PRAYER IS HOW WE ENGAGE GOD DIRECTLY

We serve a very intentional God, and the further we follow Christ and bring ourselves into alignment with God's Word and the Holy Spirit's influence - we're no longer surprised when God things happen - we're causing God things to happen.

This is all the more reason to drive every aspect of our lives with intentionality - especially our prayer.

The world is falling into an old pattern of offense and excuses - God's people are called to do things differently.

Isaiah 59 & 58

Nehemiah 1: 5-11

"The Lord looked and saw that there was no man, and wondered why there was no intercessor"

We do this for others, which is why we have to champion our own story and engage.

Our prayers made in faith can give people a reprive from enemy attack and pray God's mercy in spite of their lack of repentance.  Isaiah 58 literally tells us to let the oppressed go free.

This is why the enemy is trying to bury you with your past, your pain or your presence - because he's terrified you'll rise to your potential and take God's word seriously enough to act on it every, single, day.

Matthew 6:33

Matthew 10:8

Matthew 11:12

Mark 16:17

Seek first the Kingdom of God, make it suffer violence by force and perform public exploits worthy to be known by God and man as a Christ follower.

This isn't third rail, fringe or esoteric Christianity - this is Biblical discipleship and it's left the world wondering why the Word of God speaks of power the American Church doesn't display.

The tragedy is that most churches don't extend into this territory because the Pastor's aren't engaged this way, and they might not be called the same way that God is calling you forward.