A couple of years ago, the Lord dropped a word into my heart. I believe I heard Him say, “Claim Psalm 91.” At that time I was specifically impressed that in the coming days believers would need the provision God made for us in Psalm 91. In response to that word, I began to encourage God’s people wherever I ministered to reacquaint themselves with Psalm 91 and to begin to declare it over their lives by faith.
Two weeks or so later, another word from the Lord came into my inner man. “Make certain that you are dwelling in Goshen.” I remembered that Goshen was the province in Egypt where the Israelites lived, and that even when severe judgment came upon the nation in which they resided, God’s people were safe and protected in Goshen.
Several months ago, while sitting up in bed one morning, I heard these words clearly from the Lord, “Call My People to Pray!” My response to this powerful word was to ask the Lord why He would say such a thing to me. I do not have the broad platform of influence that others do. I did not hear Him say anything else, nor did He seem to respond to my query. Therefore, I have endeavored, from whatever platform I may have, to obey God’s direction and call His people to pray. While I have certainly preached on other topics as the Lord might lead, it seems prayer in its various aspects coupled with genuine repentance has been the major focus and an often recurring theme.
30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
31 Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God.
Ezekiel 22:30-31
In this powerful passage, God spoke to the prophet Ezekiel and revealed Seven Powerful Prayer Principles. These principles have been the foundation of my teaching on prayer for many years.
1. “I sought…” – God is looking for someone to answer His call to pray.
2. “…A man…” – One praying person can make a difference.
3. “…among them…” – Any ONE will do. God is not looking for your ability but for your availability.
4. “…make up the hedge…” – When we pray in faith, according to God’s Word, we can build a “hedge” of protection around those for whom we pray.
5. “…stand in the gap…” – Through prayer, we function as a “connecting link” between the unseen realm and the seen realm, to declare God’s revealed will from the unseen to the seen (Matthew 6:10).
6. “…before Me for the land…” – Through God-birthed intercession, we can actually hold back “judgment” for a time and extend the season of mercy.
7. “…that I SHOULD not destroy it…” – God warns of something yet future to the prophet. Therefore, we can conclude that God desires His people to learn to pray “proactively” instead of simply “reactively.” Many times, God will warn us of some future event so that we can pray. Sometimes through prayer the entire situation can be averted. Sometimes, while not totally averted, the full impact of the situation can be blunted. And yet, other times, through prayer, God will enable us to be prepared so that the event will not be nearly so devastating to us (and to others who have heeded God’s warning).
God’s “call” to pray is not just for a select few “intercessors.” God is calling the entire Body of Christ to pray! The only question is whether YOU will respond to His Call. Be Blessed!
