Sunday's Prayer Corner before church...

"And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death." Revelations 12:11.

There is heaps to this verse, but the part that we discussed and prayed about this morning was about the words of our testimony.

* When we tell each other testimonies of what God is doing in our lives, we are giving God glory and providing opportunity for thanksgiving.
* We build each others' faith levels.
* When our faith levels are built up by sharing testimonies, we are more bold in taking action.
* It is difficult for someone else to deny a real experience you have had.
* The old and new testaments are testimonies also- testifying of the way God has worked over the years past.

Keep Testifying!!

Devotion - Day 40

Thanksgiving

As we come to the end of this forty day period of prayer and fasting and specifically of ‘Standing in the gap for the church’ let us continue to exercise our faith for the future and to celebrate anticipated answers to prayer with praise and thanksgiving.

Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God. He has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations.

Phil 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Let us thank God for and pray for:
* Every person involved in Doxa Deo London
* His continued grace, favour and blessing upon our lives
* Abundant provision to do the ‘work of the ministry’
* All those serving so hard behind the scenes to make the ministry possible
* Healthy working relationships with other churches in the city
* Coming revival to the city of London.

Devotion - Day 39

Celebrating Unity

In the High Priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17, Jesus prays five times for us, His followers, to be united, and three times He prays that: ‘they might be one as we are one’. In other words Biblical Unity is Trinity Unity. The question is: Is it possible for us to be united with each other as the trinity is united? I have to believe that it is possible if Jesus prayed for it and believe that God the Father is pleased to answer a prayer that Jesus prayed.

John 17:20-26
And I do not pray for these alone, but for those also who shall believe on Me through their word, that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. And I have given them the glory which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one, I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me, that they may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me, for You have loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, indeed the world has not known You; but I have known You, and these have known that You have sent me. And I made known to them Your name, and will make it known, so that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.

Psalm 133
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment on the head that ran down on the beard, Aaron's beard, that went down to the mouth of his garments; like the dew of Hermon that came down on the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Pray for:
* Jesus’ prayer for unity to be answered in our lives and church
* The Glory of God (Doxa of Deo) to be manifest in trinity unity
* Individual Christians to actively promote unity
* Unprecedented unity in THE CHURCH in London
* Commanded blessing that follows unity

Devotion - Day 38

The revelation of the Character of God through the ‘Mind Moulders’

Sport
Actually part of the Arts & Entertainment domain but it is also an area of great influence in its own right.

The Arts (& Entertainment)
The arts reveal God as the Artist, the Potter, the Creator. The attribute of God that is revealed is beauty. God governs in this domain through the Law of Aesthetics.

Gal 5:22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law. But those belonging to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become glory-seeking, provoking one another, envying one another.

Pray for:
* The integrity and testimony of Christian sports men and women
* Godly influence of sports officials and coaches on the youth
* The Church in London to have a place of influence during and in the build up to the 2012 Olympic games

The revelation of the Character of God through the ‘Mind Moulders’

Social Society (Family)
This domain reveals God the Heavenly Father .The primary attributes to be revealed are: love, compassion, mercy and nurture.

John 17:24-26
Father, I desire that those whom You have given Me, that they may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me, for You have loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, indeed the world has not known You; but I have known You, and these have known that You have sent me. And I made known to them Your name, and will make it known, so that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.

Pray for:
* The Doxa Deo outreaches on Friday nights to street people
* The many partners working as social workers; occupational therapists; nurses; physio therapists etc for wisdom, grace and a godly influence.
* For the blessing of God and protection on Doxa Deo marriages and families
* For wisdom to reach out to the poor and needy in our communities
* For the establishment of a Doxa Deo Social Services ministry

Devotion - Day 36

The revelation of the Character of God through the ‘Mind Moulders’

The Arts (& Entertainment)
The arts reveal God as the Artist, the Potter, the Creator. The attribute of God that is revealed is beauty. God governs in this domain through the Law of Aesthetics.

Psalm 19:1-3
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the expanse proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no language nor speech where their voice is not heard.

Pray for:
* Excellence of our music and worship
* Godly example of celebration of Life
* The wise integration of all forms of the art into worship celebrations
* The clear communication of the gospel through the arts
* The provision of gifted musicians, singers and dancers
* For the blessing on Doxa Deo partners involved in the arts in secular society
* The release of creativity in the church
* For Godly influence in this field
* For Doxa Deo sponsored musicals to be produced

From prayer corner on Sunday...

* How hungry are we for God?
* How much have we complacently come to accept the normal rather than the supernatural?
* How much more of the Holy Spirit's power could we be tapping into through our love relationship with Him?
* How much deeper can we go?

Let this be the cry of our hearts:

"As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God,
My soul thirsts for God,
For the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?...

Deep call unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me..."

(Psalm 42)

Devotion - Day 35

The revelation of the Character of God through the ‘Mind Moulders’

Communication and the Media
The communication domain is also one of influence and as such has no inherent authority of its own. The apparant authority wielded by the mass communication media resides in the sovereign choice of the individual who either accepts a message or rejects it. This is also true of God’s Word. It is either accepted or rejected.

John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

Pray for:
* The provision of gifted technical and graphics support
* The wise use of multi-media in church Celebrations
* The spreading of Sermons and Teaching through the electronic media
* The development of Teaching material
* The continued development and influence of the website
* The development of effective marketing material
* Wisdom for clear communication strategies

Devotion - Day 34

The Character of God through the ‘Mind Moulders’

Business and Economics
The economics or business domain manifests God as Jehova Jireh (The Great Provider)and the attribute of God that is demonstrated is His goodness.

Prov 3:1-10
My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments; for they shall add length of days, and long life, and peace to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; tie them around your neck; write them upon the tablet of your heart; and you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Jehovah and depart from evil.

Healing shall be to your navel and marrow to your bones. Honor Jehovah with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase; and your barns shall be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst with new wine.

Pray for the following:
* To be responsible stewards with resources entrusted to us
* Generous with tithes and offerings
* Faithfulness and honesty in all our business dealings
* Doxa Deo partners for a strong witness in the workplace
* For the Business forum to develop a strong ministry influence
* For unemployed partners to find good jobs
* Healthy work/family balance to be maintained
* Blessing on business men and women in the church
* The abundant provision of resources for ministry
* Partners for wisdom to observe Biblical financial practices

Devotion - Day 33

The revelation of the Character of God through the ‘Mind Moulders’

Government.
This domain reveals God as King of Kings and the attribute of God that is to be demonstrated through government is Justice.

