PRAY LIKE EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON GOD!!!

Just read this post over at Steven Furtick's blog. Steven leads Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. This post is actually written by his Project Manager, Lisa Shea. Lisa shares some great thoughts about the importance of praying for your pastor.

A few years ago I read this quote by Peter Wagner.

The most underutilized source of spiritual power in our churches today is intercession for Christian leaders. ~ C. Peter Wagner

He's right! Intercession for Christian leaders is critical.

Or, how about this quote from E.M. Bounds.

The men and women in the pew given to praying for the pastor are like poles which hold up the wires along which the electric current runs. They are not the power… But they hold up the wires upon which the divine power runs to the hearts of men… They make conditions favorable for the preaching of the gospel. ~ E.M. Bounds

Wow!

For all of you "a2-ers," Lisa nails it with this post. If you do aything for me at all, please PRAY. BIG TIME. I believe a2 is on the verge of becoming a revolutionary movement, but it won't happen unless we are passionately committed to pursuing the purpose and plan of God in prayer.

Here's Lisa's post.

THE NEED TO INTERCEDE
Lisa Shea, Project Manager, Office of the Lead Pastor

A while ago, Pastor Steven asked me to take the role of his intercessor. It’s quite an honor and I take it very seriously. An “intercessor” is a person who prays on behalf of another. You don’t have to be appointed to be one. We are all called to pray.

If you’d like to commit to intercede on behalf of your leader, here are some tips to get you started:

* Commit to praying scriptures over your Pastor regularly and while he is preaching. There is nothing more powerful than God’s Truths spoken over their lives. One example is that it “is not by wise or persuasive words, but by the demonstration of the Spirit’s power”. I also pray that the words spoken come straight from the heart of God and are “sharper than a double edged sword”

* Pray continually for God’s wisdom, revelation and knowledge to be poured out on them.

* Sensitivity and confidentiality is crucial. If your Pastor wants the entire church to know his burdens or battles, he can tell them.

* Pray protection over your spiritual leader. They are prone to burdens and attacks you may never know about. Put on the armor of God for them as found in Ephesians 6.

* Listen to God intently. He can show you things to pray for so you can be on the offensive. Spirit led prayer is the most powerful and effective.

I want to do my part to support Pastor Steven as he fulfills the call of God on his life. Be determined in your prayers for your Pastor and see what God will do through him and your church!

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Amen!

PS: This is not a one way street! You can bank on this: I'm committed to praying for you.