ts m%ch every ay i# religio#. The heart m%st speak !rom the p%lpit. The heart m%st hear i# the pe . -# !act( e serve God ith o%r hearts. 4ead homage does #ot pass c%rre#t i# 4eave#. We believe that o#e o! the serio%s a#d most pop%lar errors o! the moder# p%lpit is the p%tti#g o! more tho%ght tha# prayer( o! more head tha# o! heart i# its sermo#s. *ig hearts make big preachersJ good hearts make good preachers. A theological school to e#large a#d c%ltivate the heart is the golde# desiderat%m o! the gospel. The pastor bi#ds his people to him a#d r%les his people by his heart. They may admire his gi!ts( they may be pro%d o! his ability( they may be a!!ected !or the time by his sermo#sJ b%t the stro#ghold o! his po er is his heart. 4is scepter is love. The thro#e o! his po er is his heart. The good shepherd gives his li!e !or the sheep. 4eads #ever make martyrs. -t is the heart that s%rre#ders the li!e to love a#d !idelity. -t takes great co%rage to be a !aith!%l pastor( b%t the heart alo#e ca# s%pply this co%rage. Gi!ts a#d ge#i%s may be brave( b%t it is the gi!ts a#d ge#i%s o! the heart a#d #ot o! the head. -t is easier to !ill the head tha# it is to prepare the heart. -t is easier to make a brai# sermo# tha# a heart sermo#. -t as heart that dre the $o# o! God !rom 4eave#. -t is heart that ill dra me# to 4eave#. .e# o! heart is hat the orld #eeds to sympathi2e ith its oe( to kiss a ay its sorro s( to compassio#ate its misery( a#d to alleviate its <?=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) pai#. Christ heart. as emi#e#tly the ma# o! sorro s( beca%se 4e as preemi#e#tly the ma# o!

FGive me thy heart(F is God1s re&%isitio# o! me#. FGive me thy heartHF is ma#1s dema#d o! ma#. A pro!essio#al mi#istry is a heartless mi#istry. Whe# salary plays a great part i# the mi#istry( the heart plays little part. We may make preachi#g o%r b%si#ess( a#d #ot p%t o%r hearts i# the b%si#ess. 4e ho p%ts sel! to the !ro#t i# his preachi#g p%ts heart to the rear. 4e ho does #ot so ith his heart i# his st%dy ill #ever reap a harvest !or God. The closet is the heart1s st%dy. We ill lear# more abo%t ho to preach a#d hat to preach there tha# e ca# lear# i# o%r libraries. FJes%s eptF is the shortest a#d biggest verse i# the *ible. -t is he ho goes !orth eepi#g D#ot preachi#g great sermo#sE( beari#g precio%s seed( ho shall come agai# reIoici#g( bri#gi#g his sheaves ith him. 'rayi#g gives se#se( bri#gs isdom( broade#s a#d stre#gthe#s the mi#d. The closet is a per!ect schoolteacher a#d schoolho%se !or the preacher. Tho%ght is #ot o#ly brighte#ed a#d clari!ied i# prayer( b%t tho%ght is bor# i# prayer. We ca# lear# more i# a# ho%r prayi#g( he# prayi#g i#deed( tha# !rom ma#y ho%rs i# the st%dy. *ooks are i# the closet that ca# be !o%#d a#d read #o here else. 8evelatio#s are made i# the closet that are made #o here else.

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)n"tion( a >e"essity

Ale:a#der +#o:( a Christia# philosopher o! the days o! Wesley( #ot a# adhere#t b%t a stro#g perso#al !rie#d o! Wesley( a#d ith m%ch spirit%al sympathy ith the Wesleya# moveme#t( ritesA -t is stra#ge a#d lame#table( b%t - verily believe the !act to be that e:cept amo#g .ethodists a#d .ethodistical clergyma#( there is #ot m%ch i#teresti#g preachi#g i# 5#gla#d. The clergy( too ge#erally have absol%tely lost the art. There is( - co#ceive( i# the great la s o! the moral orld a ki#d o! secret %#dersta#di#g like the a!!i#ities i# chemistry( bet ee# rightly prom%lgated religio%s tr%th a#d the deepest !eeli#gs o! the h%ma# mi#d. Where the o#e is d%ly e:hibited( the other ill respo#d. 0id #ot o%r hearts b%r# ithi# %sMGb%t to this devo%t !eeli#g is i#dispe#sable i# the speaker. )o ( - am obliged to state !rom my o # observatio# that this on"tion( as the 3re#ch #ot %#!itly term it( is beyo#d all compariso# more likely to be !o%#d i# 5#gla#d i# a .ethodist co#ve#ticle tha# i# a parish Ch%rch. This( a#d this alo#e( seems really to be that hich !ills the .ethodist ho%ses a#d thi#s the Ch%rches. - am( - verily thi#k( #o e#th%siastJ - am a most si#cere a#d cordial ch%rchma#( a h%mble disciple o! the $chool o! 4ale a#d *oyle( o! *%r#et a#d /eighto#. )o - m%st aver that he# as i# this co%#try( t o years ago( - did #ot hear a si#gle preacher ho ta%ght me like my o # great masters b%t s%ch as are deemed .ethodistical. A#d - #o despair o! getti#g a# atom o! heart i#str%ctio# !rom a#y other &%arter. The .ethodist preachers Dho ever - may #ot al ays approve o! all their e:pressio#sE do most ass%redly di!!%se this tr%e religio# a#d %#de!iled. - !elt real pleas%re last $%#day. - ca# bear it#ess that the preacher did at o#ce speak the ords o! tr%th a#d sober#ess. There as #o elo&%e#ceGthe ho#est ma# #ever dreamed o! s%ch a thi#gGb%t there as !ar betterA a cordial comm%#icatio# o! vitali2ed tr%th. <?7

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) say vitali2ed beca%se lived o# himsel!. hat he declared to others it as impossible #ot to !eel he