1 Tim 2:2,3
Pray for kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God. This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Savior.

Pray for
* Doxa Deo’s involvement and influence in the future
* The church to take a stand for justice and Biblical principles
* Racial & cultural harmony and how we can be involved in reconciliation
* Countering fear of future by displaying a firm faith and trust in God
* For ways to serve, support and encourage politicians

Devotion - Day 32

The revelation of the Character of God through the ‘Mind Moulders’

Education
Education reveals God as the Great Teacher, the Rabbi, and manifests His attribute of Wisdom. God governs through this domain by the Law of Human Nature. Education does not receive direct authority from God to impact society, but rather exercises an influence in society.

Proverbs 3:1-10
My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments; for they shall add length of days, and long life, and peace to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; tie them around your neck; write them upon the tablet of your heart; and you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. Healing shall be to your navel and marrow to your bones. Honor the Lord with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase; and your barns shall be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst with new wine.

Pray for:
* Ministry opportunities in Schools
* The many Doxa Deo teachers
* Godly impact on the students lives through our teachers
* A Doxa Deo School in the future
* The Doxa Deo J-Zone ministry to kids
* Those in the church who are currently studying

Devotion - Day 31

The revelation of the Character of God through the ‘Mind Moulders’

The Church.
The church is to reveal Christ the Great High Priest and the attributes of God that should be manifested are: Holiness and Mercy.

Math 16:16-18
And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered and said to him, You are blessed, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but My Father in Heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock (revelation) I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Pray for:
* The Church to be lead and empowered by the Holy Spirit
* The Centrality of Christ
* Hunger for the Word of God
* People to be saved and discipled
* Cell groups to be communities of Life
* Provision of strategic venues
* Faith for the transformation of the city
* Wisdom and anointing for the leadership
* For the Fear of God and Humility
* Unity within and with other churches

Devotion - Day 30

Increasing your Faith

Heb 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Seven Steps to Greater Faith

1. Recognize your own helplessness and need (humility).
Helplessness is the first step in the ladder of faith. Faith requires you to take the initiative. A sense of helplessness, impotence and total dependence on God enables you to take the initiative, the first step of faith.

2. Feed your soul on the Word of God
Rom 10:17 ‘Faith comes by hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of God’
Col 3:16 ‘Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly’
The more you read God’s Word the more your faith grows.

3. Spend adequate time in prayer
All forms of prayer help strengthen faith. Intercession for others, prayer warfare, time communing with God and praising Him in prayer are all great helps in increasing faith.

4. Read accounts of how God has answered prayer
The biographies of people who were great examples of faith are a strong stimulus to faith.

5. Obey God in everything
You cannot trust God fully if you are not living up to the light you already have or fully obeying the revelation or understanding you have.

6. Begin to trust God for specific answers
The more you exercise your faith, the more it will grow. Some have compared faith to a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.

7. Begin praising God
God deserves our praise and always draws near as we praise Him

Devotion - Day 29

Approaching the Throne

All prayer is an approach to the throne of God. Prayer is not a casual or trivial act but an amazing privilege. God has given us constant, instant access to His throne. We can approach at any time and as often as we like. In fact, God is disappointed if we do not come often and with freedom.

1. Approach, remembering it is a throne of grace.
Justice is its foundation (Ps 89:14), but it is a throne of grace. The book of Revelations pictures the Lamb of God upon the throne, and 26 times Christ is called the Lamb.

2. Approach the throne with confident boldness.
The word parrēsia in Hebrews 4:16 means freedom; unreservedness of speech; the absence of fear in speaking boldly; hence, confidence; and cheerful courage! This is exactly the glorious freedom God gives you in entering His presence

3. Approach the throne with openness and sincerity.
God knows every aspect of the need you bring before him but He still expects you to fully and openly share it with Him. It is an act of humility to acknowledge your total dependence on God and your desperate need of Him. To presume on God’s blessing is arrogant and based in pride. James 4:6 teaches us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

4. Approach the throne with faith.
A throne is a place where royal answers are given. Where needs are presented and discussed. It is a place where the King makes decisions. Remember as a child of God you don’t come as a vagrant or beggar, hoping to get crumbs and leftovers. You come as a prince or princess and member of the royal family. You come as an official of the King’s court. You come as the kingdom and prayer partner of the Son of the King. Thus approach in faith.

Devotion - Day 28

Pursuit: Pressing on for Change

David Wells published an article in Christianity Today titled, “Prayer: Rebellion against the Status Quo.” Did you ever think of prayer in this way? As Jesus observed in Matt 11:12, the Kingdom of God is forcefully advances as forceful men lay hold of it. Does this ever happen through prayer? Sure it does! In fact the victory is first won in the place of prayer.

God has assigned us the specific responsibility of pursuing Him relentlessly until His will is carried out in full. In so doing we are saying to Him, “Father the time has come for you to act. You have convinced us that you are ready. Accordingly we will press on in prayer until you bring the change.”

Some people talk about having a ‘burden in prayer’. Maybe this is what others mean by ‘the prayer of faith’. God gives us the faith to believe that He is ready to move. So much so that we cannot stop asking Him to do it until it happens.

David Bryant describes pursuing prayer as: “pursuing prayer is prayer on a mission. It is diligent, fervent, constant, persevering, determined and convinced. This praying comes closest to the Greek words used for praying in the New Testament that translate “to petition”, “to beg”, “to express with a cry”.”

Whenever George Müelller and his wife faced a lack of resources to service the children in their orphanage, hey moved into pursuing prayer. This is what Müeller said in that regard: “Would it have been right to charge God with unfaithfulness? Would it have been right to distrust Him? Would it have been right to say, it is useless to pray? By no means. This, on the contrary I did: I thanked God for all the help He had given me; I thanked Him for enabling me to overcome so many and such great difficulties. Instead of distrusting God, I looked upon this delay of the full answer to prayer only as a trial of faith, and therefore resolved, that, instead of praying once a day we should now meet three times daily, to bring this before God”

Devotion - Day 27

Advocacy: Standing up for others

We have already defined intercession as ‘praying for the needs of others’. We also said that solidarity is aligning ourselves with God and His Word. Advocacy is the aspect of intercession where we align ourselves with those who cannot pray for themselves.

Out of our intimacy with Christ comes responsibility for others, in prayer. Out of our love for God, advocacy becomes an act of love for our neighbours. We begin to see that God intends prayer to be a way for us to release His loving power into the lives of others. The beautiful thing about loving others in prayer is that there is no limit as to how far our love can go.

