SBC @ Prayer ~ Praying for Collaborative Evangelism in San Diego

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Please pray:

• For help in providing an audience to share the vision for the ministry and in finding ways to continue to reach the pastors He has given us to reach the city.
  
  
• For insight on how to enhance the work that is being done in order to fulfill God’s purposes.
  
  
• For open doors into the city so that God might use us to help transform it.
  
  

• For continued wisdom, direction and effectiveness of teams for August 26 Day of Prayer. Pray for effective promotion of the Day of Prayer through all communication mediums. Praise God for his provision of leaders for Day of Prayer and for an increasing sense of prayer permeating the ministries and churches.

• For specific insight for timing/planning of 2009 prayer events. Praise God for the favor and grace of God to work together with SBC and non-SBC pastors and leaders in ministry and prayer.
  

• For local ministries and for the safety and effectiveness of volunteers and teams.
  

• For the Vision San Diego staff and San Diego Baptist Association, that we will constantly submit to the Lord’s plans and purposes, not our own. Pray that the Lord would be Lord of everything we do and everything that is done in the Church. Also pray for the spiritual maturity, wisdom, spiritual protection and good health for the Vision and SDSBA staff teams.
  
  
• For supernatural provision of strategic partnerships, people and resources for potential San Diego/Tijuana Luis Palau event in 2009 or 2010.
  
  
• Praise God for the summer missionaries and the ministry they were able to take part in this summer. Please continue to pray for them as they will return to their homes over the next two weeks. Pray also that they would hear His voice and receive clarity if they are feeling a call into future or full-time missions.
  
  
• Please pray for the many mission teams that will travel to San Diego in support of our local churches. Pray that the lives of the team members will be changed. Pray also for salvation of the many unsaved people they come in contact with while here.

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*Coaching? Teaching? Preaching? on prayer ... Contact Phil@nppn.org

Responses to "Prayer that Changes Churches"

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Note >>> Prayer that Changes Churches is a workshop led by Illinois Baptist Prayer Ministries Coordinator Phil Miglioratti, provided by the IBSA to our associations and congregations . . .

“We enjoyed this retreat even more than last year’s. We both thought he was a good communicator of the truth God laid on his dear heart. You could tell that he really cared about us and realized the gravity of the reality of prayer. I think that just the simple truth that prayer starts with God is immensely profound. Phil was a good gift from our good God. Thanks for inviting him to speak to us. I feel more sensitized to the need of prayer, a better understanding of the goings on of prayer, and an increased longing for the sweetness of communion with God in prayer.”

“I enjoyed the retreat. It was nice to spend some time with everyone in close quarters. I just have one comment for our speaker. He may want to indicate that Epaphras (1:7) is considered by many scholars as the founder of the Colossian church. He was one of them of course, but I don't think he was "the average congregation member" that Phil presented. I don't know, you may want to rephrase it in some way. Other than that it was a good reminder that I need to be aware of the Spirit and my dependence on Him for praying God's will.”

"I think it was exactly what we needed. It was practical without being hokey. It wasn’t over people’s heads with theory and theology, yet it wasn’t simplistic and in actuality was extremely theological, being rooted in the nature of God as Triune. I appreciated that you kept tying things back to Scripture. I think is stirred everyone back to prayer, to yearn to participate in that heavenly prayer-meeting. It also gave practical suggestions for how to do it. I loved the focus from personal intimacy with the Lord, to intercession, to missional/kingdom-advancing prayer. It was perfect! Very helpful for pushing us forward in our desire to be a true neighborhood church that is missional. I’m so thankful! Praise God. It was everything we were praying for."

"Thank you for being willing to be with us!!"

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"Pray over him after anointing..."

Should We Anoint the Sick with Oil Today?

Written by Harold D. Dinsmore

“Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they should pray over him after anointing him with olive oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:14, HCSB

While some pastors may not see anointing with oil as a practice for today’s church, I believe we are missing a wonderful ministry opportunity for both individuals who need prayer as well as the families of the sick. In fact, I believe that anointing with oil is allowed and encouraged in James 5:14 and has biblical precedent in that we encounter the anointing with oil and perfume throughout the Scripture.

Samuel anoints David with oil in 1 Samuel 16:13 as are other Kings representing God’s favor and selection. In John 12:3 Mary anointed Jesus with fragrant oil and when Judas objects, “Jesus answered, ‘Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of My burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.’” (John 12:7-8, HCSB)

I think anointing with oil is a biblical aspect of pastoral ministry that we overlook in our churches today. If you choose to do this, here are a few things to consider. ===>Click headline to access the complete article . . .

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Baptist Pastor: "Why We Don't Have Revival"

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Why We Don't Have Revival

Ask any church leader why America--or the churches in general or a denomination in particular or all Christians--does not (do not) have revival and the answers will usually come out to something like: "We're not praying," or "We're not praying hard enough," or "This takes prayer and fasting."

