HOUSE OF HIS PRESENCE PITTSBURGH
PRAYER STRATEGIES
Thanksgiving 2011
"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
We at House of His Presence want to take this time to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be rich with family, food, and fellowship. May your joy be made complete in Him. And may all of us enter into God's amazing plan for our lives as we learn the power of giving thanks - it is, after all, God's will and part of the way we enter into His Presence (Psalm 95:2).
Below is Lee Grady's most recent "Fire in My Bones" article. It really helps put things in perspective and gives us an awareness of how blessed we, as Americans, really are.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Below is Lee Grady's most recent "Fire in My Bones" article. It really helps put things in perspective and gives us an awareness of how blessed we, as Americans, really are.
Happy Thanksgiving!
"10 Basic Blessings You Should Be Thankful For"
Americans today face economic challenges, but we have nothing to complain about.
We Americans are a blessed people, but we are also spoiled. I know I am. I can get flustered over the stupidest things-like when my cellphone doesn't get a good signal, when a flight is delayed or when my computer takes too long to load a website. Most people in the world don't have iPhones, can't afford air travel and don't have computers. My impatience reveals my ungrateful spirit.
So how can we avoid this virus of selfish immaturity? Thankfulness is the antidote. It melts our pride and crushes our sense of entitlement. It reminds us that everything we have comes from God, and that His mercy is the only reason we are blessed.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving Day, I pray you will invite the Holy Spirit to convict you of any whining. Here's a list of 10 blessings that many people in the world don't have. Go over this list and then see if you still have anything to gripe about.
1. Got clean water? The next time you uncap a bottle of water or grab a drink from the tap, remember that one in eight people in the world (that's 884 million people) lack access to clean water supplies. Millions of women around the world spend several hours a day collecting water. When you take a five-minute shower, you use more water than a typical person in a developing country uses in a whole day.
2. Do you have a bathroom? About 40 percent of the world's population (2.6 billion people) do not have toilets. Lack of sanitation facilities spreads disease and is a major reason why more than 2 million people die annually of diarrhea.
3. How's your electricity? The power in my house might be interrupted briefly three times a year because of Florida storms. But 1.6 billion people-a· quarter of humanity-live without any electricity. And, because of unreliable infrastructure, at least 2 billion people on earth don't have any light at night.
4. Got a roof over your head? One billion people live in slums. That's almost one-sixth of the world's population. Of this total, 640 million children live without adequate shelter; they live in cardboard boxes, tin-roofed shacks, one-room mud huts or filthy, crowded tenements. It's been estimated that 1.4 billion people will live in slums by 2020. Meanwhile here in the United States, between 2.3 to 2.5 million people are classified as homeless.
5. Is there food on your table? In the United States we are battling an obesity epidemic. Yet according to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. Approximately 790 million people in the developing world are chronically undernourished, and almost 28 percent of all children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted.
6. Got a stove? In developing countries, some 2.5 billion people use fuelwood, charcoal or animal dung to meet their energy needs for cooking. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 80 percent of the population depends on these crude, traditional means for cooking, as do over half of the populations of India and China. The really sad part: Indoor air pollution resulting from the use of solid fuels claims the lives of 1.5 million people each year, more than half of them below the age of 5.
7. Got regular income? You may have had to take a pay cut during the recession. But keep in mind that at least 80 percent of humanity lives on less than $10 a day. The world's average income is about $7,000 a year. Still, only about 19 percent of the world's population lives in countries with per capita incomes at least this high.
8. Did you go to school? Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. Enrollment data shows that about 72 million children of primary school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005 (and 57 percent of them were girls).
9. Are you generally healthy? Americans face illness like people in other nations-and more than 12 million Americans are battling cancer in any given year. But many of us have access to health care. In the developing world, more than 2.2 million children die each year because they are not immunized. An estimated 40 million people in developing countries are living with HIV/AIDS. Every year there are 350-500 million cases of malaria, with 1 million fatalities, mostly in Africa.
10. Are you free to worship God? More than 400 Christians die for their faith every day around the world, and most of these believers suffer in Islamic countries-although the top hot spot for Christian persecution, according to Open Doors International, is the atheist regime of North Korea.
What will you be grateful for this Thanksgiving? In these tough economic times you may feel the urge to complain. Be thankful instead! God calls us to live above this negativity. When we give thanks in all things, God gives us a supernatural attitude adjustment. When we thank God for all He has given us, acknowledging that we don't deserve His goodness, our grumbling melts into gratitude and our impatience turns to praise.
J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. His most recent book is 10 Lies Men Believe (Charisma House).
We Americans are a blessed people, but we are also spoiled. I know I am. I can get flustered over the stupidest things-like when my cellphone doesn't get a good signal, when a flight is delayed or when my computer takes too long to load a website. Most people in the world don't have iPhones, can't afford air travel and don't have computers. My impatience reveals my ungrateful spirit.
So how can we avoid this virus of selfish immaturity? Thankfulness is the antidote. It melts our pride and crushes our sense of entitlement. It reminds us that everything we have comes from God, and that His mercy is the only reason we are blessed.
As you celebrate Thanksgiving Day, I pray you will invite the Holy Spirit to convict you of any whining. Here's a list of 10 blessings that many people in the world don't have. Go over this list and then see if you still have anything to gripe about.