A biblical model of this approach is God’s assignment to the high priest in Exodus 28:29-30. Every time he came into the holy of holies to intercede on behalf of Israel, he bore stones on his vestments on which were inscribed the names of each of the tribes, as a remembrance before the Lord.

If we are going to take the power of advocacy seriously we need to deepen our understanding of those for whom we pray. We need to develop ‘intelligently targeted compassion’. This is what Jesus had in mind in Matthew 9 when, out of His compassion He called His disciples to look clearly at the people in need, then to pray on behalf of those who could not or would not pray for themselves.

Devotion - Day 26

Solidarity: Agreeing with God

In solidarity we align ourselves, in prayer, with what God has shown us in His Word and agree with Him. Here is where prayer “in Jesus’ name” finds its true meaning. This is not a phrase we just add on to the end of our prayer to indicate that we are done. Jesus intended for us to pray with the authority that comes from linking our standing before the Father with His standing before the Father, our character with His character and our reputation with His. This means fully associating with Christ and discovering our identity in Him.

As Martin Luther defined it:
“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance; it is laying hold of His highest willingness.”

Some would call it: “jumping on God’s bandwagon” or “surfing the wave that God creates”

David Bryant says the following about solidarity:
“Praying in solidarity recognizes that the only thing beyond the reach of our prayers is anything outside the will of God. In solidarity praying, then, we identify first of all. Not with the world’s battery of needs and longings, but with Jesus’ desire to please the Father. God’s Kingdom must control our agenda in prayer, not what culture defines for us as possible or impossible, but what God said will actually be.”

Devotion - Day 25

Resist the Enemy

Intercession by definition is ‘praying for the needs of others’. Intercession is also seen as ‘standing in the gap’. Standing in the gap between God and the object of our prayers in order to ‘grant a blessing’. The other gap we stand in is between the enemy and the object of our prayer in order to guard and protect.

1. The Battle is real but it is not a physical war it is a spiritual one. Eph 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

2. We are equipped for the battle with weapons and armour. Eph 6:13-18

Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Therefore stand, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, take the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, praying always with all prayers and supplication in the Spirit, and watching to this very thing with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

3. We have authority as we submit to Jesus James 4:7

Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

4. We are overcomers.

Rom 5:17 much more they who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ.

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul until death.

Let us be aware of the enemy but not impressed with him. We are only impressed with Jesus.

Devotion - Day 24

Faith for a Church

Although the vision of Doxa Deo London is to see the city transformed to a place where Jesus Christ is Lord we realize that the Church is God’s agent on earth and needs to be firmly established in order to make an impact on society.

‘You cannot fire a canon from a canoe’

Let us exercise our faith for the establishment of Doxa Deo London as a tree planted by the rivers of water and producing fruit in every season.

Psalm 1
Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, and has not stood in the way of sinners, and has not sat in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is only in the Law of Jehovah; and in His Law he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivulets of water that brings forth its fruit in its seasons, and its leaf shall not wither, and all which he does shall be blessed. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For Jehovah knows the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Devotion - Day 23

God needs us to pray!

Prayer is simultaneously an incredible privilege but also an awesome responsibility. It affords us the opportunity to partner with God and to create with Him. John Wesley wrote the following:

“God does nothing on earth save in answer to believing prayer”

If that is true, and there is no reason to believe that it is not then that is something we can loose some sleep over.

Jack Hayford puts it this way:

“Prayer is essentially a partnership of the redeemed child of God working hand in hand with God toward the realization of His redemptive purpose on earth”

Let us rise to the challenge and invitation to be co-labourers with God, to be His ambassadors in the city and to pray things into existence that currently don’t exist.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)
Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.

Afrikaans poem about praying in London

Wanneer dit skemer word in die stad,
sardyntjies treinhokkies vol stamp,
en tjailatyd-gasse my longe brand,
verkyk ek my na duisende mense.
Elkeen op sy missie.
Elkeen met sy doel (of daarsonder),
sy gedagtes, sy gewoontes, sy wense.

Dan wil ek jou vra om my hand te vat
want my fondasie is nat en my mure kraak.
Dan voel ek alleen,
sonder vriend,
sonder vyand,
sonder land.
Soms dink ek jy hoor my nie.

of... ons koneksie is afgesny. Die duiwel het die drade gesteel.
Daar is soveel wat ek wil weet,
soveel wat ek wil vra,
soveel wat ek wil doen!

Stilte is jou enigste antwoord.

'Bid broer!' het n gesegde geword.
'Bid vir my. Ek bid vir jou.' Doen jy?
Waarom is die nagte so stil? Die dae dood en onseker?

Dan herhinder iets my aan die brood en die beker.
Die feit day jy jouself gegee het vir my.dat jy verneder was,
en net geduldig wag
om my vriend te wees,
my herder, my krag.

Ek kry skaam dat ek ongeduldig opgehou het om te vra.
Dat ek uit hoogmoed uit, vergeet het om dankie te sê,
want nog n rooi bus glip naalskraap verby
en jy het weereens my lewe gered.

Wat anders kan ek bieg as dit:
Geloof. Geduld. Gebed.

As ek besef dat jy nog altyd daar was,
as ek jou mail via amen.com,
Wanneer jy my vriend word, wanneer jy in die skare saamdrom,
en ons saam rooiwyn drink.
Dan is dit lewenswater wat jy in my glas skink.

Dan weet ek day jy my nooit sal vergeet nie!
Solank ek onthou om nie op te hou WEET nie.
Weet dat in die ure van benoude vrees en stille rus,
ek kan bid, en weet waar my Vader is.

(on behalf of Lindie van der Heever, West London - inspired by the 40 days of focussed prayer)

Devotion - Day 22

More on Forgiveness and Power

Mat 18:18, 19

Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall occur, having been bound in Heaven; and whatever you shall loose on earth shall occur, having been loosed in Heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you shall agree on earth as regarding anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by My Father in Heaven.

This sounds like a lot of power and authority in the place of prayer. But this portion is sandwiched between:

Mat 18:15 – 17 The principals for living in right relationships and

Mat 18:21 – 35 The parable of he unforgiving servant

Read the whole of Mat 18 and meditate on these implications for effective praying.

Devotion - Day 21

Prayer, Purity and Power

In a previous devotion we reflected on the importance of ‘heart preparation’ for effective praying. Today we want t meditate on the direct correlation between power in prayer and forgiveness.