This %#ctio# is the art o! preachi#g. The preacher ho #ever had this %#ctio# #ever had the art o! preachi#g. The preacher ho has lost this %#ctio# has lost the art o! preachi#g. Whatever other arts he may have a#d retai#Gthe art o! sermo#-maki#g( the art o! elo&%e#ce( the art o! great( clear thi#ki#g( the art o! pleasi#g a# a%die#ceGhe has lost the divi#e art o! preachi#g. This %#ctio# makes God1s tr%th po er!%l a#d i#teresti#g( dra s a#d attracts( edi!ies( co#victs( saves. This %#ctio# vitali2es God1s revealed tr%th( makes it livi#g a#d li!e-givi#g. 5ve# God1s tr%th spoke# itho%t this %#ctio# is light( dead( a#d deade#i#g. Tho%gh abo%#di#g i# tr%th( tho%gh eighty ith tho%ght( tho%gh sparkli#g ith rhetoric( tho%gh poi#ted by logic( tho%gh po er!%l by ear#est#ess( itho%t this divi#e %#ctio# it iss%es i# death a#d #ot i# li!e. .r. $p%rgeo# saysA - o#der ho lo#g e might beat o%r brai#s be!ore e co%ld plai#ly p%t i#to ord hat is mea#t by preachi#g ith %#ctio#. 6et he ho preaches k#o s its prese#ce( a#d he ho hears soo# detects its abse#ce. $amaria( i# !ami#e( typi!ies a disco%rse itho%t it. Jer%salem( ith her !east o! !at thi#gs( !%ll o! marro ( may represe#t a sermo# e#riched ith it. 5very o#e k#o s hat the !resh#ess o! the mor#i#g is he# orie#t pearls abo%#d o# every blade o! grass( b%t ho ca# describe it( m%ch less prod%ce it o! itsel!M $%ch is the mystery o! spirit%al a#oi#ti#g. We k#o ( b%t e ca##ot tell to others hat it is. -t is as easy as it is !oolish( to co%#ter!eit it. "#ctio# is a thi#g that yo% ca##ot ma#%!act%re( a#d its co%#ter!eits are orse tha# orthless. 6et it is( i# itsel!( priceless( a#d beyo#d meas%re #eed!%l i! yo% o%ld edi!y believers a#d bri#g si##ers to Christ.

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15

)n"tion( the Mark of True Gospel Prea"hing

"#ctio# is that i#de!i#able( i#describable somethi#g that a# old( re#o #ed $cotch preacher describes th%sA There is sometimes some hat i# preachi#g that ca##ot be ascribed either to matter or e:pressio#( a#d ca##ot be described hat it is( or !rom he#ce it cometh( b%t ith a s eet viole#ce it pierceth i#to the heart a#d a!!ectio#s a#d comes immediately !rom the WordJ b%t i! there be a#y ay to obtai# s%ch a thi#g( it is by the heave#ly dispositio# o! the speaker. We call it %#ctio#. -t is this %#ctio# that makes the ord o! God F&%ick a#d po er!%l( a#d sharper tha# a#y t o-edged s ord( pierci#g eve# to the dividi#g as%#der o! so%l a#d spirit( a#d o! the Ioi#ts a#d marro ( a#d a dis-cer#er o! the tho%ghts a#d i#te#ts o! the heart.F -t is this %#ctio# that gives the ords o! the preacher s%ch poi#t( sharp#ess( a#d po er( a#d hich creates s%ch !rictio# a#d stir i# ma#y a dead co#gregatio#. The same tr%ths have bee# told i# the strict#ess o! the letter( smooth as h%ma# oil co%ld make themJ b%t #o sig#s o! li!e( #ot a p%lse throbJ all as peace!%l as the grave a#d as dead. The same preacher i# the mea# hile receives a baptism o! this %#ctio#( the divi#e i#!lat%s is o# him( the letter o! the Word has bee# embellished a#d !ired by this mysterio%s po er( a#d the throbbi#gs o! li!e begi#Gli!e that receives or li!e that resists. The %#ctio# pervades a#d co#victs the co#scie#ce a#d breaks the heart. This divi#e %#ctio# is the !eat%re that separates a#d disti#g%ishes tr%e gospel preachi#g !rom all other methods o! prese#ti#g the tr%th( a#d that creates a ide spirit%al chasm bet ee# the preacher ho has it a#d the o#e ho has it #ot. -t backs a#d impreg#s revealed tr%th ith all the e#ergy o! God. "#ctio# is simply p%tti#g God i# 4is o # ord a#d o# 4is o # preachers. *y mighty a#d great prayer!%l#ess a#d by co#ti#%al prayer!%l#ess( it is all pote#tial a#d perso#al to the preacherJ it i#spires a#d clari!ies his i#tellect( <?B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) gives i#sight a#d grasp a#d proIecti#g po erJ it gives to the preacher heart po er( hich is greater tha# head po erJ a#d te#der#ess( p%rity( !orce !lo !rom the heart by it. 5#largeme#t( !reedom( !%ll#ess o! tho%ght( direct#ess a#d simplicity o! %ttera#ce are the !r%its o! this %#ctio#. 9!te# ear#est#ess is mistake# !or this %#ctio#. 4e ho has the divi#e %#ctio# ill be ear#est i# the very spirit%al #at%re o! thi#gs( b%t there may be a vast deal o! ear#est#ess itho%t the least mi:t%re o! %#ctio#. 5ar#est#ess a#d %#ctio# look alike !rom some poi#ts o! vie . 5ar#est#ess may be readily a#d itho%t detectio# s%bstit%ted or mistake# !or %#ctio#. -t re&%ires a spirit%al eye a#d a spirit%al taste to discrimi#ate. 5ar#est#ess may be si#cere( serio%s( arde#t( a#d perseveri#g. -t goes at a thi#g ith good ill( p%rs%es it ith persevera#ce( a#d %rges it ith ardorJ p%ts !orce i# it. *%t all these !orces do #ot rise higher tha# the mere h%ma#. The man is i# itGthe hole ma#( ith all that he has o! ill a#d heart( o! brai# a#d ge#i%s( o! pla##i#g a#d orki#g a#d talki#g. 4e has set himsel! to some p%rpose that has mastered him( a#d he p%rs%es to master it. There may be #o#e o! God i# it. There may be little o! God i# it( beca%se there is so m%ch o! the ma# i# it. 4e may prese#t pleas i# advocacy o! his ear#est p%rpose that please or to%ch a#d move or over helm ith co#victio# o! their importa#ceJ a#d i# all this ear#est#ess may move alo#g earthly ays( bei#g propelled by h%ma# !orces o#ly( its altar made by earthly ha#ds a#d its !ire ki#dled by earthly !lames. -t is said o! a rather !amo%s preacher o! gi!ts( hose co#str%ctio# o! $cript%re as to his !a#cy or p%rpose( that he Fgre very elo&%e#t over his o # e:egesis.F $o me# gro e:ceedi#g ear#est over their o # pla#s or moveme#ts. 5ar#est#ess may be sel!ish#ess sim%lated. What o! %#ctio#M -t is the i#de!i#able i# preachi#g that makes it preachi#g. -t is that hich disti#g%ishes a#d separates preachi#g !rom all mere h%ma# addresses. -t is the divi#e i# preachi#g. -t makes the preachi#g sharp to those ho #eed sharp#ess. -t distills as the de to those ho #eed to be re!reshed. -t is ell described asA A t o-edged s ord 9! heave#ly temper kee#( A#d do%ble ere the o%#ds it made Wherever it gla#ced bet ee#. 1T as death to siltJ 1t as li!e To all ho mo%r#ed !or si#. -t ki#dled a#d it sile#ced stri!e( .ade ar a#d peace ithi#. This %#ctio# comes to the preacher #ot i# the st%dy b%t i# the closet. -t is 4eave#1s distillatio# i# a#s er to prayer. -t is the s eetest e:halatio# o! the 4oly $pirit. -t

