Reigning in Prayer with Christ

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chron 7:14

Called to Reign in Prayer

When God created man is His own image his heart was for mankind to reign with Him. Psalm 115:16 declares, ‘The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to man.’ The Bible begins with man naming the animals and ends with the redeemed reigning with Christ (Rev 20:4). The Father places the highest value on humanity. His desire is to honour and lift us to that place of reigning with Him that He made for each one of us. Intercession is a key part of this. Some believe that God just moves with little or no human involvement. However Scripture shows us that He works through the involvement of mankind. It’s as we take our place in intercession that the Father can really use us to bring His kingdom rule here on the earth.

The Father Looks

Before the Father judges, He actively seeks someone to stand before Him in intercession. Part of our position, as those called to reign with Him in this age (Romans 5:17), is that we stand before Him interceding for humanity. We’re called to pray, ‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.’ It’s as His people respond to this call that we will see His Kingdom’s blessing touching not just the church but every part of our world. One definition of intercession is standing and pleading the case of another. The word can be used of one in a court of law making representations on the behalf of another. He looks to His people stand in this place.

Catching His Heart of Mercy

Before Sodom was judged the Father determined to speak to His friend Abraham. Whilst Sodom was a city steeped in wickness, Abraham pleaded with the Father not to destroy it. His intercession resulted in God promising not to destroy it if there were 10 righteousness people. Some Christians almost want judgement to fall on some. Abraham caught the heart of God earnestly asking the Father to have mercy on a deeply sinful place. As sons and daughters of the King the Father responds to our heartfelt prayer. It’s so important we catch His heart of mercy for our community and city.

Humbling, Seeking & Turning

We believe it’s the attitude of God’s people at any given time that has a big determination on a nation’s future and destiny. ‘If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’ (2 Chron7:14) We’re seeing some very encouraging signs from those in leadership of our nation in recent days, with our Queen declaring her prayers that Christ would be born in each one of us and the Prime Minister affirming our nation as Christian. It is time for us to humble ourselves, turn from wickedness and seek His face, that He will once again heal our land.

Let’s all take our place in this key season of opportunity. This month we are having Corey Russell come and teach the IHOP course, ‘The Eternal Glory of an Intercessor.’ We want to encourage everyone to come and be equipped in this vital ministry.

With our love and prayers,

Pastors Phil and Caroline.