1 John 3:21
Beloved, if our heart does not accuse us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

In the Lord’s Prayer ‘Our Father’ in Mt 6:9-13 we pray ‘Forgive us we forgive others’. The implication is if we do not forgive others God answers our prayer and He does not forgive us. We have thus just prayed a curse upon ourselves. The only comment Jesus made after teaching His disciples the model prayer was in
Mat 6:14
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mark 11:23- 26
For truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, Be moved and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he said shall occur, he shall have whatever he said. Therefore I say to you, All things, whatever you ask, praying, believe that you shall receive them, and it will be to you. And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive it so that also your Father in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your trespasses.

Poem about prayer

There is a place where thou canst touch the eyes
Of blinded men to instant, perfect sight;
There is a place where thou canst say, "Arise"
To dying captives, bound in chains of night;
There is a place where thou canst reach the store
Of hoarded gold and free it for the Lord;
There is a place -- upon some distant shore --
Where thou canst send the worker and the Word.
Where is that secret place--dost thou ask, "Where?"
O soul, it is the secret place of prayer!
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson

(posted on behalf of Linda Laubscher)

Quote about prayer

Wise words from an well-known leader on why prayer is the source of wisdom:

"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day." - Abraham Lincoln

(posted on behalf of Linda Laubscher)

Devotion - Day 20

Doing and Praying

“No amount of activity in the King’s service can make up for the King Himself” Duncan Campbell

“Do more than pray but only after you have prayed. You cannot do more than pray until you have prayed” S D Gordon

Gordon goes on to explain that in prayer we gain the victory, strike the winning blow and in our Christian work of service or ministry we gather up the results.

In our approach to prayer we cannot be fatalistic. We cannot have the attitude of que sera, sera - what will be will be, that everything is fixed. In prayer we can make a difference. Create with God.

‘God does nothing on earth save in answer to believing prayer’ John Wesley

That is something we can loose some sleep over.

Psalm 27:4
One thing I have desired from the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Jehovah and to pray in His temple.

Mat 5:16
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.

Devotion - Day 19

Dependence on the Holy Spirit

We don’t really know how to pray effectively for any given subject. We need the energy, insight and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Let us acknowledge this and submit to the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 55:8,9
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways, says Jehovah.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Rom 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Eph 5:18
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is excess, but be filled with the Spirit, (continuous present tense)

Be continually filled with the Holy Spirit in order to pray energetically.

Devotion - Day 18

Church Unity

Psalm 133

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious ointment on the head that ran down on the beard, Aaron's beard, that went down to the hem of his garments; like the dew of Hermon that came down on the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.

In John 17 Jesus prays 5 times for his followers to be one. In fact there is a growing intensity as He prays. He prays for us to be one, then He prays for us all to be one and then He prays three times for us to be one as the Trinity is one. The greatest burden on the heart of Jesus for His church is for unity, Trinity Unity. He prays for us to be united not to be uniform

Meditate on Psalm 133 and on the implications of being united as the trinity is and pray for God’s commanded blessing to be released where there is unity.

Prayer Canopy 07-07-07

A personal message from Pastor Jonathan Oloyede:

Dear Family

Warm greetings in Christ Jesus

In the light of recent events in London and the UK, we would like to thank you for your partnership and consistency in Prayer. Our continued supplication is vital to the spiritual climate and currents rolling over Great Britain. We believe that the Church needs to stay on her knees in Repentance, Thanksgiving and Intercession to establish God’s reign: Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done…

This Saturday 7th July 2007, Christians stationed at every Town Hall in England’s Capital and scattered across the UK, will simultaneously raise their prayers to heaven as ONE cohesive and coherent voice. In accordance to scriptural precedence (2 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Timothy 2:1), we shall pray on behalf of the land and evoke God’s blessings.

Some have questioned the theological basis of Jesus as ‘Mayor’. We want to emphasise here that we are in no way substituting political or earthly positions for our Saviour’s undisputable status as King of kings and LORD of lords. We are deliberately making the prayer point of inviting and establishing the Presence, Power and Values of His Lordship and Kingdom, within the social, judicial, political, financial, corporate, relational and hierarchical fabric of our city and nation (Ephesians 1:21-23). We believe that London and the United Kingdom will be changed permanently through the united prayers of the Saints.

Take a moment whenever possible to pray for Terry Diggines who has been the visioner for the prayer Canopy over London. Intercede for his health, family and the team working with him to facilitate this event. Pray for all those leading teams and their prayer volunteers.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contact you borough coordinator for 070707 (list attached) BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING, as they will have made contact with your local Town Hall, if you have any problems contacting your coordinator please contact Terry Diggines direct on 020 7474 4453. Mob 07842115727.

We encourage you to go to your nearest Town Hall this Saturday between 11-12noon. If you cannot, then pray wherever you are with other Christians and make the Declaration at 12noon prompt (see attached for the borough contacts nearest to you). Please note that the declaration and prayers can be adapted for any town, city or county. The Key is in our unity. You can arrange to pray with other Christians at the local city or county Town Hall yourself. www.canopyofprayer.org

I want to personally encourage you to get your intercessory networks and other Christians or friends involved with this Prophetic Day. You may prayerfully forward this email as widely as you can

Please let us have your report as to what happened on Saturday we really do want your feed back please email enquiries@gdoplondon.com

Shalom

Jonathan Oloyede.
www.gdoplondon.com

Ps : There will be fasting on Friday and Saturday for those who want to engage at that level. This is completely voluntary, but highly recommended

(*** see comments for further info)

Devotion - Day 17

The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus - John 17

Jesus taught His disciples not to use ‘vain’ repetition when they pray. Read John 17 and note how many things Jesus repeated many times in His ‘high Priestly prayer’ and note that it was not ‘vain’ repetition but representing the greatest burdens on His heart.

In John 17:20-24 He prayed for:

Church Unity – Trinity Unity.
‘that they might be one as we are one’

People to be saved.
‘so that the world might know that you sent me’

Revelation of the Fathers love.
'that you love them as you love me’

Meditate on these three aspects and pray that God the Father would answer the prayer that Jesus prayed in this regard.

Devotion - Day 16

Heart Preparation

The greatest preparation for prayer and service for God is the preparation of the heart. Meditate on the following scriptures and respond appropriately.

Jer 17:9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?

Psalm 24:3,4
Who shall go up into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, and has not sworn deceitfully.

Psalm 66:18
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear;

Psalm 139:23, 24
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts, and see if any wicked way is in me; and lead me in the way everlasting.

1John 3:21
Beloved, if our heart does not accuse us, we have confidence toward God.

And whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Never ignore the power of a simple prayer prayed from a surrendered heart.