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)n"tion( the Mark of True Gospel Prea"hing impreg#ates( s%!!%ses( so!te#s( percolates( c%ts( a#d soothes. -t carries the Word like dy#amite( like salt( like s%garJ makes the Word a soother( a# arra#ger( a revealer( a searcherJ makes the hearer a c%lprit or a sai#t( makes him eep like a child a#d live like a gia#tJ ope#s his heart a#d his p%rse as ge#tly( yet as stro#gly as the spri#g ope#s the leaves. This %#ctio# is #ot the gi!t o! ge#i%s. -t is #ot !o%#d i# the halls o! lear#i#g. )o elo&%e#ce ca# oo it. )o i#d%stry ca# i# it. )o prelatical ha#ds ca# co#!er it. -t is the gi!t o! GodGthe sig#et set to 4is o # messe#gers. -t is 4eave#1s k#ighthood give# to the chose# tr%e a#d brave o#es ho have so%ght this a#oi#ted ho#or thro%gh ma#y a# ho%r o! tear!%l( restli#g prayer. 5ar#est#ess is good a#d impressiveJ ge#i%s is gi!ted a#d great. Tho%ght ki#dles a#d i#spires( b%t it takes a divi#er e#do me#t( a more po er!%l e#ergy tha# ear#est#ess or ge#i%s or tho%ght to break the chai#s o! si#( to i# estra#ged a#d depraved hearts to God( to repair the breaches a#d restore the Ch%rch to her old ays o! p%rity a#d po er. )othi#g b%t this holy %#ctio# ca# do this.

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16

Mu"h Prayer( the Pri"e of )n"tion

-# the Christia# system( %#ctio# is the a#oi#ti#g o! the 4oly Ghost( separati#g %#to God1s ork a#d &%ali!yi#g !or it. This %#ctio# is the o#e divi#e e#ableme#t by hich the preacher accomplishes the pec%liar a#d savi#g e#ds o! preachi#g. Witho%t this %#ctio# there are #o tr%e spirit%al res%lts accomplishedJ the res%lts a#d !orces i# preachi#g do #ot rise above the res%lts o! %#-sa#cti!ied speech. Witho%t %#ctio# the !ormer is as pote#t as the p%lpit. This divi#e %#ctio# o# the preacher ge#erates thro%gh the Word o! God the spirit%al res%lts that !lo !rom the gospelJ a#d itho%t this %#ctio#( these res%lts are #ot sec%red. .a#y pleasa#t impressio#s may be made( b%t these all !all !ar belo the e#ds o! gospel preachi#g. This %#ctio# may be sim%lated. There are ma#y thi#gs that look like it( there are ma#y res%lts that resemble its e!!ectsJ b%t they are !oreig# to its res%lts a#d to its #at%re. The !ervor or so!t#ess e:cited by a pathetic or emotio#al sermo# may look like the moveme#ts o! the divi#e %#ctio#( b%t they have #o p%#ge#t( perpetrati#g heart-breaki#g !orce. )o heart-heali#g balm is there i# these s%r!ace( sympathetic( emotio#al moveme#tsJ they are #ot radical( #either si#-searchi#g #or si#-c%ri#g. This divi#e %#ctio# is the o#e disti#g%ishi#g !eat%re that separates tr%e gospel preachi#g !rom all other methods o! prese#ti#g tr%th. -t backs a#d i#terpe#etrates the revealed tr%th ith all the !orce o! God. -t ill%mi#es the Word a#d broade#s a#d e#riche#s the i#tellect a#d empo ers it to grasp a#d apprehe#d the Word. -t &%ali!ies the preacher1s heart( a#d bri#gs it to that co#ditio# o! te#der#ess( o! p%rity( o! !orce a#d light that are #ecessary to sec%re the highest res%lts. This %#ctio# gives to the preacher liberty a#d e#largeme#t o! tho%ght a#d so%lGa !reedom( !%ll#ess( a#d direct#ess o! %ttera#ce that ca# be sec%red by #o other process. Witho%t this %#ctio# o# the preacher the gospel has #o more po er to propagate itsel! tha# a#y other system o! tr%th. This is the seal o! its divi#ity. "#ctio# i# the preacher <7;

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) p%ts God i# the gospel. Witho%t the %#ctio#( God is abse#t( a#d the gospel is le!t to the lo a#d %#satis!actory !orces that the i#ge#%ity( i#terest( or tale#ts o! me# ca# devise to e#!orce a#d proIect its doctri#es. -t is i# this eleme#t that the p%lpit o!te#er !ails tha# i# a#y other eleme#t. J%st at this all-importa#t poi#t it lapses. /ear#i#g it may have( brillia#cy a#d elo&%e#ce may delight a#d charm( se#satio# or less o!!e#sive methods may bri#g the pop%lace i# cro ds( me#tal po er may impress a#d e#!orce tr%th ith all its reso%rcesJ b%t itho%t this %#ctio#( each a#d all these ill be b%t as the !ret!%l assa%lt o! the aters o# a Gibraltar. $pray a#d !oam may cover a#d spa#gleJ b%t the rocks are there still( %#impressed a#d %#impressible. The h%ma# heart ca# #o more be s ept o! its hard#ess a#d si# by these h%ma# !orces tha# these rocks ca# be s ept a ay by the ocea#1s ceaseless !lo . This %#ctio# is the co#secratio# !orce( a#d its prese#ce the co#ti#%o%s test o! that co#secratio#. -t is this divi#e a#oi#ti#g o# the preacher that sec%res his co#secratio# to God a#d 4is ork. 9ther !orces a#d motives may call him to the ork( b%t this o#ly is co#secratio#. A separatio# to God1s ork by the po er o! the 4oly $pirit is the o#ly co#secratio# recog#i2ed by God as legitimate. The %#ctio#( the divi#e %#ctio#( this heave#ly a#oi#ti#g( is hat the p%lpit #eeds a#d m%st have. This divi#e a#d heave#ly oil p%t o# it by the impositio# o! God1s ha#d m%st so!te# a#d l%bricate the hole ma#Gheart( head( spiritG%#til it separates him ith a mighty separatio# !rom all earthly( sec%lar( orldly( sel!ish motives a#d aims( separati#g him to everythi#g that is p%re a#d Godlike. -t is the prese#ce o! this %#ctio# o# the preacher that creates the stir a#d !rictio# i# ma#y a co#gregatio#. The same tr%ths have bee# told i# the strict#ess o! the letter( b%t #o r%!!le has bee# see#( #o pai# or p%lsatio# !elt. All is &%iet as a graveyard. A#other preacher comes( a#d this mysterio%s i#!l%e#ce is o# himJ the letter o! the Word has bee# !ired by the $piritJ the throes o! a mighty moveme#t are !eltJ it is the %#ctio# that pervades a#d stirs the co#scie#ce a#d breaks the heart. "#ctio#less preachi#g makes everythi#g hard( dry( acrid( dead. This %#ctio# is #ot a memory or a# era o! the past o#lyJ it is a prese#t( reali2ed( co#scio%s !act. -t belo#gs to the e:perie#ce o! the ma# as ell as to his preachi#g. -t is that hich tra#s!orms him i#to the image o! his divi#e .aster( as ell as that by hich he declares the tr%ths o! Christ ith po er. -t is so m%ch the po er i# the mi#istry as to make all else seem !eeble a#d vai# itho%t it( a#d by its prese#ce to ato#e !or the abse#ce o! all other a#d !eebler !orces. This %#ctio# is #ot a# i#alie#able gi!t. -t is a co#ditio#al gi!t( a#d its prese#ce is perpet%ated a#d i#creased by the same process by hich it as at !irst sec%redJ by %#ceasi#g prayer to God( by impassio#ed desires a!ter God( by estimati#g it( by seeki#g it ith tireless ardor( by deemi#g all else loss a#d !ail%re itho%t it. 4o a#d he#ce comes this %#ctio#M 0irect !rom God i# a#s er to prayer. 'rayi#g hearts o#ly are the hearts !illed ith this holy oilJ prayi#g lips o#ly are a#oi#ted ith this divi#e %#ctio#. <7@