Today, I spent an hour on the internet reading some of the hundreds of websites on the subject of revival. Those that attempt to cover the subject of why we are not experiencing revival usually attribute it to sin, complacency, or prayerlessness.

Maybe they're right, but it seems to me those answers are missing the point.

The reason we're not having revival may indeed be that we're not praying for one. After all, Scripture assures us that "you have not because you ask not." (James 4:2)

But that just leads to the question of why we're not praying for revival. The answer, I strongly suggest, is simple: we don't want a revival. We like things the way they are.

I said it and will stand by it: we do not want revival. The churches don't, the church members don't, and very few of the pastors want a genuine Heaven-sent revival.

After all, revival means change, and we don't want change. We're too comfortable the way things are at the present.===>Click headline to access complete article and comments . . .

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Impact the Election ~ Praying the Names of Christ

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STRATEGIC PRAYER ~ Praying the Names of Christ as we Approach Election Day .

Followers of Christ across the United States (and around the world) are invited to "fix our eyes upon Jesus" together from July 7 through our national Election Day (November 4). Christ is marvelous beyond our imaginations! Let's unite in a daily focus on many of His names, during this crucial hour in history!

Below you will find 121 Scripture passages, highlighting more than 120 of the names of our matchless King which you're free to copy, give to others, put it on your website, etc.

Our heavenly Father is always pleased when His children agree that His beloved Son is awesome, beautiful, worthy, matchless, precious (and much, much more)! So, let's set aside a few minutes each day (using the "Names of Christ" tool), now through Election Day in November, to "live and move and have our being" in Christ together! I pray that multitudes of us will be consumed in Christ (fanatics of Him), who "is ALL and is in ALL!" And, that Christ's kingdom and power and glory will abide in our land!

Whenever an Individual or Group Begins Using the "Names of Christ" (July 7, August 2, September 9, etc.), I Suggest you:

• Read the Scripture passage that is provided for you each day
• Meditate on that passage of the day, especially focusing on the name or names of Christ in that passage
• Surrender yourself in prayer to Christ the Redeemer (on July 7), Christ the Anointed One (on July 8) and so on through November 3
• Thank and praise Christ the Redeemer or Christ the Anointed One, etc.
• Briefly share a couple insights with one or more other believers about Christ the Redeemer, Christ the Anointed One, and so on (this should be very encouraging for you and for whomever the Lord directs you to share with each day)
• Pray that you and your spheres of influence will be enveloped or saturated or consumed in Christ the Redeemer, Anointed One, etc.

I don't know what God will do if hundreds or thousands of us focus on Christ together through November 3rd. I'm sure I'll be much more devoted to Christ by that time. Maybe He will give our national leaders more wisdom; maybe He will draw many unbelievers to His Son; maybe He will increase our faith and hope; maybe He will protect us and our nation; maybe our "government will be on Christ's shoulders." I suggest we wrap up this "Names of Christ" journey by reading, meditating on, worshiping Christ together using the Doxology (Rom. 11:33-36) during Election Day, Nov. 4.

Words from a wonderful hymn come to mind as I close: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand." May we wholly lean on Jesus' names!

CHRIST IS ALL,

Steve Hall, International Renewal Ministries

Cell # 206-595-5109

CHRIST IS ALL (Col. 3:11)

NAMES OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

FIRST 40-DAY PRAYER EMPHASIS BEGINS

July 7 REDEEMER

Job 19:25-27 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

July 8 The ANOINTED ONE

Ps. 2:1-9 Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One. “Let us break their chains”, they say, “and throw off their fetters.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then He rebukes them in His anger and terrifies them in His wrath, saying “I have installed My king on Zion, My holy hill.” I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, “You are My Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of Me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” ===>Click headline to access the complete list . . . as you pray all the way to Election Day!

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Inner~View #44: A National Perspective from our National Prayer coordinator

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Phil Miglioratti interviewed Elaine Helms, National Prayer Coordinator for the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and author of several books on prayer leadership.

• ===>Click here to access previous interviews . . .
  

IBSA Prayer Leader ~ You are a national prayer leader but, Elaine, no one starts there. Tell us about your journey.

Elaine ~ God called me into prayer ministry at the local church level in 1988. As God blessed our church, our Baptist Association of 100 churches asked me to be the prayer coordinator to help other churches, then the Georgia state discipleship director asked me to help train other associational prayer coordinators. During that time, Atlanta won the bid for the 1996 World Olympics, so in 1991 I was invited to join an ad hoc prayer team to pray for formation of Quest Atlanta ’96 to prepare for outreach events at the games. Mission America invited me to speak at city reaching conferences, then SBC’s LifeWay and NAMB prayer leaders began to invite me to speak/teach at prayer conferences across the country too. By 2000 I was invited to join the staff of NAMB as an associate and in 2005 I became the manager and head of the prayer office there.

IBSA Prayer Leader ~ Your first book, (If My People Pray, Steps to Effective Church Prayer Ministry. 2000) is a great tool for prayer coordinators. What do you wish someone had told you about being a prayer coordinator when you first began?

