DAY ONE:
God wants to bless His people,
but He often waits for them to intercede.

Prayer holds a critical place in spiritual warfare amidst hostile government responses to the Christian community.

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A favorite message by Derek Prince is from Ezekiel 36:22-38. (Derek Prince, as many readers know, was an IFA founding father and early board member. His seminal book, Shaping History through Prayer and Fasting, informed much of IFA’s early vision of intercessory prayer as a strategic weapon in praying for revival and spiritual transformation in America.) Some readers no doubt heard “Brother Prince” (as he often referred to himself) bring this message and its startling application.

After Ezekiel’s numerous prophetic warnings about judgment for multiple backslidings and spiritual infidelities, the Lord God begins pronouncing blessings He will perform among His people for His name’s sake and for His own glory, so that His people and surrounding nations will know “I am the LORD.”

 In these 16 verses, God lists at least 17 specific blessings that He will perform for His people—some long range and others immediate. He says through Ezekiel, “I will” do this, and “I will” do that. And then—abruptly, it appears—He says “…I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them….” (v. 37 KJV). Paraphrasing, other versions say, “I will do this, but I want them to ask Me or ‘plead’ with Me, etc.” The implication seems to mean, “I know what I plan to do, but I want My people to be fully engaged and fully involved through prayer.”

Derek Prince concluded his message with two thoughts: 1) that this language (“I will do this, but I want My people to pray and to ask…”) lies in the realm of mystery; and 2) that it was God’s loving heart to desire the inclusion of His people as He acted on their behalf. Later in this series, we will see this principle carried over in the New Testament, where God, through Jesus and in various ways, encourages His people’s participation in His acts of love and mercy as well as through in-depth prayers for the young church’s survival and expansion.

For Personal Application:

• If you are not keeping a prayer journal, consider starting one to record your requests and God’s answers. This will help you become aware of all God is doing in and through your prayers.
• Meditate on the thought that while intercessors do not control God, He invites, exhorts – even commands – our prayers; and it delights His heart to include praying believers in His purposes.
• Ponder the implications of Ezekiel 36:37. Although God is infinite and His ways are far above our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), we see from many Bible passages that He waits to display His power until His people pray. Ask God to help you be alert to intercessory opportunities.
• Consider 2 Corinthians 6:1. “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” Give thanks for your exalted position as a “co-worker” with God.

(By George Taylor, IFA Staff Writer)