Mu"h Prayer( the Pri"e of )n"tion 'rayer( m%ch prayer( is the price o! preachi#g %#ctio#J prayer( m%ch prayer( is the o#e( sole co#ditio# o! keepi#g this %#ctio#. Witho%t %#ceasi#g prayer the %#ctio# #ever comes to the preacher. Witho%t persevera#ce i# prayer( the %#ctio#( like the ma##a overkept( breeds orms.

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17

Prayer Marks Spiritual $eadership

The apostles k#e the #ecessity a#d orth o! prayer to their mi#istry. They k#e that their high commissio# as apostles( i#stead o! relievi#g them !rom the #ecessity o! prayer( committed them to it by a more %rge#t #eedJ so that they ere e:ceedi#gly Iealo%s else some other importa#t ork sho%ld e:ha%st their time a#d preve#t their prayi#g as they o%ghtJ so they appoi#ted layme# to look a!ter the delicate a#d e#grossi#g d%ties o! mi#isteri#g to the poor( that they Dthe apostlesE might( %#hi#dered( Fgive themselves co#ti#%ally to prayer a#d to the mi#istry o! the ord.F 'rayer is p%t !irst( a#d their relatio# to prayer is p%t most stro#glyGFgive themselves to it(F maki#g a b%si#ess o! it( s%rre#deri#g themselves to prayi#g( p%tti#g !ervor( %rge#cy( persevera#ce( a#d time i# it. 4o holy( apostolic me# devoted themselves to this divi#e ork o! prayerH F)ight a#d day prayi#g e:ceedi#gly(F says 'a%l. FWe ill give o%rselves co#ti#%ally to prayerF is the co#se#s%s o! apostolic devoteme#t. 4o these )e Testame#t preachers laid themselves o%t i# prayer !or God1s peopleH 4o they p%t God i# !%ll !orce i#to their Ch%rches by their prayi#gH These holy apostles did #ot vai#ly !a#cy that they had met their high a#d solem# d%ties by deliveri#g !aith!%lly God1s ord( b%t their preachi#g as made to stick a#d tell by the ardor a#d i#siste#ce o! their prayi#g. Apostolic prayi#g as as ta:i#g( toilsome( a#d imperative as apostolic preachi#g. They prayed mightily day a#d #ight to bri#g their people to the highest regio#s o! !aith a#d holi#ess. They prayed mightier still to hold them to this high spirit%al altit%de. The preacher ho has #ever lear#ed i# the school o! Christ the high a#d divi#e art o! i#tercessio# !or his people ill #ever lear# the art o! preachi#g( tho%gh homiletics be po%red i#to him by the to#( a#d tho%gh he be the most gi!ted ge#i%s i# sermo#-maki#g a#d sermo#-delivery. The prayers o! apostolic( sai#tly leaders do m%ch i# maki#g sai#ts o! those ho are #ot apostles. -! the Ch%rch leaders i# a!ter years had bee# as partic%lar a#d !erve#t i# prayi#g !or their people as the apostles ere( the sad( dark times o! orldli#ess a#d <77

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) apostasy may #ot have marred the history a#d eclipsed the glory a#d arrested the adva#ce o! the Ch%rch. Apostolic prayi#g makes apostolic sai#ts a#d keeps apostolic times o! p%rity a#d po er i# the Ch%rch. What lo!ti#ess o! so%l( hat p%rity a#d elevatio# o! motive( hat %#sel!ish#ess( hat sel!-sacri!ice( hat e:ha%stive toil( hat ardor o! spirit( hat divi#e tact are re&%isite to be a# i#tercessor !or me#H The preacher is to lay himsel! o%t i# prayer !or his peopleJ #ot that they might be saved( simply( b%t that they be mightily saved. The apostles laid themselves o%t i# prayer that their sai#ts might be per!ectJ #ot that they sho%ld have a little relish !or the thi#gs o! God( b%t that they Fmight be !illed ith all the !%ll#ess o! God.F 'a%l did #ot rely o# his apostolic preachi#g to sec%re this e#d( b%t F!or this ca%se he bo ed his k#ees to the 3ather o! o%r /ord Jes%s Christ.F 'a%l1s prayi#g carried 'a%l1s co#verts !arther alo#g the high ay o! sai#thood tha# 'a%l1s preachi#g did. 5paphras did as m%ch or more by prayer !or the Colossia# sai#ts tha# by his preachi#g. 4e labored !erve#tly al ays i# prayer !or them that Fthey might sta#d per!ect a#d complete i# all the ill o! God.F 'reachers are preemi#e#tly God1s leaders. They are primarily respo#sible !or the co#ditio# o! the Ch%rch. They shape its character( give to#e a#d directio# to its li!e. .%ch i# every ay depe#ds o# these leaders. They shape the times a#d the i#stit%tio#s. The Ch%rch is divi#e( the treas%re it e#cases is heave#ly( b%t it bears the impri#t o! the h%ma#. The treas%re is i# earthe# vessels( a#d it smacks o! the vessel. The Ch%rch o! God makes( or is made by( its leaders. Whether it makes them or is made by them( it ill be hat its leaders areJ spirit%al i! they are so( sec%lar i! they are( co#glomerate i! its leaders are. -srael1s ki#gs gave character to -srael1s piety. A ch%rch rarely revolts agai#st or rises above the religio# o! its leaders. $tro#gly spirit%al leadersJ me# o! holy might( at the lead( are toke#s o! God1s !avorJ disaster a#d eak#ess !ollo the ake o! !eeble or orldly leaders. -srael had !alle# lo he# God gave childre# to be their pri#ces a#d babes to r%le over them. )o happy state is predicted by the prophets he# childre# oppress God1s -srael a#d ome# r%le over them. Times o! spirit%al leadership are times o! great spirit%al prosperity to the Ch%rch. 'rayer is o#e o! the emi#e#t characteristics o! stro#g spirit%al leadership. .e# o! mighty prayer are me# o! might a#d mold thi#gs. Their po er ith God has the co#&%eri#g tread. 4o ca# a ma# preach ho does #ot get his message !resh !rom God i# the closetM 4o ca# he preach itho%t havi#g his !aith &%icke#ed( his visio# cleared( a#d his heart armed by his closeti#g ith GodM Alas( !or the p%lpit lips that are %#to%ched by this closet !lame. 0ry a#d %#ctio#less they ill ever be( a#d tr%ths divi#e ill #ever come ith po er !rom s%ch lips. As !ar as the real i#terests o! religio# are co#cer#ed( a p%lpit itho%t a closet ill al ays be a barre# thi#g. A preacher may preach i# a# o!!icial( e#tertai#i#g( or lear#ed b%t bet ee# this ki#d o! preachi#g a#d so i#g God1s precio%s seed prayer!%l( eepi#g hearts there is a# immeas%rable dista#ce. <7> ay itho%t prayer( ith holy ha#ds a#d

