I Prayed have prayed
Father, strengthen Your people to pray as You lead. Encourage us with the knowledge that You hear and answer our prayers. Give us Your wisdom to understand the times and seasons.
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The tragic situation in Afghanistan, the ongoing pandemic, the fight over election integrity, and the economic uncertainty in the U.S. right now are an array of challenges that face the U.S.

Intercessors are very sensitive people when it comes to challenges like these, and I fear many have been weighed down and discouraged by the problems all around us.

Many of you may be feeling weary, weighed down, and ready to give up.

Don’t.

The country needs you.

 

If you don’t pray, who will?

But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him. (Hebrews 10:38)

Insider Intercessory Information

To understand what is happening in D.C. right now, you have to understand August recess.

August Recess is a favorite time of the year for the swamp.

It explains what is happening in the White House and Capitol Hill right now.

Many don’t know it, but August is practically a religious holiday for the D.C. swamp where everyone, from members of Congress to lobbyists to staff take the month off, or at least slow their work to a crawl.

Some have been very critical of White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki because she took a week of vacation right after the Afghanistan crisis. Why? It’s August!

You may also be wondering why the infrastructure bill and $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill haven’t had any updates. Again, it’s August!

This doesn’t forgive everything that is happening in D.C. right now, but as intercessors we have to understand the times and seasons. The Sons of Isachar were blessed to know the times and seasons they lived in. So if you are fasting and praying about a certain piece of legislation or are confused by why members seem particularly inactive right now, remember August recess is an annual tradition that is almost never broken. More importantly, don’t be lulled to sleep by this momentary drop in activity out of Washington. We will soon have to return to the battle.

Prepare to Come Out of the Cave

You may think recess will be the time to rest, and that’s true. However, recess is coming to an end. I would argue that a good intercessor is always one step ahead of the news. As we are led by the Holy Spirit, He will have us preemptively praying for news items we didn’t even know about. Later, you’ll see the news report and the Lord’s assignment from days earlier will make more sense.

While we always need to rest in God and be sensitive to go into a season of rest, it seems that it’s time to come back to the front lines as we end the month of August. Let us not be seduced by the stupor of distraction and arrive late to the battle, realizing in late September or October that we have already missed many fights.

Elijah faced a similar temptation. He lived in a land full of wickedness and ungodly leadership.

There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:9-10)

What was the response? The Lord gave Elijah supernatural sustenance, His Presence and a fresh Word to get him out of the cave and back into the fight.

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13)

So, what does this all mean? Do not hide in the cave in discouragement any longer, no matter how dark it may seem. Also, understand the seasons of Washington, D.C. While there is a lull now (making the cave even more tempting) please understand that the battle will resume with ferocity within a few days.

With that in mind, let us pray:

-Father, give me strength as a prayer warrior for your Kingdom to not shrink back from the battle, to renew my strength in You. I give my discouragement to you. Strengthen me in your Presence and with your Word so I can get back in the fight. I pray the same for my fellow believers around the nation, that you would revive them and send them back to fight for your Kingdom.

-Lord, I ask that your sent ones in D.C. would get the rest they need during this August recess so they can return to work with renewed strength and purpose.

Verses to pray as you intercede on this issue:

This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  (Ephesians 5:14-16)

But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him. (Hebrews 10:38)

Have you felt discouraged by seeming ongoing crisis and needs? Share your thoughts and prayers in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to remain steadfast in our intercession!

(From the D.C. Insider. Article by Casey Harper. Photo Credit: Tom Gainor).

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Vickie
August 24, 2021

Dear Father God, please strengthen our people to pray as You lead. Encourage us with the knowledge that You do hear and answer prayers. Give us the wisdom to understand the times and seasons. In Jesus name, Amen. People please don’t give up, our country needs us, and if we don’t pray then who will? I know most all of us are battle weary, but God promises that whosoever stands strong to the end will be saved! Let us cling to the piece of Scripture that says, But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him. (Hebrews 10:38).

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Santos Garcia, Jr.
August 24, 2021

This linked pregnant Prophetic Word by Dutch Sheets “Prepare For Global Awakening” will encourage US ALL as to the LORD of Glory’s Divine Plan as we continue to ‘Appeal to Heaven’.
Please ponder in silence, and listen for GOD’s Whisper… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDGS3Vk9VTE

‘1st Friday Fast’ may need to transition to a weekly time of corporate intercession… It’s truly ‘The LORD’s Watch’ over our America and the world community of nations.
Prayerfully consider: https://zionsgate.wordpress.com/2007/07/01/the-joy-of-fasting-discipline-deliverance-and-delight/

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Etta Danielson
August 24, 2021

This has been & is a battle. Dealing with the worlds ills & physical ills that the enemy is trying to put on me is hard. The only way through is prayer, believing His Word, & praise & worship!!

