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ARE YOU FEELING DISCOURAGED ABOUT THE STATE OF OUR NATION AS WE APPROACH THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS?

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If you’re like most Christian Americans, you’re deeply concerned about the ramifications that will follow the monumental midterm election in November. According to a recent  Pew Research Center survey, a record share (72%) of registered voters say the issue of which party controls Congress will be a factor in their vote. A 60% majority views their midterm vote as an expression of opposition or support toward Trump – with far more saying their midterm vote will be “against” Trump (37%) than “for” him (23%).

I’m ashamed to admit it, but in the wake of all that has taken place in our nation in recent months, my prayers have waned. I was feeling pretty discouraged myself as I approached God regarding topics such as moral decline, violence, division, battles for control of the House of Representatives, racism, religious tension, same-sex marriage, the candidates we have to choose from, and the list goes on (and on and on and on).

But God is so faithful, even when we are not. He spoke to me through His Word, reminding me that HE IS IN CONTROL.

“He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you!” 2 Chronicles 20:6

God also reminded me that we are not helpless. God’s people are never helpless. We are victorious, and we need to start acting like it. In case you haven’t noticed, or in case you have forgotten—WE ARE AT WAR.

But we are not fighting alone nor are we fighting with mere human weapons.

“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

One of the mighty weapons the scripture above is referring to is PRAYER.

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16

NEVER EVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF PRAYER!

Christian friends, we need to stop whining, stop feeling helpless and get to praying! Here’s a form of prayer that is empowering Christians across America: Prayerwalking.

PRAYERWALKING
All over the world, God is helping Christians to pray as they walk through the streets of their communities. The idea of prayerwalking through your community is to allow your prayers to extend beyond your own concerns, focusing on the needs of others, while opening yourself to see them with God’s eyes and heart.

Prayerwalking is simply taking our prayers to the very places we desire to see God’s presence manifested.
Another way to put is: Praying on sight with God’s insight.

Prayerwalks are taken by individuals, groups and even whole churches. They can be as short as one block or as long as many miles.

Although you won’t find the word ‘prayerwalk’ in the Bible, walking was a major mode of transportation in biblical times, and clearly, people must have walked and prayed at the same time. When God made a covenant with Abraham, He said to him:

“Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west. I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.” Genesis 14:13-17 NLT (emphasis mine)

I remember the day my family first moved into our home. We had waited months for it to be built and now we were going to move in! My family stood on the front porch and prayed, thanking the Lord and dedicating the house for His use. With great excitement we walked through every room, opening closets and cupboards, examining every detail. We walked around the outside, front yard and back. At first, it seemed like a dream, but over time, we began to take possession of “our” house.

I believe this is why God had Abraham walk his property. God wanted Abraham to truly take possession of his land and exert his authority over it.

HOW PRAYERWALKING WILL HELP OUR NATION

Another important purpose for prayerwalking is to repossess land currently under the enemy’s control (John 14:30, 2 Corinthians 4:4) and regain it for God’s kingdom. Remember there were other people living in the land when God told Abraham to walk through it. It would be hundreds of years before God’s Promised Land would be possessed by Abraham’s descendants. However, in the spirit realm, it belonged to Abraham the moment God gave it to him. It is the same for us, as Abraham’s descendants now.

The United States of America needs to be repossessed for God’s purposes!

The sin of Adam and Eve brought a curse on the earth, giving the devil legal grounds to exert authority over earthly realms. Jesus broke the power of the enemy by dying for our sins on the cross and leaves it to His church to enforce the power of what He did on the cross until He returns. While we wait, our job is to take back all the ground that Satan currently holds. Every place on this earth that does not have the full light of the truth of God’s glory and grace through Jesus, is there for us to claim and possess!

Through prayerwalking, we can boldly claim God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to pray for our leaders (1Timothy 2:1-3). The Bible tells us that government is appointed by God (Romans 13:1, Daniel 2:21).

We are not powerless! Prayer is a mighty weapon.

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16
Because all government is appointed by God, we need leaders who fear God. We can take repossession of our nation only through the humility of prayer.

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

HOW TO PRAYERWALK FOR THE MIDTERM NOVEMBER ELECTIONS

Intercessors for America (IFA) has taken away all of the guesswork. This trusted organization has been around since 1973. As stated on their website: “Intercessors of America informs, connects, and mobilizes intercessors to pray for our nation and our leaders. We desire to reach Christians in churches and communities nationwide with information and tools to unite them in effective prayer.”

I strongly urge you to check out the resources IFA has to offer below:
Intercessors for America https://www.ifapray.org/
Prayer Guides https://www.ifapray.org/resources/prayer-guides-and-resources/
Sign up to commit to pray for a mighty work of God as we approach November 2018 elections. https://www.ifapray.org/get-out-and-pray/?map=adopt-a-street

Please get the word out about prayerwalking for our nation by talking to other believers as well as your church and Bible study leaders.

PREPARATION TO PRAYERWALK

– Pray for God’s Spirit to search your heart—Psalm 139:24-25
– Confess and forsake all known sin—1John 1:9
– Pray in repentance and faith—Mark 1:15
– Pray for discernment to pray strategically—Ephesians 1:8
– Pray for opportunities to share the hope of Christ boldly—Colossians 4:2, Acts 4:31
– Sketch a map to focus on a selected street, business, homes etc.
– Write out scriptures on note cards.
– Keep track with a prayer journal where you are walking and scriptures being used.
– Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

HOW TO PRAYERWALK

– Ask God to remove barriers.
– Invite the Spirit to accompany you.
– Pray with a partner, group or alone.
– Pray Bible verses aloud quietly (unless it will be drawing undue attention).
– Watch for God to show you what He wants you to pray for.
– Pray for present-hour needs as God reveals them.
– Use short sentences, talking to God in a conversational manner.
– Walk slowly.
– Be prepared to explain what you’re doing to inquirers. “We’re praying for God’s blessing on our neighborhood. Is there anything you’d like us to pray for you?”
– Be persistent. Repeat the same areas near your work, school, or home on a regular basis. You’ll see it deepens your awareness of God’s heart.

AFTER YOUR PRAYERWALK

– Record in your prayer journal what took place on your prayerwalk and any answered prayers.
– Thank and praise the Lord for what He is doing in your community/city.

SOME LOCATIONS TO CONSIDER FOR A PRAYERWALK
– Your neighborhood or work
– Government buildings
– Churches or possible locations for new churches
– Schools
– Hospitals
– Business areas
– Sights of other religions, false religions, or cults

I have experienced great benefits and results from prayerwalking (and jogging). But I’d also like to mention, to believe that prayers offered in any setting, or while in any position, are somehow ‘more effective’ than those offered at another time or in another manner is NOT scriptural. Our heavenly Father, who is everywhere at all times, knows exactly what our needs are presently and will respond to them in His own perfect will and timing.