Prayer Marks Spiritual $eadership A prayerless mi#istry is the %#dertaker !or all God1s tr%th a#d !or God1s Ch%rch. 4e may have the most costly casket a#d the most bea%ti!%l !lo ers( b%t it is a !%#eral( #ot ithsta#di#g the charm!%l array. A prayerless Christia# ill #ever lear# God1s tr%thJ a prayerless mi#istry ill #ever be able to teach God1s tr%th. Ages o! mille##ial glory have bee# lost by a prayerless Ch%rch. The comi#g o! o%r /ord has bee# postpo#ed i#de!i#itely by a prayerless Ch%rch. 4ell has e#larged hersel! a#d !illled her dire caves i# the prese#ce o! the dead service o! a prayerless Ch%rch. The best( the greatest o!!eri#g is a# o!!eri#g o! prayer. -! the preachers o! the t e#tieth ce#t%ry ill lear# ell the lesso# o! prayer( a#d %se !%lly the po er o! prayer( the mille##i%m ill come to its #oo# ere the ce#t%ry closes. F'ray itho%t ceasi#gF is the tr%mpet call to the preachers o! the t e#tieth ce#t%ry. -! the t e#tieth ce#t%ry ill get their te:ts( their tho%ghts( their ords( their sermo#s i# their closets( the #e:t ce#t%ry ill !i#d a #e 4eave# a#d a #e earth. The old si#-stai#ed a#d si#-eclipsed heave# a#d earth ill pass a ay %#der the po er o! a prayi#g mi#istry.

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Prea"hers >eed the Prayers of the People

$omeho the practice o! prayi#g i# partic%lar !or the preacher has !alle# i#to dis%se or become disco%#ted. 9ccasio#ally have e heard the practice arraig#ed as a disparageme#t o! the mi#istry( bei#g a p%blic declaratio# by those ho do it o! the i#e!!icie#cy o! the mi#istry. -t o!!e#ds the pride o! lear#i#g a#d sel!-s%!!icie#cy( perhaps( a#d these o%ght to be o!!e#ded a#d reb%ked i# a mi#istry that is so derelict as to allo them to e:ist. 'rayer( to the preacher( is #ot simply the d%ty o! his pro!essio#( a privilege( b%t it is a #ecessity. Air is #ot more #ecessary to the l%#gs tha# prayer is to the preacher. -t is absol%tely #ecessary !or the preacher to pray. -t is a# absol%te #ecessity that the preacher be prayed !or. These t o propositio#s are edded i#to a %#io# that o%ght #ever to k#o a#y divorceA the preacher must pray. the preacher must be prayed for. -t ill take all the prayi#g he ca# do( a#d all the prayi#g he ca# get do#e( to meet the !ear!%l respo#sibilities a#d gai# the largest( tr%est s%ccess i# his great ork. The tr%e preacher( #e:t to the c%ltivatio# o! the spirit a#d !act o! prayer i# himsel!( i# their i#te#sest !orm( covets ith a great coveto%s#ess the prayers o! God1s people. The holier a ma# is( the more does he estimate prayerJ the clearer does he see that God gives 4imsel! to the prayi#g o#es( a#d that the meas%re o! God1s revelatio# to the so%l is the meas%re o! the so%l1s lo#gi#g( import%#ate prayer !or God. $alvatio# #ever !i#ds its ay to a prayerless heart. The 4oly $pirit #ever abides i# a prayerless spirit. 'reachi#g #ever edi!ies a prayerless so%l. Christ k#o s #othi#g o! prayerless Christia#s. The gospel ca##ot be proIected by a prayerless preacher. Gi!ts( tale#ts( ed%catio#( elo&%e#ce( God1s call( ca##ot abate the dema#d o! prayer( b%t o#ly i#te#si!y the #ecessity !or the preacher to pray a#d to be prayed !or. The more the preacher1s eyes are ope#ed to the #at%re( respo#sibility( a#d di!!ic%lties i# his ork( the more ill he see( a#d i! he be a tr%e preacher the more ill he !eel( the #ecessity o! prayerJ #ot o#ly the i#creasi#g <><

