Prepare the Land
March 12, 2010 by Derek
Filed under Church Blog
I was recently in India and there was an old lady who was insisting that I pray for her. It turned out she could not see and after praying what I thought was a very simple prayer, I realised that God had moved as she began jumping up and down, praising God, proclaiming that she could see again. We shouldn’t be surprised – we know that Jesus healed the blind on many occasions during His time on earth, but this is a reminder of the breakthrough we can see as we pray powerful and effective prayers (James 5:16)
As we embark on the church plant – clearly we need a foundation of prayer. I love the history of the Israelites when they took the first city in the promised land – Jericho (Joshua 6:1-27). It would have been easy for Joshua and the army to go and take the city in their own strength but God sent a messenger to tell them to march around the city seven times and then He would deliver the city to them. On this occasion the Israelites were obedient and the results were obvious.
Now I don’t think we are going to march through the streets with trumpets (any takers?) but I do think the lesson in obedience and preparation is important – and that is the place we are in right now. When it comes to the church plant in Scarborough we feel called to start praying at a set time and a set place – it’s part of our obedience and preparation – and you’re invited!
So from this Tuesday, and every Tuesday until we start the church, we will be meeting at the amphitheatre at Scarborough Beach at 6.30am for about 45 minutes to pray. We’ll start with 10 minutes together, then go off in groups for about 25 minutes wherever you feel led and then come back together for 10 minutes to hear what God has revealed. Look forward to seeing you there…
Be The Church
Really encouraged at how God restored the lady’s sight through your prayer.
I pray that you guys will also get to ‘see’ each new step as you build the church. All glory to Jesus our Lord!
Here’s an idea… If you can’t make it to Scarborough, then how about walk around your own streets at 6.30am on Tuesday and pray for your community and the church plant. Let us know if you are going to be doing that so we can support each other.
I have been walking and praying in our local area and am so very encouraged that already I am being given opportunities to speak and share with neighbours as never before. This is developing closer relationship and already we have been able to serve some single ladies with some gardening which has been a joy – glory to God.
Wow Derek! I can’t believe you had that first hand experience of healing that women! What an amazing thing to witness! You’d be pretty stoked knowing the Lord has worked through you to change someone’s life so profoundly!
I marvel at what you are doing for God and how daring and out-of-the-box everything you are doing is. I especially love the whole praying for people on the streets thing, very cool indeed! I’ll be praying for you and your team and I want to encourage you guys to keep doing such marvellous deeds for God! It’s simply AWESOME!