Devotion - Day 15

Types of Prayer

1 Tim 2:1-4
First of all, then, I exhort that supplications (Petitions), prayers (Requests), intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1. Supplications/petitions
o pleading for mercy/ petitioning for favour
o Example. ‘God be merciful to me a sinner’ 1 John 1:9 Ps 67:1

Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

2. Prayers/requests. Bringing your needs before God Acknowledging that you need Him
o God knows your needs before you ask (Mt 6:8)
o Still expects you to ask Mt 7:7 Jam 4:2
o Presumption is based in PRIDE

3. Intercession. Praying for the needs of someone else
o By definition you cannot intercede for yourself
o Standing in the gap
o The more you intercede for the needs of others the less you have to pray for your own needs
o An intercessor IDENTIFIES with the objects of his prayers and doesn’t judge or criticize. Although the Bible mentions no sin of Daniel, Daniel repents of the sin of his people on their behalf
o Jesus is our example

Rom 8:34 It is Christ who has died, but rather also who is raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
MSG Christ …is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us.

Heb 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost those who come unto God by Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.

4. Thanks Giving
o Quiet obvious but often most neglected form of prayer
o Psalm 100:4

Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

"The seed for a great miracle lies not in difficulty but in impossibility"

(From the 'Faith Like Potatoes' film).

Devotion - Day 14

The Priority of Prayer

1 Tim 2:1-4

First of all, then, I exhort that supplications (Petitions), prayers (Requests), intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

The first thing I want you to do is pray.
Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. (MSG)

Paul writes to his young prodigy Timothy and he exhorts him to make prayer a priority and in praying he needs to pray for:
* Those in authority – so that we might live on peace and
* For all men to be saved – as that is the will of God.

Thank you for taking some extra time out today to pray. If all you do is pray for the following two things you have done well!
* leaders - that they may walk in humility and the Fear of God and
* for men and women to come to know Christ

prayer corner before church ...

Pro 31:10-31 …. (20) She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy …

In Proverbs 31 we have the prototype of the ideal woman, and with that also an example of what we, the church of Christ should be like, considering us as his bride. It is not only about her relationship to her husband and caring for him and the family but also serving the poor and needy. (In the translation from the Hebrew the word poor includes depressed in mind or circumstances)

Eph 6:10-12 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (11) Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Too often we are focused on what we see and forget that these things are results of what is going on in the spiritual rooms. Therefore we need the God to open our eyes to be able to observe this bigger picture and have the awareness that:
Our fight is NOT in OUR strength and with OUR weapons. It is in the strength we get from God, the power we have when we are in him. The equipment we have to use in order to conquer is the one given by God.

Devotion - Day 13

STANDING IN THE GAP

Psalm 106:23 (various translations)

And He said that He would destroy them, if Moses His chosen had not stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, so that He should not destroy them.

You were angry and started to destroy them, but Moses, your chosen leader, begged you not to do it.

Fed up, God decided to get rid of them-- and except for Moses, his chosen, he would have. But Moses stood in the gap and deflected God's anger, prevented it from destroying them utterly.

The primary role of an Intercessor is to ‘stand in the gap’ in a priestly role.
* Between God and the object of our intercession to bless. On behalf of God and in the name of Jesus we speak grant blessing and speak life.
* Between the enemy and the object of our intercession to guard and protect. In the name of Jesus we drive back the enemy and appropriate the victory established in Christ Jesus.

An Intercessor also identifies with the object of his prayers in that he does not point fingers, judge, or criticize but pleads for mercy and grace on behalf.

PRAYING FOR:
* The spheres of influence of Society
* The transformation of the City
* People come to know Christ. To discover their Identity and Destiny in Him
* Doxa Deo as a church to reflect the Glory of God

Devotion - Day 12

The Church — The Temple Of God

“In whom the whole building being joined together grows to a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” - Eph.2:21,22

This picture of the Church as God’s house, God’s building, or God’s habitation helps us to better understand the purpose and nature of the Church. Every house or building is grounded on some kind of foundation.

There is no question that all of the twelve apostles in the New Testament had a distinctive place in relationship to the foundation of the Church (Eph. 2:20). It was their teaching that was going to root and ground the Church (Acts 2:42), but what did they teach? What principles did they establish? The apostles in the New Testament Church laid down the first principles of the doctrine of Christ (Heb. 6:1-2). They were faithful in the beginning stages of laying the foundation, and because of that fact their names will be written in the foundation stones of the Holy City for all eternity (Rev. 21:14).

Christ — The Cornerstone

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” — Ephesians 2:19-20

Christ is that capstone, the keystone or the headstone in the temple of God. Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:1 1). Christ is the author and the finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). Christ is the one who will bring completion to the Temple of God and it is by Him that all things consist (Col. 1:17; 2:9).

Devotion - Day 11

The Church – different names and titles.

God has given over 70 different names and titles to the Church. Each of these declares to us another facet of divine truth relative to the Church. It is only as we examine all of these individual pictures that we can have a complete understanding of the whole. Each of these individual pictures tells us something unique about the nature of the Church and what God plans to do through the Church. The Church is likened to many things including:

1. The Branch of the Lord’s Planting (Js. 60:21).
2. The City of the Living God (Heb. 12:22).
3. The Church of the Firstborn (Heb. 12:23).
4. The flock of God (Ezek. 34:15; I Pet. 5:2).
5. A Golden Lamp stand (Rev. 1:20).
6. God’s Field (I Cor. 3:9).
7. God’s Heritage (Joel 3:2; I Pet. 5:3).
8. Heavenly Jerusalem (Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22).
9. An Inheritance (Ps. 78:71); Is. 19:25).
10. The Israel of God (Gal. 6:16).
11. Mount Zion (Heb. 12:22).
12. The Mountain of the Lord’s House (Is. 2:2).
13. The Pillar and Ground of Truth (I Tim. 3:15).
14. A Pleasant Portion (Jet 12:10).
15. A Vineyard (Jer. 12:10 Matt. 21:41).
16. Bride of Christ (Rev. 21:9).
17. Congregation of Saints (Ps. 149:1; 89:5).
18. General Assembly (Heb. 12:23).

Each of these pictures could be examined individually to see the distinct contribution that each one of these makes to the whole concept of what God is doing through the Church, but we are going to give ourselves to a few of the main New Testament pictures of the Church that seem to be emphasized to a greater degree throughout the whole Bible. As we examine these including God’s Peculiar People, God’s Temple or Building, God’s Family or Household and the Body of Christ, we can expect to discover some of the truths that God has concealed in these pictures for our benefit.