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CN
August 24, 2021

I can relate to this article but I can’t say that I’ve felt August to be “restful”. Anything but restful from my standpoint.
I asked God why so many burdens and why the non-stop heaviness that I’ve never experienced before. I believe he was kindly giving me multiple reasons. (1) we are in an all out heavenly/earthly war manifesting itself in many ways (2) carrying the burdens in our hearts and turning them into prayer is an honor and responsibility (3) Satan knows that if he can tire us out and we give up, he can overthrow this nation. Therefore, satan will not rest (4) part of this war we are involved in is a direct result of many Christians falling asleep and not being involved previously…so the path upward is naturally tougher (5) tragically, many spiritual leaders who should have been preparing the people “did not”. They were stuck in a lifeless status quo mode. (6) as Christians, we were relying too much on others in leadership to do the vast majority of work that was OUR responsibility (7) God truly wants us to trust His word and that He will fulfill it. He is still in the “Red Sea” business and our faith must reflect that truth (8) godless, apathetic, compromised officials will always bring forth horrible decisions and results because they refuse to honor and fear God. When people do not do their elected official “homework”, they will suffer the end result of the laziness. That especially includes believers.
So God seems to have given me a myriad of reasons “why” and they all make sense.
In the meantime, we must get back into action. We will have moments of tiredness, exhaustion and we will probably have moments of hopelessness…so let’s allow God and each other to encourage us. In-between it all, pray constantly for the removal of ungodly, compromised, self seeking officials and that our Lord will raise up and replace them with warriors for the kingdom of God. And remember to be relentless in your involvement and demand for election integrity.

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Linda
August 24, 2021

I was reminded by an older sister, we are not called to comfort but GOD is after our heart. Suffering is part of our journey to yield our heart to The Creator who knows our heart better than we do. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He Will direct your path.

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brian
August 24, 2021

Actually, the more issues that we face in these end times, the more compelled that I feel lead to keep strong in prayer. A friend, who has gone to Glory, once told me,” Don’t give up when you are on the verge of a miracle”. That admonition reminds me of the importance of praying without ceasing, and trusting Almighty God to move, in His way, and in His time. We do the crying out to God, and trusting in Him. He is faithful to do His part. My prayer, is, that as intercessors, that we NEVER grow weary in doing good. In Jesus’ holy name.

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Doris Ehlenfeldt
August 24, 2021

This article is right on time! To say events in the news has been overwhelming (from mask mandates to Haiti’s earthquake to political concerns to Afghanistan, friends & family concerns, etc). It was time for me to turn my full attention toward heaven and the Sovereign God who sits on the throne. He refreshed my my spirit as I left my battlefield of prayer (apartment) to attend church, spend time with friends and encouraged by a stranger! I read this article soon after telling God I was ready to return to the battlefield. Praise the name of the Lord!

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Christine L Hammett
August 24, 2021

Thank you for this post! I agree with the prayer. This season in America reminded me of the sermon by Tony Campolo called “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Comin’!” https://youtu.be/RkKvdvZ77-0 God will have the final say in America! God bless America!

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Susan CC
August 24, 2021

Casey Harper, thank you. May God bless you, your family, friends, and cohorts in ways I cannot even comprehend.

Father, I remember Psalm 22 as I pray. You are holy, enthroned by the praises of Your people. I humbly ask for Your power and authority to bring our leaders to the Fear You. Your Word says the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We desperately need leaders who love You and seek Your will as You alone are Sovereign. I pray they will turn to You…I pray the families of this nation will bow before you…I pray all the ends the earth will remember and turn to You. I ask this and so much more in the Name of Jesus Christ for “In Him and through faith in Him we may enter Your presence with boldness and confidence.” Amen

“God who gave us life, gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?” Thomas Jefferson

In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

https://biblehub.com/p/niv/bsb/psalms/22.shtml

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Elizabeth McDonald
August 24, 2021