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) dema#d to pray himsel!( b%t to call o# others to help him by their prayers. 'a%l is a# ill%stratio# o! this. -! a#y ma# co%ld proIect the gospel by di#t o! perso#al !orce( by brai# po er( by c%lt%re( by perso#al grace( by God1s apostolic commissio#( God1s e:traordi#ary call( that ma# as 'a%l. That the preacher m%st be a ma# give# to prayer( 'a%l is a# emi#e#t e:ample. That the tr%e apostolic preacher m%st have the prayers o! other good people to give to his mi#istry its !%ll &%ota o! s%ccess( 'a%l is a preemi#e#t e:ample. 4e asks( he covets( he pleads i# a# impassio#ed ay !or the help o! all God1s sai#ts. 4e k#e that i# the spirit%al realm( as else here( i# %#io# there is stre#gthJ that the co#ce#tratio# a#d aggregatio# o! !aith( desire( a#d prayer i#creased the vol%me o! spirit%al !orce %#til it became over helmi#g a#d irresistible i# its po er. "#its o! prayer combi#ed( like drops o! ater( make a# ocea# that de!ies resista#ce. $o 'a%l( ith his clear a#d !%ll apprehe#sio# o! spirit%al dy#amics( determi#ed to make his mi#istry as impressive( as eter#al( as irresistible as the ocea#( by gatheri#g all the scattered %#its o! prayer a#d precipitati#g them o# his mi#istry. .ay #ot the sol%tio# o! 'a%l1s preemi#e#ce i# labors a#d res%lts( a#d impress o# the Ch%rch a#d the orld( be !o%#d i# this !act that he as able to ce#ter o# himsel! a#d his mi#istry more o! prayer tha# othersM To his brethre# at 8ome he roteA ">o# % besee"h you( brethren( for the $ord Jesus Christ's sake( and for the lo+e of the Spirit( that ye stri+e together #ith me in prayers to God for me." To the Ephesians he says5 "Praying al#ays #ith all prayer and suppli"ation in the Spirit( and #at"hing thereunto #ith all perse+eran"e and suppli"ation for all saints3 and for me( that utteran"e may be gi+en unto me( that % may open my mouth boldly( to make kno#n the mystery of the gospel." To the Colossia#s he emphasi2esA "Withal praying also for us( that God #ould open unto us a door of utteran"e( to speak the mystery of Christ( for #hi"h % am also in bonds5 that % may make it manifest as % ought to speak." To the Thessalo#ia#s he says sharply( stro#glyA " rethren( pray for us." 'a%l calls o# the Cori#thia# Ch%rch to help himA "Je also helping together by prayer for us." This as to be part o! their ork. They ere to be the helpi#g ha#d o! prayer. 'a%l( i# a# additio#al a#d closi#g charge to the Thessalo#ia# Ch%rch abo%t the importa#ce a#d #ecessity o! their prayers( saysA "&inally( brethren( pray for us( that the #ord of the $ord may ha+e free "ourse( and be glorified( e+en as it is #ith you5 and that #e may be deli+ered from unreasonable and #i"ked men." 4e impresses the 'hilippia#s that all his trials a#d oppositio# ca# be made s%bservie#t to the spread o! the gospel by the e!!icie#cy o! their prayers !or him. 'hilemo# as to prepare a lodgi#g !or him( !or thro%gh 'hilemo#1s prayer 'a%l as to be his g%est. 'a%l1s attit%de o# this &%estio# ill%strates his h%mility a#d his deep i#sight i#to the spirit%al !orces that proIect the gospel. .ore tha# this( it teaches a lesso# !or all times( that i! 'a%l as so depe#de#t o# the prayers o! God1s sai#ts to give his mi#istry s%ccess( ho m%ch greater the #ecessity that the prayers o! God1s sai#ts be ce#tered o# the mi#istry o! todayH 'a%l did #ot !eel that this %rge#t plea !or prayer as to lo er his dig#ity( lesse# his i#!l%e#ce( or depreciate his piety. What i! it didM /et dig#ity go( let i#!l%e#ce be destroyed( let his rep%tatio# be marredGhe m%st have their prayers. Called( commissio#ed( chie! o! <>2

Prea"hers >eed the Prayers of the People the Apostles as he as( all his e&%ipme#t as imper!ect itho%t the prayers o! his people. 4e rote letters every here( %rgi#g them to pray !or him. 0o yo% pray !or yo%r preacherM 0o yo% pray !or him i# secretM 5ublic prayers are o f little worth unless they are founded on or followed up by private praying. The prayi#g o#es are to the preacher as Aaro# a#d 4%r ere to .oses. They hold %p his ha#ds a#d decide the iss%e that is so !iercely ragi#g aro%#d them. The plea a#d p%rpose o! the apostles ere to p%t the Ch%rch to prayi#g. They did #ot ig#ore the grace o! cheer!%l givi#g. They ere #ot ig#ora#t o! the place that religio%s activity a#d ork occ%pied i# the spirit%al li!eJ b%t #ot o#e #or all o! these( i# apostolic estimate or %rge#cy( co%ld at all compare i# #ecessity a#d importa#ce ith prayer. The most sacred a#d %rge#t pleas ere %sed( the most !ervid e:hortatio#s( the most comprehe#sive a#d aro%si#g ords ere %ttered to e#!orce the all-importa#t obligatio# a#d #ecessity o! prayer. F'%t the sai#ts every here to prayi#gF is the b%rde# o! the apostolic e!!ort a#d the key#ote o! apostolic s%ccess. Jes%s Christ had strive# to do this i# the days o! 4is perso#al mi#istry. As 4e as moved by i#!i#ite compassio# at the ripe#ed !ields o! earth perishi#g !or lack o! laborers a#d pa%si#g i# 4is o # prayi#gG4e tries to a ake# the st%pid se#sibilities o! 4is disciples to the d%ty o! prayer as 4e charges them( "Pray ye the $ord of the har+est that ,e #ill send forth laborers into ,is har+est." "!nd ,e spake a parable unto them to this end( that men ought al#ays to pray and not to faint."

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19

8eliberation >e"essary to $argest 6esults &rom Prayer

9%r devotio#s are #ot meas%red by the clock( b%t time is o! their esse#ce. The ability to ait a#d stay a#d press belo#gs esse#tially to o%r i#terco%rse ith God. 4%rry( every here %#seemi#g a#d damagi#g( is so to a# alarmi#g e:te#t i# the great b%si#ess o! comm%#io# ith God. $hort devotio#s are the ba#e o! deep piety. Calm#ess( grasp( stre#gth( are #ever the compa#io#s o! h%rry. $hort devotio#s deplete spirit%al vigor( arrest spirit%al progress( sap spirit%al !o%#datio#s( blight the root a#d bloom o! spirit%al li!e. They are the proli!ic so%rce o! backslidi#g( the s%re i#dicatio# o! a s%per!icial pietyJ they deceive( blight( rot the seed( a#d impoverish the soil. -t is tr%e that *ible prayers i# ord a#d pri#t are short( b%t the prayi#g me# o! the *ible ere ith God thro%gh ma#y a s eet a#d holy restli#g ho%r. They o# by !e ords b%t lo#g aiti#g. The prayers .oses records may be short( b%t .oses prayed to God ith !asti#gs a#d mighty cryi#gs @0 days a#d #ights. The stateme#t o! 5liIah1s prayi#g may be co#de#sed to a !e brie! paragraphs( b%t do%btless 5liIah( ho he# Fprayi#g he prayed(F spe#t ma#y ho%rs o! !iery str%ggle a#d lo!ty i#terco%rse ith God be!ore he co%ld( ith ass%red bold#ess( say to Ahab( FThere shall #ot be de #or rai# these years( b%t accordi#g to my ord.F The verbal brie! o! 'a%l1s prayers is short( b%t 'a%l Fprayed #ight a#d day e:ceedi#gly.F The F/ord1s 'rayerF is a divi#e epitome !or i#!a#t lips( b%t the ma# Christ Jes%s prayed ma#y a# all-#ight ere 4is ork as do#eJ a#d 4is all-#ight a#d lo#g-s%stai#ed devotio#s gave to 4is ork its !i#ish a#d per!ectio#( a#d to 4is character the !%ll#ess a#d glory o! its divi#ity. $pirit%al ork is ta:i#g ork( a#d me# are loath to do it. 'rayi#g( tr%e prayi#g( costs a# o%tlay o! serio%s atte#tio# a#d o! time( hich !lesh a#d blood do #ot relish. 3e perso#s are made o! s%ch stro#g !iber that they ill make a costly o%tlay he# s%r!ace <>=