Devotion - Day 10

The Church Has A Local Expression

Jesus taught us a great deal about the nature of the local expression of the Church that He was building. In Matthew 18:15-22, where he deals with an example of an actual church body, he implies the following:
• The Church is composed of brothers.
• The Church is involved in areas of discipline.
• The Church is an area of local government.
• The Church is a defined body from which one could be expelled.
• The Church is a place of fellowship in faith and prayer.
• The Church is a place where Christ promises to be in the midst.
• The Church is a gathering identified with the name of Christ.
• To be disciplined by the Church is to be disciplined by Christ.
• The authority of the Church is based on unity.
• One person cannot make up a church.
• Until the Church is completed, there is going to be a great need for love, patience and a lot of forgiveness.

As the Church developed, the local expression of the Church became more easily definable. This Church can be seen in direct relation to what Jesus taught about the Church. In the Book of Acts we see the local church as:
• A congregation or assembly of people in a given locality (Acts 8:1).
• An assembly of believers in Christ (Acts 5:14).
• A place of teaching and discipline (Acts 11:26).
• A complete unity in itself with corporate authority (Acts 15:22).
• Built by Christ Himself (Acts 2:47).
• Part of Christ Himself (Acts 5:14).
• A place where the Lord adds people, not man (Acts 5:13).
• Disciplined by Christ Himself (Acts 5:5).
• Structured, having men ordained in positions of authority to exercise leadership, discipline and oversight (Acts 14:23; 20:17-28).
• A place of manifold ministry (Acts 13:1; 15:4).
• Joined in voluntary fellowship with other local churches (Acts 15:3-4).
• A place established in the faith (Acts 16:5).
• A place from which ministry was sent out (Acts 13:1-4).

The whole thrust of the New Testament is the Local Church. Each book of the New Testament demonstrates how God uses the Local Church to bring His people to maturity and completion. Nowhere in the New Testament do we have an alternative plan suggested. God wants us to emphasize what He emphasizes and get excited about what He is excited about.

Devotion - Day 9

The Church Will Be A Unified Church

The church is a complex organism that has a tremendous unity in the midst of diversity. Unity does not mean uniformity. Uniformity implies a loss of identity and individuality. In the unity that exists in the Church we maintain individuality, personality, unique expression and a variety of function, and yet we come into a corporate identification where we forfeit our rights to act independently of the rest of the members. This relationship is seen in various New Testament pictures of the church;

• The church is ONE body with MANY members.
• The church is ONE temple with MANY stones.
• The church is ONE flock with MANY sheep.
• The church is ONE nation with MANY citizens.
• The church is ONE vine with MANY branches.
• The church is ONE family with MANY brothers and sisters.
• The church is ONE army with MANY soldiers.

The Church can only become one as it follows after the one Head, Christ (Eph. 4:13). The foundation of this unity in the Church is in its relationship to God. The Church is one because its God and Father is one, because its loyalty is to one Lord, because it is indwelt by the one Holy Spirit.

Jesus prayed that the church might be one. If ever anyone prayed according to the will of God it was Jesus. If anyone’s prayer will ever be answered it will be the prayer of the only begotten Soil of God. He prayed that the people of God would be one even as He was one with the Father (John 17:11, 21).

Paul prayed often for the unity of the Church. He desired to see unity in many areas. He wanted:
• Unity of mind (Rom. 15:5-6; Phil. 1:27; 2:2; 4:2).
• Unity of fellowship (Rom. 15:7; I Cot 1:10-15; 3:3-8).
• Unity of love (Phil. 2:2).
• Unity of doctrine (Eph. 4:13-14; Gal. 1:8-9; II Tim. 1:5-9).
• Unity of witness (Rom. 15:6; Phil. 1:27).
• Unity of Spirit (Eph. 4:3).

Devotion - Day 8

The Church Is A Living and Spiritual Organism

In the context of Matthew 16:16-18, Jesus also implied that the Church is more than an organization, it is an organism. An organism is something that has structure and life, while an organization implies only structure. A machine has organization in that it is composed of an orderly arrangement of many parts, but it is not an organism because it has no life.

Peter’s confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of the living God makes the Church something that has life. The Church is an organism made up of those who have had a spiritual experience and possess spiritual life. There is no evidence that anyone ever became a member of a New Testament Church until they had experienced that new birth which comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In addition to the fact that the Church is a spiritual organism because it is comprised only of those individuals who have spiritual life and are indwelt by God, it is also the dwelling place of the Spirit of God in a corporate sense (I Cor. 3:16-17; Matt. 18:19-20). As the people of God are united together they form a habitation of God by the Spirit (Eph. 2:21-22).

Eph 2:19-22
Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom every building having been fitly framed together, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a dwelling place of God through the Spirit.

Devotion - Day 7

God Is The Architect Of The Church Of Jesus Christ

Being the architect; it is also true that God has the plan, pattern or blueprint for the Church. God did not conceive a beautiful idea and then turn it over to the ingenuity of man to come up with a plan to make it work (Heb. 8:5).

As men we must be willing to concede that if God has an idea or a goal, He also has a pattern, a blueprint, or a design by which He will insure that His idea or goal will be reached. If the Lord is going to build a Church, it is basic that He as a wise master builder build it according to the divine blueprint or design.

Being the architect, God only has one pattern for the church. We know that God has firmly established a pattern for all things in heaven (Heb. 9:23). There is one blueprint, and all of the labourers must build according to the same blueprint. As labourers together with God we need to make sure that the pattern and the blueprint that we are following is truly the pattern and blueprint of God’s making.

God not only has a pattern for the Church, He has had a pattern for every structure that He ever commanded to be built. He had a pattern for the ark of Noah (Gen. 6:14-15). God provided the pattern for the tabernacle of Moses (Ex. 25:9, 40; Num. 8:4), the temple of Solomon (I Chr. 28:11-19), Ezekiel’s Temple (Ezek. 43:10-11) and the Eternal City of God (Rev. 21:15).

If any church is to maintain the presence of the Lord it must determine that it will accept the pattern of the Word as its pattern. God only promises to bless and fill that which is made according to the pattern (Mark 16:20).

Devotion - Day 6

Two Aspects of The Church

There are two primary ways in which the term “church” is used in the New Testament. Jesus Himself used the term “church” on two occasions and each time He used it in a unique sense. An understanding of these two senses is basic to an appreciation and understanding of all subsequent uses.

