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In the sixth part of an ongoing
series highlighting the basics of the Encounter with
God Strategy, EQ focuses on the first of 9 Critical
Ingredients at the local level that are essential to
the multiplication of impact churches in major
cities.
The development of a church is a
direct attack on the devil. It is a frontal assault
on what Satan considers to be his territory. Unless
proper preparations are made and needed “supplies”
are provided for those involved in the battle, the
attack will fail. The fundamental preparation and
the critical “supplies” come from prayer.
Relentless prayer is marked by four
characteristics. It is intentional, intense,
intimate and inspired.
“Intentional” prayer plans specific
ways to involve as many people as possible in
prayer. Many Encounter churches have started as home
prayer meetings. Using this as a foundation, they
move to larger facilities but maintain the emphasis
on prayer. Often the members meet for early morning
prayer or conduct all night prayer vigils. The basic
premise for the church is that nothing is
accomplished without prayer.
“Intense” prayer is marked by tenacity. It does not
stop after the first year or two of existence of the
church. Tony Evans, in his book “The Battle is the
Lord’s” states, “If you and I are going to see this
thing work, prayer cannot be an addendum to our day
or week. It must be the controlling agenda of our
lives. We need to pray when we feel like it and when
we don’t.”
“Intimate” prayer signifies a clear knowledge of
each request. It begins with a heart focused on God,
not one merely going through the motions. It ends
with praying in specificity and not with
generalities, such as “bless this church.” Winning a
city for God begins with prayer, but it is specific,
thoughtful prayer that is the intimate form of
communication that the Bible models.
“Inspired” prayer prays for great things. Acts
4:23–31 is a powerful example of this. Peter and
John were commanded by the rulers, elders, teachers
and high priest not to speak or teach at all in the
name of Jesus. When they were released, they “went
back to their own people and reported all that the
chief priests and elders had said to them” (v. 23).
What follows is an “inspired” prayer that provides
us with a clear example of how to claim victory in
very difficult situations. Inspired prayer believes
great things.
The earliest roots of Encounter with God, like all
great movements of the Holy Spirit in history, began
with unrelenting prayer. So, too, the power of a
church and its people begins and ends in prayer. If
prayer is foundational, the power of God is
unleashed in great ways in a church. It is
strengthened for battle and Jesus promised that “the
gates of Hell” will not stand against His Church.
EQ Summer 2008
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