Category Archives: Intercession

Pray For President Obama If You Want to Please God!

Posted on January 22, 2009 by Michael| Leave a comment

I’ve read a number of different blogs which call for Christians to actually pray against the new President with all sorts of reasons why this is a good idea. I won’t link any of them because I don’t believe that their approach is Biblical. In fact I know it isn’t!

Then I have also found several other sites who rightly called for believers to intercede for the New President and his administration. Most have cited 1 Timothy 2:1-4—None have explained it any better than my friend Pastor Carl Thomas–plus he posted this great picture that I promptly stole for my article.

1Timothy 2:1-4

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Response: The way I read it–It will actually please God if we offer prayers and intercede for the new President and his administration. After all, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to give counsel to his folks to pray for the Roman emperor and his henchmen and be thankful.

Wow–we may end up disagreeing with the new President over some important issues but I doubt that he’s going to burn Rome and blame it on the Christians and crucify Peter and Paul! Regardless, according to the scripture it will actually please God if we pray for him and be thankful anyway. *Top

Prayers for the President Elect

Posted in American Church, Intercession, Prayer

The Inaugural Invocation by Rick Warren

Posted on January 21, 2009 by Michael| Leave a comment

Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States

"Almighty God, our Father, everything we see, and everything we can’t see, exists because of You alone. It all comes from You. It all belongs to You. It all exists for Your glory. History is Your story.
"The Scripture tells us, ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.’ And You are the compassionate and merciful One. And You are loving to everyone You have made.
"Now today, we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time, we celebrate a hinge point of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the United States.

"We are so grateful to live in this land — a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.

"Give to our new president, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the cabinet and every one of our freely elected leaders.

"Help us, O God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us.

"And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches and civility in our attitudes — even when we differ.
"Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all.

"May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet.

"And may we never forget that one day, all nations, and all people, will stand accountable before You. We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle, and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

"I humbly ask this in the name of the One who changed my life — Yeshua, Isa, Jesus, [pronounced in Spanish], Jesus — who taught us to pray:

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
"Give us this day our daily bread.
"And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

Response: I found the prayer to be especially inspired and it brings a tear to my eye every time I read it. Since Pastor Rick is from my home town and since my family and I have worshipped at his church on a number of special occasions, I found it to be particularly meaningful and special.

There were so many protests against Warren in the last several weeks, with many asking Obama to drop him from the program. Then there was article after article instructing Rick that he should not invoke the name of Jesus, and even some Christian detractors made it known that a better choice could have been made.

Pastor Rick told them: “I’m a Christian Pastor, so I will pray the only kind of prayer I know how to pray.” Pastor Warren not only invoked the name of Jesus but did so in Hebrew, Arabic, Spanish, and English. –Praise The Lord. (Cross-posted on ANSWERS For The Faith) *Top

Posted in Intercession, News Commentary, Prayer

A New President to Pray For

Posted on January 20, 2009 by Michael| 4 Comments

2009 Five Presidents, President George W. Bush...

(-Presidential Picture by BL1961 via Flickr)

After 8 years a new era is dawning today in America. We come together to celebrate the passing of the torch to a new president regardless of who we voted for–it is an historic day on so many different levels.

After all the sights and sounds, the pomp, the parades, and the balls are all over– a new administration must pick up the ball and face a changing world that continues to bring us wars, economic problems, and natural disasters that no one is prepared for.

As the new president sits down for the first time in the oval office with the levers of power at his disposal, all the weight of that office will finally become apparent. As President Harry S. Truman put it: "The buck stops here."

With two wars on the table and an unprecedented economic crisis continuing to unfold, the new president, Barack Obama, will have little time to celebrate. Expectations are running high and probably way beyond what any one man will probably be able to accomplish on his own– even with an able new administration at his side.

It is time to put aside our differences and petty partisanship and wish for the best–no– we need to pray that the new president is successful, our future depends upon it.

For 8 years I have been praying for George W. Bush–now Barack H. Obama will be in my daily prayers–so bless him and help him God. In Jesus name Amen. *Top (Cross-Published on ANSWERS For The Faith)

Obama to Step Into History as 1st Black President
Challenges ahead, but Obama can learn from the past

Posted in Intercession, News Commentary, Politics & Religion, Prayer

Prayers for the President Elect

Posted on November 20, 2008 by Michael| 5 Comments

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 10: U.S. President Geo...

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

There is a group of Christians praying every day for Barack Obama and his family between now and Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009. Many of those involved probably didn’t vote for Obama but believe that it is important to pray for our presidents and for God’s guidance and protection.

Sign up for the Presidential Prayer Team and they’ll email you a prayer guide every day so that you can join thousands of other Christians in Prayer for our nation and for the new President and his administration.