The first usage is introduced by Jesus in Matthew 16:18 where He said, “upon this rock I will build my Church”. When Jesus used this term in this passage He was not referring to any particular locality or group of believers, He was designating the church in its broadest sense. He was referring to that which is heavenly, eternal, and comprehensive and still in the process of construction. This Church includes that company of believers in Christ in all ages, living and dead, who are distinct from the world by virtue of their calling from and separation unto God (ph. 1:22; 3:10; 3:21; 5:25-32).

In its broadest sense we could say that the Church even includes those of the human race who are even as yet unborn but who in their lifetime will be numbered among the redeemed by virtue of their responsiveness to the calling of God to salvation. This Church involves a mystical union of all believers of all ages into a spiritual body for the habitation of the Spirit, with Jesus Christ as its head. It is not a union that can presently be seen in the visible sense, but it is an invisible reality in the eyes of God.

This aspect of the Church is referred to as the Mystical Church, the Universal Church, the Invisible Church or the Body of Christ worldwide.

The Local Church

The second usage of the word “church” was also initiated by Christ in His only other reference to the term “church” in the New Testament in Matthew 18:17. In this context Jesus was discussing disciplinary procedures among believers. He dealt with the problem of offenses in the context of a specific group of people that made up a local, earthly, definable, restricted body consisting of professed Christians voluntarily associating together around the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Out of the 114 uses of the word “church” in the New Testament it is interesting that 96 references are clearly to what we shall call “the Local Church” or the “Visible Church”. The Local Church is a present, visible earthly expression in time of the Body of Christ.

Local churches are New Testament organizations of groups of believers in given localities, which are marked out by confession of faith, discipline of life, obedience in baptism, gathered to the person of Jesus Christ, having gifted ministries and keeping the memorial of the Lord. They are always spoken of as complete units within themselves which may voluntarily cooperate and fellowship with other local bodies.

Prayer corner before church...

"As they MINISTERED to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said 'Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2)

Wow! If "ministering" to the Lord (and fasting) was the beginning of
two of the greatest missionary careers, what could happen nowdays? What does "ministering to the Lord" mean?? Suggestions from this morning were:

* worshipping (as some other versions say)
* spending time with God, not just interceding all the time
* using the 5 love languages(!) to relate to God
* speaking in tongues
* Thanking him for who He is and what he has done in our lives
* Acknowledging the Blesser, not just the blessings.

Any other ideas??

God wants us to desire Him as much as He desires us!!!

Just as we want Him to minister/ comfort/ speak to us, we need to minister to Him. His purpose and growth of His Kingdom comes from our relationship with Him.

Steadfast in Prayer

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer - Rom 12:10-12

Devotion - Day 5

The Church. OT and NT Terminology

When Christ came and established the Church, the Church became all that Israel was to be, so much so that the exact same terminology is used of the Church in the New Testament as was used of the Church in the Old Testament.
Notice the following chart:

TERM USED ------- O.T. CHURCH ------ N.T. CHURCH
A Chosen People ---- Deut. 10:15 ---------- I Peter 2:9
A Holy Nation ------ Exodus 19:6 ---------- I Peter 2:9
The People of God -- Psalm 100:3 ---------- II Cor. 6:16
A Priesthood ------- Exodus 19:6 ---------- I Peter 2:9
God’s Treasure ----- Exodus 19:5 ---------- Matt. 13:44
The Bride or Wife -- Isaiah 54:6; 62:5 ----- II Cor 11:2-3
God’s Vineyard ----- Isaiah 5:7 ----------- Matt. 20:1; I Cor. 3:9
God’s Inheritance -- Isaiah 19:25 ---------- I Peter 5:3
Israel --------------- Isaiah 44:6 ---------- Gal. 6:16
God’s Flock -------- Jer. 23:3 ------------- I Peter 5:2
A House ------------ Ezek. 18:31 ---------- I Tim. 3:15
A Light ------------ Isaiah 60:1,3 -------- Matt. 5:14
God’s Witness ------ Isaiah 43:10 --------- Acts 1:8
A Church ----------- Acts 7:38 ------------ Gal. 1:13

The great mystery hidden for ages but preached by the apostles in the New Testament was that the Jew and the Gentile were now made one (Eph. 2:14; 3:5-6), in one body and one building. This building is built upon the foundation laid by the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles, Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20-22). The old and new were built into one habitation of God through the Spirit.

What If His People Prayed

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let satan have one more

What if the church, for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates

What if His people prayed
And all who bare His name
Would humbly seek His face
And Turn from their own way

And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day

What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do

He said that they would hear
His promise has been made
He'll answer loud and clear
If only we would pray

If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray

What if His people prayed

Devotion - Day 4

The Church Not A Building

It is important for us to understand that the word “church” is never used to refer to a building or a house of worship. In our English usage it is often used of a building, but this usage is foreign to the New Testament concept of the Church.

The Church meets in a building or house but it is not a material building itself (Rom. 16:5). The people of God are a spiritual house and if we make the mistake of thinking of the Church as a natural building we will become building worshippers. We will be much like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who admired the stones and materials out of which their natural buildings were constructed (Mk. 13:1; Matt. 24:1-2).

The tragedy is that we can have the view that the Church is a building and miss the true Church. We can put all of our energies into glorifying a natural facility and miss the responsibility that we have before God to give our energies and time to the edification of the people of God who, after all, are the true spiritual house that God is indwelling (Heb. 3:6). It is also important for us to realize that this word “church” in the New Testament is never used to refer to a sect, a denomination, or an organization.

Rom 16:5
Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

Mat 24:1, 2
And Jesus went out and departed from the temple. And His disciples came to Him to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, there shall not be left here one stone on another that shall not be thrown down.

Heb 3:6
But Christ was faithful as a Son over his own house; whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

Devotion - Day 3

The Church – ‘the called out ones’

The Word “Church” Defined

In order for us to understand the true nature of the Church we have to understand the meaning and usage of the world “church.” The word “church” comes from the Greek word “ekklesia.” This word in its simplest definition means “the called out ones.”

The word is used this way a couple of times in the New Testament. When Paul and his company had stirred up the local god-makers in Ephesus, the citizens of Ephesus had such an assembly in an attempt to deal with the problem. This assembly is referred to by the word usually translated “church” (Acts 19:32, 29, 41).

In The New Testament

In the New Testament the word “ekklesia” is used 114 times and 110 times it definitely refers to the “called out ones” of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself introduces this usage when He refers to “His Church” (Matt. 16:18). The personal pronoun “My” differentiates this company from all other groups of people.

This church to which Jesus refers is not just any gathering or assembly, this is “His” gathering and “His” assembly. It includes those who have been called out from their place of habitation in this world, who have separated themselves unto God and unto the door of the New Testament Tabernacle, Jesus Christ Himself!

