When Church Breaks Out and Intercession Begins

We had church last night. 

I don't mean the scheduled meeting in the building. I'm referring to that wonderful moment when the assembled body of Christ is so linked by the Spirit of God that they're in one accord.

Pastor Scooter taught about Abraham and his three visitors. While he was pouring out hospitality in a big way, the visitors (AKA Jesus and two angels) told him about soon-to-be-born baby Issac. (Genesis 18)

After the feast at Abraham's tent, The Lord and His angels headed to Sodom and Gomorrah to destroy both towns. He decided to tell Abraham about it first.

Since his nephew, Lot, lived there, Abraham became a serious intercessor on the spot.

You probably know this story. Abraham asked if God would relent if there were fifty righteous people there. Yes, He would. On and on Abraham went. Finally, he said, "What if there are ten righteous people?" The Lord said He'd relent on destruction for ten righteous people. (Genesis 18:32)

That brought us to a discussion of the importance of praying big. 

Pastor Scooter invited us to stand up and tell what we were asking God to do. The one standing was to say, "I'm asking God to.." and the rest of us were to say, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (That comes straight from Genesis 18:14, in case you were wondering why we said it.) Then, we'd all pray the biggest prayer possible for the need.

It was a little slow at first. One person stood up with their need. We prayed. Long pause. Then another. Suddenly, people were standing up as fast as could be. 

We were gathered in the name of Jesus and His Spirit was present with us, so we didn't waste the opportunity. (Matthew 18:20) 

We prayed as big as we could pray. Healing from cancer. Deliverance from alcoholism. Salvation. Restoration and healing of marriages. We gathered around. Laid on hands. Prayed as big as we could. 

It was the church being the church, and it was beautiful.

The prayers were prayed in His will, because we prayed according to Scripture. 

God's not willing for any to perish, so we know He wants all those people we prayed about to be saved. (2 Peter 3:9)

He hates divorce, so we know He wants those marriages to be healed. (Malachi 2:16)

It was for freedom that Christ set us free, so we know He wants those struggling with addiction to be set free. (Galatians 5:1)

Perfect love casts out fear and He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, so we know He wants those going through cancer or other challenges to be fearless and peaceful. (1 John 4:18, 2 Timothy 1:7)

God responded to every prayer. We haven't seen all the answers yet, but we will.

When we, the church, do what God says in the way He says to do it, with the right attitude and motive, He will do what He has said. 

Last night, we did things God's way. 

I'm asking God to save someone dear to me, to move in Jordan and bring a fire of revival, to bring the right people to the brunch on Saturday and help me prepare appropriately... 

Is anything to difficult for the Lord?

What are you asking God to do?

In case you've wondered, it's not too difficult for Him.

"For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Matthew 18:20 nlt

"You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father." John 14:13 nlt
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n case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When Pure Religion Isn't Quite

*** I'm sharing about my Jordan Journey at a brunch on Saturday. It's interactive with multiple "stations" to check out. We'll sample Jordanian food and hear stories from my trip. April 1 at 10:30-12 at Global Outreach home office, 74 Kings Highway, Pontotoc MS. You're all invited. Comment or message me if you'd like to come.***

If God has called you to help with this ministry of digital and in-person outreach (both in the US and around the world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:

Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#Jesus