Our nation is in the midst of an economic crisis and we have over 100,000 troops in the midst of a war that most have forgotten about. We need an inspired leader to solve major issues before this nation. Whether you believe that we ended up with the best possible leader is now mute and immaterial, we need to pray for our next President and his incoming administration. *Top

Posted in Intercession, Prayer

Prayers for Secret Muslim Believers

Posted on November 14, 2008 by Michael| Leave a comment

**This was released today from Open Doors Secret Believers Ministry after I posted the previous article:

Prayers for Secret Believers

For congregations to pray

Sovereign Lord,

We pray for believers across the Muslim world who have chosen to follow Christ, often at
great personal cost.

Strengthen those who lead congregations, that they may be faithful to the call of God to
build the church in the Muslim world. Give courage to those who face intimidation,
discrimination, imprisonment or torture for their faith in you. And bring peace to the Muslim
world, so that your church may grow and flourish freely.

We also pray for Muslims all over the world who are seeking the truth about God. Bring
alongside them someone who will share the love of Jesus so that they can know God for
themselves.

We ask this that your church may advance, to the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

For persecuted Christians to pray

Father God,

Convince us again of your love for us and give us grace to forgive our oppressors, to love
them and not become bitter. Help us to put on the full armour of God so that we can take
our stand for you, and enable us to remain in the communities and families that you have
placed us in.

We ask for your protection and pray that you would thwart the plans of those who would
wish to bring us harm. Grant us "safe" fellowship with other believers, and give us
discernment to know who and when to trust.

Finally we ask that you would reveal yourself to the people living around us and put your
love into their hearts.

We ask this in the name of Christ.

Amen

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Posted in Intercession, Islam, Prayer, Revival

The Plight of Christians in the Middle East

Posted on November 14, 2008 by Michael| Leave a comment

Coptic Altar- Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem -via Wikipedia

I keep track of what is happening to Christians in the Middle east, it is really heartbreaking. I’ve been a supporter of Israel and still am, but let’s face it Palestinian Christians receive persecution from both the Jews and the Muslims. I have no answers for what’s happening except to pray.

Seven years ago, the Lord gave me a burden for the Muslims and for revival in the Middle East and I have been praying ever since. Everyday I search the net for stories about Christians in Muslim countries and unfortunately the reports are nearly always bad–except there is the beginning of a hidden revival going on among the Christian community in a number of places.

As near as we can tell, 200,000 Iranians have come to Christ in the last 5 years or so. Nearly every week I read from Compass Direct News or on the VOM Persecution blog of Iranians being arrested, killed, or their children being taken. In response to the revival, the Iranian Parliament just passed a law that would place an automatic death sentence on all who convert to Christianity.

There is also a revival going on in Algeria as near as we can tell, 50,000-70,000 have come to Christ in that country and persecution has increased to the point that they have made it illegal for Christians to gather together in private homes for prayer–it is only legal in an official church. Like the Chinese revival, the real expansion is going on in house churches and not in the recognized churches.

Egypt is another story. The Coptic Christian community comprises about 10% of the Egyptian population but persecution is increasing because the Muslims are becoming more radical, but also because more and more folks are coming to Christ regardless–usually in miraculous ways. It is illegal there for Muslims to convert to Christianity, but ok the other way around. If a father converts to Islam, all his children and grandchildren are considered to be Muslims whether they want to be or not!

Presently, churches are illegal in Saudi Arabia and it is also against the law to hold bible studies or worship services in the home, but that is the only place that the 1.5 million Christians in the country can meet together. If caught, Christians are thrown in jail after receiving lashes for their faith (just like the book of Acts). There is hope that soon some churches may be allowed in the country.

I could go on for ever about this subject—here are the two articles that got me going today:

Persecution Blog- "Christians Are Being Persecuted in Most Arab Countries"

Christianity Today-"Listening and Learning in the Middle East"

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Posted in Intercession, Islam, Persecution, Perseverance, Prayer, Revival

Intercession: A Burden for America and Revival

Posted on November 12, 2008 by Michael| Leave a comment

From Charisma Online: A Testimony from Louise Nankivell:

Since Christ appeared to me in the night, my heart is broken for the needs of America. The burden of God’s people and the multitude of unsaved is upon me in a greater way than I have ever known it in life before. Many times my spirit is so broken, I preach and pour out my heart in crying and tears.

The Spirit is crying for God’s people to be revived, for sinners to be saved, and for people to be delivered from their diseases. Our great, unchanging Lord waits to come forth in signs and wonders and mighty miracles this very hour. I am praying that the cities of America shall once again be stirred.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:
Leviticus 26:3–6

TODAY’S PRAYER:
Lord, I pray for America. Bless our leaders, Lord; turn their hearts toward You. Forgive us, revive us, and use us as light to all nations. In Jesus’ name. Amen. *Top

Ministry of Intercession – An Example of a Stay-at-Home Mom

Posted in Intercession, Revival

The International Day of Prayer

Posted on November 9, 2008 by Michael| Leave a comment

Sunday Nov. 9 is The International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for the persecuted church. Please join hundreds of thousands of Christians all around the world praying for those who are being persecuted for their religious beliefs.