His church consists of free citizens of the heavenly community summoned by the trumpet of the gospel to assemble themselves together for worship and fellowship.

(Phil 3:15; I Cor 1:25-26; II Pet 1:10).

Devotion - Day 2

Jesus is the head of The Church , His Body”

Eph 1:20-23 (MSG)
All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name, and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

Eph 5:23.... even as Christ is the head of the church ...

Wow! Not only is Christ the cornerstone of the Church. Not only is the church founded on the revelation that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God but Christ is the head of the church, His body and rules the church. He is Lord.

Isaiah 9:6,7
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. There is no end of the increase of His government and peace on the throne of David, and on His kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on, even forever.

Phil 2:9-11
Therefore God has highly exalted Him, and has given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly ones, and of earthly ones, and of ones under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus is the King of the Kingdom of God. All authority has been given to Him. He is the head of the church His body and the supreme ruler of The Church. Let us submit to His Lordship and pray that our part of His body The Church will be His authentic agent here in the city of London.

Don asked us by text to blog thoughts from prayer this morning:

* God is asking us to 'minister to Him' (see Acts 13:2).
* Picture of weeds being pulled out- that God wants to weed out any wrong doctrine and things that don't glorify Himself from churches in London.
* Felt to pray for the street preachers here, that they would go about it God's way, and peoples' hearts would be softened to them.
* For peoples' hearts to be softened in general to the things of God.
* That God would raise up more prayer warriors in London/ England to kindle revival here.

Devotion - Day 1

“Jesus Christ the cornerstone of the Church”

Mat 16:13-18
And coming into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked His disciples, saying, who do men say Me to be, the Son of Man? And they said, some say, John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. He said to them, but who do you say I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered and said to him, You are blessed, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal it to you, but My Father in Heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter (petros –pebble/small rock), and on this rock (petra-massive rock) I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Contrary to popular opinion the church of Jesus Christ is not built on the apostle Peter but on the revelation that Jesus is the Christ the son of the living God.

Eph 2:19-22
Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom every building having been fitly framed together, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a dwelling place of God through the Spirit.

Christ is that capstone, the keystone, or the headstone in the temple of God. Christ is the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:1 1). Christ is the author and the finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). Christ is the one who will bring completion to the Temple of God and it is by Him that all things consist (Col. 1:17; 2:9).

There is no question that all of the twelve apostles in the New Testament had a distinctive place in relationship to the foundation of the Church (Eph. 2:20). It was their teaching that was going to root and ground the Church (Acts 2:42), but what did they teach? What principles did they establish? The apostles in the New Testament Church laid down the first principles of the doctrine of Christ (Heb. 6:1-2). They were faithful in the beginning stages of laying the foundation, and because of that fact their names will be written in the foundation stones of the Holy City for all eternity (Rev. 21:14).

As we stand in the gap for Doxa Deo in prayer and intercession during these next 40 days let us pray for Jesus Christ to remain the central focus of Doxa Deo and for a continued and growing revelation that He is the Christ the son of the living God.

Let us surrender anew and afresh to His Lordship and pray for the grace and wisdom to serve His purposes in the city.

The Church - Prayer Focus

Areas to pray for
- To be a church led by the Spirit of God
- Spirit filled leadership (leadership on all levels of the church)
- To increase in our passion for Christ
- To hunger for God's Word
- An increased thirst for the Holy Spirit
- See people saved, baptized in water, filled with the Holy spirit and reconciled with God
- Our Small Groups becoming life giving evnironments
- Provision of strategic Venues
- Faith for the establishment of the current ministry points as campuses. (growth)
- Faith for the transformation of the city
- Unity and integration with the body of Chirst in London

Sunday's Prayer Corner 17/06/07

From 9am prayer corner on Sunday:
* We prayed for the up and coming 40 days of prayer.
* For the protection and blessing on our leaders at Doxa Deo.
Because if the shepherd is struck, it is easier to get to the flock:
Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered." Matthew 26:31.
* We had a devotion about how it is Biblical to pray for peoples' hearts to be moulded to God's path, softened or hardened so that we follow his will.
Pr 21:1
The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Eze 36:26
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
Ex 14:8
And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness.
Jos 11:20
"For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might receive no mercy, but that He might destroy them, as the Lord had commanded Moses.

Countdown!

As the 40 days of prayer draws near, I pray that God will prepare our hearts, minds and Spirit for what is He wants to do.
I believe that as we participate together in drawing near to God and pray, that we'll receive precious revelations from Him over this time of prayer.

May the expectation and preparation in our hearts grow as the countdown towards the 40 days of prayer starts!

(click on the comments link below to follow the countdown)

Standing in the Gap for Doxa Deo London

STANDING IN THE GAP FOR THE CHURCH
Forty days of focussed prayer and fasting
20 June – 29 July
FAITH FOR A CHURCH, FAITH FOR A CITY

2 Chronicles 7:14
If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

'Thy Kingdom Come Thy Will be Done'

The features of this forty day period will include:

1. A Prayer Blog for daily feedback, encouragement and prayer pointers (doxadeoprayer.blogspot.com)
   
   
2. Daily Devotions on prayer posted on the website and the prayerblog
   
   
3. Prayer and Fasting Roster. 4 -5 people fasting and/or praying each day
   
   
4. Prayer for the Nations. Every Monday evening for 5 consecutive weeks
   
   
5. Pre-Celebration Praying. A 30 min prayer meeting before each Sunday service
   
   
6. Two 24 Hour Prayer Chains. At the church offices from 0900 on Saturday to 0900 Sunday on 23/24 June and 14/15 July.
   
   
7. Skype Triplets. Skype two friends and spend 30 min praying: Thy Kingdom Come in London.
   
   
8. Praying at Trafalgar Square. 30 June 0800 -0900
   
   
9. Prayer Walking. Each cell group encouraged to prayer walk their neighbourhood at least once during the 40 day period
   
   
10. Mind Moulders. 5 days of focused prayer on each of the 8 mind moulders

Standing in the gap for London

Dear Doxa Deo partner and prayer warrior,
I am exited about the upcoming 40 days of prayer and fasting as we again humbly intercede before God for this great city. I am presently working with the Prayer Forum to put together all the features and activities for this focussed time of prayer.
Watch this space.
Blessings!
Don Price

Prayer blog created!

Hi all!

May this blog be used as a tool to communicate, share and unite us in prayer.

This blog was created with the 40 days of prayer, starting mid-June, in mind.
Who knows, it might just be used for more than that! :)

Blessings!