For those who have eyes to see, we as believers have the opportunity before us to take our place as leaders in this nation – right in the middle of enemy territory.  The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! (Ps 110:1-2 ESV)

The kind of prayer that shifts a nation starts with a righteous remnant, those who take a stand for holiness and purity before the Lord. It takes courageous men and women to stand for what is true and good and not allow threats or accusations to silence their voice, either in the secret place or in the public square.

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There is no true transformation without holiness and there is no cultural shift apart from the fear of the Lord. Change must first take place in our own hearts and be reflected by prayers that are effective and powerful. Those prayers, however, must go beyond personal desire, to corporate agreement. And this is where our greatest challenge lies. We need to find common ground in the midst of extremist views and rhetoric so we can rise with one voice and one message. This is the only way the Ekklesia (God’s governing body of believers on the earth) will have any Kingdom authority in the governmental sphere.

As we consider the future before us, we need to have a clear vision as the Church and the task before us. Though chaos increases around the globe, we have been given a commission. Rather than preparing to leave, we should be positioned to lead. Instead of predicting the end, we should be presenting our case. Rather than storing up provisions for fear of impending doom, we should be out in our communities releasing the clarity, purpose, and wisdom that our culture so desperately needs. Though Jesus clearly said to be ready for His return, His primary message was to preach the gospel, demonstrate the Kingdom, and bring order to the earth He gave us to steward (Mark 16:15, Luke 4:43, Gen 1:28).

Good government rises and falls on leadership. This is true in both the sacred and secular realms. The dysfunctional leadership now in some of the highest positions of our government are, unfortunately, a reflection of the Church’s fractured leadership. This is not from lack of love for God or even love for others. It’s due to immaturity of character and lack of accountability in leadership. The fatherless generation talked about for decades is now grown up and seeking positions of power and influence. Without a solid biblical worldview and a community of faith in place, we will continue to see wicked rulers rise and Kingdom expression censored.

If we are to find common ground to gain 2020 vision for our future, we must start in the place of prayer. We must surrender our personal preferences, our biased opinions, and our sacred cows. We must be willing to agree on that which is most vital in order for the Ekklesia to rise in the land and provide light in the darkness.

We must pray with pure hearts, clean hands, and the mind of Christ. We must pray with the kind of oneness that bears fruit (1 Cor 1:10). We must fix our eyes, not on what is seen, but on what is unseen (2 Cor 4:18). We must judge things from heaven’s perspective and not our own. We must acknowledge the demonic forces at work in the roots of our nation and grow in corporate authority to displace these wicked rulers in high places.

As more and more believers are sensing the desperation of the hour and the need for prayer, here are twelve principles of righteous intercession that can help unify our goals.

WE MUST:

1-Remove the roadblocks of sin and compromise. (Isaiah 57:14)

2-Invite the Fear of the Lord to cover the land. (Psalm 25:12-14)

3-Purify our vision to see things rightly. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

4-Declare a righteous standard of life and governance. (Proverbs 14:34)

5-Establish God-fearing rulers. (Isaiah 1:26)

6-Become one in mind and spirit. (John 17:11)

7-Stand together against evil. (John 1:4-5)

8-Call the watchmen to agree in prayer. (Jeremiah 51:12)

9-Ask for a great outpouring of God’s Spirit. (Psalm 89:15-17)

10-Bless all in authority, both in the secular and the sacred. (Romans 13:1)

11-Bless an increase of God’s government on the earth. (Psalm 45:6)

12-Exalt God’s name above every other name. (Psalm 47:7)

As we come into agreement with God’s Word and humble ourselves to His will and purpose, He can do that which we cannot – bind us together through the unity of the Spirit (Eph 4:1-6). By God’s grace, may we reason together and hear from heaven in order to align our hearts, renew our minds, and demonstrate the Kingdom through our prayers and actions.

• This post is an excerpt from my newly released book, “Prayer That Sparks National Revival.” In this small pocket-sized prayer manual, these 12 principles are expounded upon with additional thoughts and scriptures for a 12-Day Focus/Fast – either personal or corporate. There are additional chapters highlighting areas of repentance, specific corporate strongholds, and prophetic insights concerning this next election. Consider using the prayer guides included for your small groups and city-wide intercession.
• You can get copies for a donation of any amount from Intercessors for America.