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) ork ill pass as ell i# the market. We ca# habit%ate o%rselves to o%r beggarly prayi#g %#til it looks ell to %s( at least it keeps %p a dece#t !orm a#d &%iets co#scie#ceGthe deadliest o! opiatesH We ca# slight o%r prayi#g( a#d #ot reali2e the peril till the !o%#datio#s are go#e. 4%rried devotio#s make eak !aith( !eeble co#victio#s( &%estio#able piety. ;o be little with God is to be little for God. To c%t short the prayi#g makes the hole religio%s character short( scrimp( #iggardly( a#d slove#ly. -t takes good time !or the !%ll !lo o! God i#to the spirit. $hort devotio#s c%t the pipe o! God1s !%ll !lo . -t takes time i# the secret places to get the !%ll revelatio# o! God. /ittle time a#d h%rry mar the pict%re. 4e#ry .arty# lame#ts that F a#t o! private devotio#al readi#g a#d short#ess o! prayer thro%gh i#cessa#t sermo#-maki#g had prod%ced m%ch stra#ge#ess bet ee# God a#d his so%l.F 4e I%dged that he had dedicated too m%ch time to p%blic mi#istratio#s a#d too little to private comm%#io# ith God. 4e as m%ch impressed to set apart times !or !asti#g a#d to devote times !or solem# prayer. 8es%lti#g !rom this he recordsA FWas assisted this mor#i#g to pray !or t o ho%rs.F $aid William Wilber!orce( the peer o! ki#gsA F- m%st sec%re more time !or private devotio#s. - have bee# livi#g !ar too p%blic !or me. The shorte#i#g o! private devotio#s starves the so%lJ it gro s lea# a#d !ai#t. - have bee# keepi#g too late ho%rs.F 9! a !ail%re i# 'arliame#t he saysA F/et me record my grie! a#d shame( a#d all( probably( !rom private devotio#s havi#g bee# co#tracted( a#d so God let me st%mble.F .ore solit%de a#d earlier ho%rs as his remedy. .ore time a#d early ho%rs !or prayer o%ld act like magic to revive a#d i#vigorate ma#y a decayed spirit%al li!e. .ore time a#d early ho%rs !or prayer o%ld be ma#i!est i# holy livi#g. A holy li!e o%ld #ot be so rare or so di!!ic%lt a thi#g i! o%r devotio#s ere #ot so short a#d h%rried. A Christly temper i# its s eet a#d passio#less !ragra#ce o%ld #ot be so alie# a#d hopeless a heritage i! o%r closet stay ere le#gthe#ed a#d i#te#si!ied. We live shabbily beca%se e pray mea#ly. 'le#ty o! time to !east i# o%r closets ill bri#g marro a#d !at#ess to o%r lives. 9%r ability to stay ith God i# o%r closet meas%res o%r ability to stay ith God o%t o! the closet. 4asty closet visits are deceptive( de!a%lti#g. We are #ot o#ly del%ded by them( b%t e are losers by them i# ma#y ays a#d i# ma#y rich legacies. Tarryi#g i# the closet i#str%cts a#d i#s. We are ta%ght by it( a#d the greatest victories are o!te# the res%lts o! great aiti#gG aiti#g till ords a#d pla#s are e:ha%sted( a#d sile#t a#d patie#t aiti#g gai#s the cro #. Jes%s Christ asks ith a# a!!ro#ted emphasis( F$hall #ot God ave#ge 4is o # elect hich cry day a#d #ight %#to 4imMF To pray is the greatest thi#g e ca# doJ a#d to do it ell there m%st be calm#ess( time( a#d deliberatio#J other ise it is degraded i#to the littlest a#d mea#est o! thi#gs. Tr%e prayi#g has the largest res%lts !or goodJ a#d poor prayi#g( the least. We ca##ot do too m%ch o! real prayi#gJ e ca##ot do too little o! the sham. We m%st lear# a#e the orth o! prayer( e#ter a#e the school o! prayer. There is #othi#g that it takes more time to lear#. A#d i! e o%ld lear# the o#dro%s art( e m%st #ot give a !ragme#t here a#d thereGFA little talk ith Jes%s(F as the ti#y sai#tlets si#gGb%t e m%st dema#d a#d hold

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8eliberation >e"essary to $argest 6esults &rom Prayer ith iro# grasp the best ho%rs o! the day !or God a#d prayer( or there orth the #ame. ill be #o prayi#g

This( ho ever( is #ot a day o! prayer. 3e me# there are ho pray. 'rayer is de!amed by preacher a#d priest. -# these days o! h%rry a#d b%stle( o! electricity a#d steam( me# ill #ot take time to pray. 'reachers there are ho Fsay prayersF as a part o! their program( o# reg%lar or state occasio#sJ b%t ho Fstirs himsel! %p to take hold %po# GodFM Who prays as Jacob prayedGtill he is cro #ed as a prevaili#g( pri#cely i#tercessorM Who prays as 5liIah prayedGtill all the locked-%p !orces o! #at%re ere %#sealed a#d a !ami#estricke# la#d bloomed as the garde# o! GodM Who prayed as Jes%s Christ prayed as o%t %po# the mo%#tai# 4e Fco#ti#%ed all #ight i# prayer to GodFM The apostles Fgave themselves to prayerFGthe most di!!ic%lt thi#g to get me# or eve# the preachers to do. /ayme# there are ho ill give their mo#eyGsome o! them i# rich ab%#da#ceGb%t they ill #ot Fgive themselvesF to prayer( itho%t hich their mo#ey is b%t a c%rse. There are ple#ty o! preachers ho ill preach a#d deliver great a#d elo&%e#t addresses o# the #eed o! revival a#d the spread o! the +i#gdom o! God( b%t #ot ma#y there are ho ill do that itho%t hich all preachi#g a#d orga#i2i#g are orse tha# vai#Gpray. -t is o%t o! date( almost a lost art( a#d the greatest be#e!actor this age co%ld have is the ma# ho ill bri#g the preachers a#d the Ch%rch back to prayer.