Thank you for the encouragement. I too was burned out by endless hysteria. Rees Howell during WWII went to the Lord and waited on Him to see where the Lord was in everything. In 1939 after war was declared between Britain and Nazi Germany he published God Challenges the Dictators: Doom of the Nazi Predicted. He and a group of intercessors prayed into this word to fulfillment. the Lord has told me to pray for our enemies who are blind puppets of Satan for their salvation as they are working overtime to rush to the Lake of Fire,to forgive them as Jesus did because they don’t know what they are doing. I had to repent for my attitude towards them which were word curses. The Lord is waking up His sleeping virgins-Bride Church with rude awakenings of how pervasive we have allowed the evil to become so we are prepared for Him to return and fully fulfill 2 Chronicles 7:14. Our weapons are superior because He is all powerful,all knowing, and everywhere always for all eternity. He is in us,for us,with us, and working through us for His victory and glory alone. pray,worship,fast,and wait on Holy Spirit to lead the fight.

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Pamela Derrer
August 24, 2021

Yes, I am an intercessor and by all this mess in the US, God has revealed to me how evil sin is.
As an intercessor, pray ing for God’s will can be exhausting and overcoming.
But I have patience and wisdom and know that everything takes time
Worship and praise
really helps me.
Praying for the intercessors, that God will fill us with His Holy Spirit and give us His Mercy, Wisdom, Directions, Health, Healing, Love, and Forgiveness
God bless you

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Cynthia Weatherwax
August 24, 2021

Yes there are times we get discouraged, however we must remember the battle is the Lord’s. This is all about Jesus! We pray, stand and obey by trusting that God answered it already. I have been led by the Holy Spirit to praise and worship the Lord every other Tuesday of each month. Seeking direction for our church, country and more. There has been quick answers praise reports already. Praising God and worship changes the atmosphere. It brings His presence. We must stay focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Matthew 7:7-8. We are His children, He hears us! Amen

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    Susan CC
    August 24, 2021

    The battle is the Lord’s…we pray, stand, obey and trust… AMEN!

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Debbie Markley
August 24, 2021

Casey, thank you for this much-needed encouragement in this Season. My soul has been so troubled and, after some prayer, I read your admonition to come out of our caves! The story of how God cared for Elijah in the midst of his despair was perfect.
Romans 15:13 – ” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. …”
This is my prayer for all of my brothers and sisters I Christ, especially those still in Afghanistan.

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Lisa
August 24, 2021

Father- I was up a good share of the night. Fighting anxiety, quoting scripture, listening to sermons and trying to pray. Where is the church Lord? I keep crying it out. Then it dawns on me…I am part of the church along with millions of others. Satan is separating us…he is saying we are defeated. He is laughing at our discouragement and claiming victory. He is telling us to sit back but our God is not. God is saying look to Him, focus like a razor on His word, His Power, His might…and PRAISE HIM! Do not be discouraged or dismayed for He is Our God! Our strong tower, our redeemer and deliverer. Christian stand up and fight with the power of the Holy Spirit! When you are weary call out to Him…but keep going! Remember that the last mile is often the hardest to go…but victory is ours in the name of Jesus! We are the light…shine it bright in the ever increasing darkness…evidently as we are alive now, we were born for such a time as this. Keep the faith!

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    Debbie Markley
    August 24, 2021

    Me too, Lisa. Thank you for your honesty and encouragement. You, my Sister, are light and salt and I will remember you in my prayers.

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    Susan CC
    August 24, 2021

    Yes sister, he is a liar but our God is El ‘Emet, the God of Truth! Faith is trust and reliance on TRUTH in which you are bound, I am bound and all who love Him are bound. Amen.

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Brenda Nelson
August 24, 2021

Father, thank you for always sustaining us. I hear Your Voice through all the clamor. I know that You are able! The enemy fears our prayers & actions. Expose & restrain the evil plots & actions. Defeat those who come against us. Protect & save those caught in harm’s way. Embolden us to speak Your Truths, to truly be Light in a very dark world. Encourage us to remember that our armor, Your Word, is for facing the enemy, not hiding. Let us boldly go forth, knowing that You are with us, that Your angels surround us. In Jesus’ Name, I pray.

Let us not grow weary. Our prayers are being answered in ways beyond our knowledge. Be encouraged by how few of the bills on the socialist agenda have passed. Be encouraged by how many states are taking actions to support our Constitution, to defend their state from that deceitful agenda.

Our enemy figured this would be a cakewalk & our nation would be totally destroyed within days of the new administration taking over. Support & encourage those everywhere who are standing for God. Pray! Pray! And pray some more!

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