Do You Pray History Making Prayer?

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What kind of prayer is most needed today? Are you praying the prayers that make the most impact in your world? Is your prayer life directed to the most pressing needs around you?

It is no stretch to say that we are in very challenging days. No matter where in the world you are reading this post, there is distrust, hatred, violence, unrest and danger. The rising tide of evil will not prevail when God’s people pray as the Bible directs us to. Listen to what God’s word says about the prayer that is needed today:

And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. (Ezekiel 22:30 – ESV)

What does it mean to build up the wall and stand in the breach?

Ezekiel received this word from God to share with the people of Israel. These were God’s chosen people. Their circumstances at this time were desperate. Their sin had resulted in extreme hardship. Many of them had been taken captive to Babylon. The rest were under foreign domination and frequent siege.

God used the metaphor of the wall symbolize a few things: protection, strength, refuge and safety. The wall was so important to the confidence and well being of the people. And just as the wall was important to the actual well being of the people, the symbol of the wall was as well. This symbol is still so relevant today.

He also called for someone to stand in the breach, or gap. Where the wall had not yet been completed, he needed someone to become the wall and protect those inside.

What happens when there is no one to build up the wall and stand in the breach?

Therefore, I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the Lord God. (Ezekiel 22:31 – ESV)

I am always a little intimidated and frightened when I read passages like this! They are hard for me to embrace. Our righteous God will judge and he will ensure that those who oppose him or are indifferent to him receive punishment.

I don’t like to be motivated by the threat of punishment but I need it from time to time. Don’t you?

Surely when we neglect the things of God, when we ignore him and push him aside there are consequences! To deny this is to deny the nature of God.

What does it take to build the wall and stand in the breach?

Courage. To even require a wall means there is danger out there! To work on building in the face of danger requires great courage.

Strength. Building is demanding work. It means long days and consistent effort.

Persistence. Building a wall doesn’t happen in a day. The work is continuous until it is done. And when the work is going on, there are gaps in the wall that must be manned!

Determination. Any project that takes time, effort and resources is completed with determination. This is something that is easily abandoned. So full commitment is required.

Extraordinary effort. Long hours, little immediate reward, unremitting attacks – the reality of those who stand in the breach.

When we see the dangers and the needs we admit that there must be a measure of desperation.

What is the spiritual application?

Okay, I finally got to it. We are constantly under attack as followers of Jesus. The church – God’s chosen people – is the target of opposition both subtle and violent. We are to build a wall to protect us from these attacks. That wall is a wall of prayer. It is our call! To do the work of a builder, to stand in the breach.

How We Answer the Call

Our answer to the call is fervent, agonizing intercessory prayer. We pray on behalf of the rebellious and the lost. We intercede also for other followers of Jesus all around the world. Everywhere people follow Jesus there is a need for standing in the breach.

“History belongs to the intercessors.” – Walter Wink

Making history is done in the quiet of your room or with other like-minded intercessors who see the need and commit themselves to this great cause.

Andrew Murray said prayer is “the one power of earth that commands the power of heaven.”

What do you do today?

Ask God to place a burden on your heart to become an intercessor.

Choose who you will intercede for. There are many needs:
– The persecuted church
– Pastors, missionaries, evangelists
– Prodigal sons and daughters
– Spiritual brothers and sisters

Begin to pray daily with passion, determination and love

Finally, would you pass this on to others so they can join this great work. Use the links below or forward the email you received from me to others you think would join in the work.