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20

! Praying Pulpit egets a Praying Pe#

9#ly glimpses o! the great importa#ce o! prayer co%ld the apostles get be!ore 'e#tecost. *%t the $pirit comi#g a#d !illi#g o# 'e#tecost elevated prayer to its vital a#d all-comma#di#g positio# i# the gospel o! Christ. The call #o o! prayer to every sai#t is the $pirit1s lo%dest a#d most e:ige#t call. $ai#thood1s piety is made( re!i#ed( per!ected( by prayer. The gospel moves ith slo a#d timid pace he# the sai#ts are #ot at their prayers early a#d late a#d lo#g. Where are the Christly leaders ho ca# teach the moder# sai#ts ho to pray a#d p%t them at itM 0o e k#o e are raisi#g %p a prayerless set o! sai#tsM Where are the apostolic leaders ho ca# p%t God1s people to prayi#gM /et them come to the !ro#t a#d do the ork( a#d it ill be the greatest ork that ca# be do#e. A# i#crease o! ed%catio#al !acilities a#d a great i#crease o! mo#ey !orce ill be the direst c%rse to religio# i! they are #ot sa#cti!ied by more a#d better prayi#g tha# e are doi#g. .ore prayi#g ill #ot come as a matter o! co%rse. The campaig# !or the t e#tieth or thirtieth ce#t%ry !%#d ill #ot help o%r prayi#g b%t hi#der i! e are #ot care!%l. )othi#g b%t a speci!ic e!!ort !rom a prayi#g leadership ill avail. The chie! o#es m%st lead i# the apostolic e!!ort to radicate the vital importa#ce and fa"t o! prayer i# the heart a#d li!e o! the Ch%rch. )o#e b%t prayi#g leaders ca# have prayi#g !ollo ers. 'rayi#g apostles ill beget prayi#g sai#ts. A prayi#g p%lpit ill beget prayi#g pe s. We do greatly #eed somebody ho ca# set the sai#ts to this b%si#ess o! prayi#g. We are #ot a ge#eratio# o! prayi#g sai#ts. )o#-prayi#g sai#ts are a beggarly ga#g o! sai#ts ho have #either the ardor #or the bea%ty #or the po er o! sai#ts. Who ill restore this breachM The greatest ill he be o! re!ormers a#d apostles( ho ca# set the Ch%rch to prayi#g. We p%t it as o%r most sober I%dgme#t that the great #eed o! the Ch%rch i# this a#d all <>B

T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) ages is me# o! s%ch comma#di#g !aith( o! s%ch %#s%llied holi#ess( o! s%ch marked spirit%al vigor a#d co#s%mi#g 2eal( that their prayers( !aith( lives( a#d mi#istry ill be o! s%ch a radical a#d aggressive !orm as to ork spirit%al revol%tio#s that ill !orm eras i# i#divid%al a#d Ch%rch li!e. We do #ot mea# me# ho get %p se#satio#al stirs by #ovel devices( #or those ho attract by a pleasi#g e#tertai#me#tJ b%t me# ho ca# stir thi#gs( a#d ork revol%tio#s by the preachi#g o! God1s Word a#d by the po er o! the 4oly Ghost( revol%tio#s that cha#ge the hole c%rre#t o! thi#gs. )at%ral ability a#d ed%catio#al adva#tages do #ot !ig%re as !actors i# this matterJ b%t capacity !or !aith( the ability to pray( the po er o! thoro%gh co#secratio#( the ability o! sel!-little#ess( a# absol%te losi#g o! o#e1s sel! i# God1s glory( a#d a# ever-prese#t a#d i#satiable year#i#g a#d seeki#g a!ter all the !%ll#ess o! GodGme# ho ca# set the Ch%rch abla2e !or GodJ #ot i# a #oisy( sho y ay( b%t ith a# i#te#se a#d &%iet heat that melts a#d moves everythi#g !or God. God ca# ork o#ders i! 4e ca# get a s%itable ma#. .e# ca# ork o#ders i! they ca# get God to lead them. The !%ll e#do me#t o! the spirit that t%r#ed the orld %pside do # o%ld be emi#e#tly %se!%l i# these latter days. .e# ho ca# stir thi#gs mightily !or God( hose spirit%al revol%tio#s cha#ge the hole aspect o! thi#gs( are the %#iversal #eed o! the Ch%rch. The Ch%rch has #ever bee# itho%t these me#J they ador# its historyJ they are the sta#di#g miracles o! the divi#ity o! the Ch%rchJ their e:ample a#d history are a# %#!aili#g i#spiratio# a#d blessi#g. A# i#crease i# their #%mber a#d po er sho%ld be o%r prayer. That hich has bee# do#e i# spirit%al matters ca# be do#e agai#( a#d be better do#e. This as Christ1s vie . 4e said( "Lerily( +erily( % say unto you( he that belie+eth on Me( the #orks that % do shall he do also3 and greater #orks than these shall he do3 be"ause % go unto My &ather." ;he past has not e,hausted the possibilities nor the demands for doing great things for God. The Ch%rch that is depe#de#t o# its past history !or its miracles o! po er a#d grace is a !alle# Ch%rch. God a#ts elect me#Gme# o%t o! hom sel! a#d the orld have go#e by a severe cr%ci!i:io#( by a ba#kr%ptcy that has so totally r%i#ed sel! a#d the orld that there is #either hope #or desire o! recoveryJ me# ho by this i#solve#cy a#d cr%ci!i:io# have t%r#ed to ard God per!ect hearts. /et %s pray arde#tly that God1s promise to prayer may be more tha# reali2ed.

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!bout the !uthor

James DJimE W. Goll is the co!o%#der o! 5#co%#ters )et ork D!ormerly .i#istry to the )atio#sE ith his i!e .ichal A##. They are members o! the 4arvest -#ter#atio#al .i#istries Apostolic Team a#d co#trib%ti#g riters !or -iros Maga1ine a#d other periodicals. James a#d .ichal A## have !o%r o#der!%l childre# a#d live i# the bea%ti!%l rolli#g hills o! 3ra#kli#( Te##essee. James has prod%ced several st%dy g%ides o# s%bIects s%ch as 5&%ippi#g i# the 'rophetic( *l%epri#ts !or 'rayer( a#d 5mpo ered !or .i#istry( hich are all available thro%gh the 5#co%#ters 8eso%rce Ce#ter. 9ther books by James a#d .ichal A## Goll i#cl%deA 3ire o# the Altar +#eeli#g o# the 'romises The /ost Art o! 'ractici#g 4is 'rese#ce 5:od%s Cry 5liIah1s 8evol%tio# The Comi#g 'rophetic 8evol%tio# A Call to Co%rage A Call to the $ecret 'lace Compassio# -#tercessio# The *egi##er1s G%ide to 4eari#g God The $eer

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T45 /9$T A8T 93 -)T58C5$$-9) God 5#co%#ters 'rayi#g !or -srael1s 0esti#y 3or more i#!ormatio#( co#tactA ENCOUNTERS NETWOR7 '.9. *o: <?=; 3ra#kli#( T) ;70=7 9!!ice 'ho#eA ?<=-=BB-===2 9!!ice 3a:A ?<=-=BB-===@ 3or orders callA <->77-200-<?0@ 3or more i#!ormatio# or to sig# %p !or mo#thly e-mail comm%#i&%es( please visit .e#co%#ters#et ork.com or se#d a# e-mail toA i#!oSe#-co%#ters#et ork.com.

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Additio#al copies o! this book a#d other book titles !rom !5$T-)6 I.AG5 are available at yo%r local bookstore. Call toll-!reeA <->00-722-?77@. $e#d a re&%est !or a catalog toA

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"Speaking to the Purposes of God for This Generation and for the Generations to Come"
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