Here are some specific prayer requests from the VOM Persecution Blog:

Please pray:
The Lord will give courage to His people who are enduring persecution for His Name

The Lord will place His restraining hand on those who seek to harm His people
Churches facing government opposition will stand firm in their ministry

Christians will have opportunities to reach out with the Gospel without fear of intimidation or harassment

Servants of the Lord will be able to deliver Bibles and Christian literature to places where they are most needed

Christians who have been left without pastors and teachers may be kept strong in their faith

Christians who have been imprisoned for their faith will be released safely

The Lord will restrain the callousness and brutality of prison guards in their treatment of Christians in prison

Pray against the increasing problem of young Christian girls being kidnapped, raped and forced to marry

Those who have lost loved ones by martyrdom will be comforted and strengthened by God during their grief

Christian pastors will be kept from danger and strengthened in their faith as they care for the people of God

New converts may be protected and provided for should their family turn against them.

The current laws in many restricted nations forbidding evangelism, missionary activity and religious instruction, will be repealed

Response: The persecution of Christians has been on the increase this year. Remember particularly the 50,000 that had to leave their homes behind in Orissa, India and the thousands that recently fled Mosul, Iraq.

Also, remember the thousands of Christians who are continually subjected to persecution, discrimination and worse in Muslim dominated countries or regions around the world. (Cross-posted @ Answers For The Faith) *Top

Posted in Intercession, News Commentary, Persecution, Perseverance, Prayer

Ministry of Intercession–An Example of a Stay-at-Home Mom

Posted on November 8, 2008 by Michael| 1 Comment

From Charisma OnLine by Germaine Copeland:

As a stay-at-home mom, Rose’s world was very small. In fact, some days she wondered if her children would ever grow up, or would she forever be “Mommy”? Then Jesus reached way down for her; He came to her world, and she was never the same. She began a new walk, and prayer became a normal part of her day.

Every day is an adventure in the Spirit, and God will expand your vision of the world. On that day many years ago, Rose began a new adventure in prayer. Her three older children were in school, and the baby was asleep. As was her custom she went into her bedroom where she knelt to pray. The sun shining through the window welcomed her, and she was transported into the Sonlight of God’s love. Kneeling there, enjoying the warmth and the presence of her Lord, she became aware of other people. God opened her eyes, and she saw a parade of people dressed in native costumes walking before her. Overwhelmed, she asked, “Lord, what does this mean?”

God expanded her vision beyond the four walls of her home. That day she caught a glimpse of the heart of God and praised Him for including her in His plan for man. God loves the whole world. Jesus died that men and women of every nation and tribe might be free. Walking in the love of God became her great quest, her aim in life.

God will enlarge our capacity to love that we might understand His heart and see as He sees. He has involved His church in His plan. Our prayers prepare the way for His will to be done on earth even as it is in heaven. Let us be about our Father’s business.

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Posted in Christian Living, Intercession, Prayer Ministry

TheCall–A Prophetic Cry for Revival

Posted on November 6, 2008 by Michael| 1 Comment

Revival was a major subtext and focus of TheCall in San Diego on November 1st. There was a repeating call to prayer for revival in America and California during the 12 hour event. It was particularly intense during the final hour.

The significance of California in the beginning of number of major revivals and movements was cited and recalled as we looked forward to and prayed for God to move once more across this state and the entire country:

A 1890′s Holiness Movement, Azusa Street/Pentecostal Movement, Aimee Semple McPherson/Four Square Movement, Latter-Rain/Healing Movement, Bill Bright/Campus Crusade, Billy Graham/LA 1950, Jesus People Movement/Colleges/Calvary Chapel, John Wimber/Vineyard Movement…all had ties and beginnings in California.

During the last hour there was tremendous unction for revival prayer. Prophetic words were given over a call for light to spring forth from the darkness of San Francisco and Berkeley in particular.

The rebellion that typified my generation–the baby boomers, started in San Francisco in the 60′s with the Hippies and in Berkeley at the University of California.

There was a call for a new generation to rise up and reverse what happened in our American culture that started in the 60′s. A Call for revivals to spring up in San Francisco and in the California colleges and Universities, starting with Berkeley.

Interestingly, there were quite a few young folks there from the universities, probably 7-8,000 in attendance, including a student Christian group from Berkeley. The U. of California campus now has a majority student body of well disciplined Asian-American kids and lot’s of them are Christian. A real contrast to the 60′s.

The last 1/2 hour, there was a call for high school, college, and university students to dedicate themselves to God in a new more radical way, a call for prayer and fasting for revival on their campuses and in their cities.

From where I was siting, I could see the Holy Spirit blow through that group of 8-10,000 kids which was on the field standing in front of the stage–it was a sight to see–a real blessing and hope for the future.

There was a real response–followed by songs of rejoicing and celebration–which I will never forget, I’m still singing!

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