Prayer is one subject the church has talk, preach, and wrote so much about, but practiced the least. We have not really given prayer the priority it demanded. Today, there is too much sleeping, eating, playing, preaching and too little time for quality prayer and seeking of God’s face. Much of the calamities and problems confronting the church today results basically form the neglect of prayer. The greatest weapon for change which the church possesses is prayer and we can see changes occur in ever segment of society if we could only multiply prayer. It is our earnest hope that this will help the church to take prayer more seriously.
1. Prayer warriors – Meaning – Col. 4:12; Eph. 3:14
A selected and group of people who are committed to praying for the church. They are gifted to pray. They are commissioned by the Lord to pray on a regular basis for the church. They might be called several names, but the basic function is to see to the spiritual well-being of the church through prayer.
2. Necessity of Prayer Warriors Isaiah 62:6-7; Est. 4:13-16
The following points underscore the importance and utmost necessity of prayer warriors to any church and ministry.
- Standing in-the gap for the church
- Pillar and strength of the church
- Frontline troop at battle for the church
- Linking and lifting up the work and church
- Sentinel and watchmen for the church
- Agent of communication and revelation
- Protection form calamity and demonic onslaught
- Operation peach and progress
- Revival of God’s work and His people
Several kinds of prayer warriors can be engaged by a church. Men, Youths, Women and Children. Several kinds of needs and programmes can be assigned to them. There must be permanent and regular prayer warrior for the church. However, there must also be prayer warriors for different kinds of programmes of the church.
3. Role of Prayer Warriors 12:5; 13:1-3 Acts
Much will be accomplished for the church and the work through prayer. For what do the prayer warriors pray for?
Prayer mapping the church. In prayer mapping there are three basic questions that must be addressed. Why is the church not growing? What are the obstacles to growth? What is the key to the growth of the church? To sufficiently answer these questions, historical, physical and spiritual research will be conducted. Prayer mapping provides the following for the warrior.
- Spiritual photograph of the church
- Spiritual X-ray of the church
- Reasons for non-growth and problems
- Prophetic word concerning God’s move
- Steps to resounding victory and growth
Recommended Reading
FUNDAMENTALS BIBLE DOCTRINES: THE RAPTURE
THE HOLY SPIRIT IN SOUL-WINNING
How To Stop Eating In The Dream (1)
How to Combat Loneliness in Elderly Individuals
4. Dangers of no prayer warriors -1 Sam. 12:23; Isa. 59:16; Ezek. 22:29-31
- Sinfulness and evil
- Judgment of God poured out
- Freedom for demons
- Calamity and evil occurrences
5. Why there are no prayer warriors
- Ignorance of its benefits
- Misconceived notion against it
- Wrong priorities regarding prayer
- Lack of motivation and encouragement
- Lack of training and teaching
- Natural distaste of prayer
6. Effective prayer warrior
Not all those who pretend or answer the name are true and effective prayer warriors. Many who have been praying in the prayer room have little or no knowledge as to what constitutes the qualities of an effective prayer warrior. The under listed points are what will make one an effective prayer warrior.
- Genuine experience of salvation – Jn. 3:3
- Holiness of heart and life -I Thess. 5:23; 1 Thess. 4:7
- Calling to the ministry
- Freedom from curses, animosity, grudge, bitterness and unforgiving spirit
- Power and gifts of the Spirit
- Humility and obedience
- Determination and dedication
- Ability to hear clearly form God
- Ability to seek the face of God by fasting
- Growing faith and maturity
- Sincere love for God, His church and people.