Elaine ~ Thanks for your kind endorsement. God taught me early on that it’s not so much my leadership ability he’s seeking, but rather my obedience and dependence on Him. He calls the workers (intercessors) and lets us direct traffic!

IBSA Prayer Leader ~ Prayer 101, your latest book, is subtitled "What every intercessor needs to know." Should readers assume they need to be "veteran" or highly skilled pray-ers to benefit from the book?

Elaine ~ No, indeed not! This is a book to help us as intercessors get to know or remember some basic biblical principles about what God teaches us through His word. He initiates prayer, empowers us to pray, then answers our prayers. He is calling us to maturity in prayer. If you want to grow in prayer, this book is for you.

IBSA Prayer Leader ~ Give us a peek into a few of foundational teachings in this book:

Elaine ~

• Positions of Prayer - Why have a section on this topic? I included teaching about our relationships with God to underscore why we can know God hears our prayers

• Prayers for the Lost - Isn't this SOP (standard operating procedure) in our churches? SOP may be a generalization rather than the rule. Many are confused today about whether people even need a savior; so we can’t assume everyone is praying for the lost. However, the more we get to know Jesus, His passion for redemption for those in darkness will become our passion too.

• Praise or Thanksgiving - Why is it important to know the difference? Thanksgiving is for what God has done for us and we do a better job of thanking Him than we do praising God for Who He is. Since praise does not seem to come natural for most people, I thought it would be important to address it. God is worthy of our worship whether He does anything or not. In the good and bad times, we can praise God.

• Warfare Praying - What does this have to do with the average person-in-the-pew? When we become a Christ-follower, walking in the light, we become an enemy of the devil - who was our captor in darkness. (See Colossians 1:13) Although many don’t know it, every Christian is in the war; but when we become intercessors—we’re sent to the front lines! We’d be wise to be ready with training and preparation to overcome the enemy. The Bible teaches us everything we need to know to defeat Satan.

IBSA Prayer Leader ~ How can a pastor benefit from:

Elaine ~

• If My People Pray This book offers practical help to begin a focused prayer ministry. It includes job descriptions for a prayer coordinator and prayer team, a sample training handbook for intercessors, promotional ideas, and ways to maintain the ministry to keep it vibrant and functioning well.

· Prayer 101 This book offers biblical discipleship in the area of prayer. It can be used for sermon material, small group Bible study, or for individual use. I think you said it best, “put this book into the hands of every believer you disciple.”

IBSA Prayer Leader ~ As you travel the north American continent, share some of your observations:

Elaine ~

• The Church's understanding and passion for prayer ...There are some breakthroughs and reason for hope; but many churches are still in the toddler, “I can do it myself” mentality. God is looking for those whose heart is completely His, who are dependent on Him and will obey His directions. Let’s continue to pray for maturity for both individual believers and for churches.

• The focus of our praying; upward? outward? ... I see more inward and temporal praying than kingdom praying. In a typical class when prayer requests are invited, the majority will be health issues, or materialistic. I am encouraged though to hear some folks asking for a group to pray for their witnessing opportunity coming up, or for the late-breaking news to be used by God for His glory and purposes. God is drawing us to pray more in line with Him, but it’s a slow movement at this point.

• Pastors leading the way into deeper levels of prayer ... I think there are more pastors today who are genuinely interested in growing in their own prayer lives, so that they can be the spiritual leaders God wants leading His people to pray what is on His heart. Either way, it is so important that we pray for our pastors! We (at NAMB) have produced a number of resources to facilitate specific, biblical prayer for pastors and I jump on that “soapbox” every chance I get. Pastors are a key to revival of God’s people.

• Prayer rooms ... with direction are becoming more and more the norm. I have been so impressed with the creativity of prayer leaders to set up both temporary and long-term “gardens of prayer,” “labyrinths of prayer,” or prayer stations to help people learn how to stop and adore God, to confess their sins, to give thanksgiving, to pray for missions, for outreach events, and especially for revival of God’s people. I am encouraged to know that God is orchestrating this; because it is so widespread and many say they got their direction straight from God, and didn’t know of others doing similar things.
  

IBSA Prayer Leader ~ Elaine, please write a prayer that prayer leaders and pastors can pray along with you for the Church to become a House of Prayer for all peoples ...

Elaine ~ Father, How I praise You for Your wonderful plans for all of eternity; and thank you for training us on earth through prayer to reign with You in the heavenlies. Please help us to come to You without distraction – in whole-hearted devotion—so that we can grow to maturity and be vessels You can use for Your glory, that Your name will be exalted throughout the earth. Tune our hearts to hear Your voice, to be obedient, and to participate with You to draw all men to the redemption You desire. Break our hearts with what breaks Yours. Please show us our churches as You see them; and make us willing to make the needed adjustments to line up with You. We love You, Lord and pray this in the powerful name of Jesus our Savior, Amen.


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*Coaching? Teaching? Preaching? on prayer ... Contact Phil@nppn.org