1. Got clean water? The next time you uncap a bottle of water or grab a drink from the tap, remember that one in eight people in the world (that's 884 million people) lack access to clean water supplies. Millions of women around the world spend several hours a day collecting water. When you take a five-minute shower, you use more water than a typical person in a developing country uses in a whole day.
2. Do you have a bathroom? About 40 percent of the world's population (2.6 billion people) do not have toilets. Lack of sanitation facilities spreads disease and is a major reason why more than 2 million people die annually of diarrhea.
3. How's your electricity? The power in my house might be interrupted briefly three times a year because of Florida storms. But 1.6 billion people-a· quarter of humanity-live without any electricity. And, because of unreliable infrastructure, at least 2 billion people on earth don't have any light at night.
4. Got a roof over your head? One billion people live in slums. That's almost one-sixth of the world's population. Of this total, 640 million children live without adequate shelter; they live in cardboard boxes, tin-roofed shacks, one-room mud huts or filthy, crowded tenements. It's been estimated that 1.4 billion people will live in slums by 2020. Meanwhile here in the United States, between 2.3 to 2.5 million people are classified as homeless.
5. Is there food on your table? In the United States we are battling an obesity epidemic. Yet according to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. Approximately 790 million people in the developing world are chronically undernourished, and almost 28 percent of all children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted.
6. Got a stove? In developing countries, some 2.5 billion people use fuelwood, charcoal or animal dung to meet their energy needs for cooking. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 80 percent of the population depends on these crude, traditional means for cooking, as do over half of the populations of India and China. The really sad part: Indoor air pollution resulting from the use of solid fuels claims the lives of 1.5 million people each year, more than half of them below the age of 5.
7. Got regular income? You may have had to take a pay cut during the recession. But keep in mind that at least 80 percent of humanity lives on less than $10 a day. The world's average income is about $7,000 a year. Still, only about 19 percent of the world's population lives in countries with per capita incomes at least this high.
8. Did you go to school? Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. Enrollment data shows that about 72 million children of primary school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005 (and 57 percent of them were girls).
9. Are you generally healthy? Americans face illness like people in other nations-and more than 12 million Americans are battling cancer in any given year. But many of us have access to health care. In the developing world, more than 2.2 million children die each year because they are not immunized. An estimated 40 million people in developing countries are living with HIV/AIDS. Every year there are 350-500 million cases of malaria, with 1 million fatalities, mostly in Africa.
10. Are you free to worship God? More than 400 Christians die for their faith every day around the world, and most of these believers suffer in Islamic countries-although the top hot spot for Christian persecution, according to Open Doors International, is the atheist regime of North Korea.
What will you be grateful for this Thanksgiving? In these tough economic times you may feel the urge to complain. Be thankful instead! God calls us to live above this negativity. When we give thanks in all things, God gives us a supernatural attitude adjustment. When we thank God for all He has given us, acknowledging that we don't deserve His goodness, our grumbling melts into gratitude and our impatience turns to praise.
J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. His most recent book is 10 Lies Men Believe (Charisma House).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pittsburgh Unity Gathering Report
Greetings Brothers & Sisters!
We want to share some of the highlights from the 11-11-11 Pittsburgh Unity Gathering. The event began at 10 am with worship and continued throughout the day (until about 9:30 pm) with worship, prayers, decrees, and more worship. Did we say worship? A couple of years ago, the Lord spoke to some of the intercessors in the city that He was "redefining unity through worship". The focus of the day clearly was worshipping Jesus. There was no preaching scheduled - and none occurred.
Attendance
We haven't heard an estimate of the number of people that came, but we believe that those who were there would concur that the day was well attended. Many took the day off and came to serve in various capacities. Some came just to be a part. Others had to wait until after work and could only attend the evening service. We had participation from many different streams within the Body of Christ. There were leaders from the church as well as the marketplace. But mostly it was just regular folks - brothers and sisters in Christ who came together to say, "Lord we love You AND one another".
God's Presence
One of the first things that was obvious was that God apparently was pleased with our desire to come together in unity since He decided to join us right from the beginning. It almost seemed that some were surprised that God's Presence was there and we hadn't done anything to work it up (or down).
Prophetic Decrees
The response to the decrees for Israel and the 7 Mountains of Influence (Arts & Entertainment, Business, Church, Education, Family, Government, & Media) was overwhelming. Many, including pastors, have asked for copies so that they can continue praying and decreeing in agreement with what was released during the 11 am and 3 pm sessions. We will be sending them out soon and hope that you will help circulate them throughout the region.
Small Group & Personal Prayer
There was an opportunity for everyone to agree with the prayers and decrees being made as we frequently broke into small groups to pray together. There were also groups that gathered to pray at the 4 designated prayer stations in between the general sessions. People were also given the opportunity to receive personal ministry after each session and we have been told that God's presence was strong and the Spirit was moving powerfully in the prayer area.
Pastors & Repentance
At one point during the 7 pm praise & worship, the Lord spoke that He "wanted His church back". Pastors and ministry leaders came (some running) to the platform and gave their ministries back to Him. A time of repentance was followed by rejoicing as the pastors danced and praised the Lord together before the congregation. As two pastors hugged, the love of God became contagious and it seemed all on the platform were embracing one another. You could sense and see that things were being broken off different ones.
Intercessors & Healing
A short time later, intercessors were honored and thanked for faithfully praying through the years for our city and then invited to the front to be refreshed. Although no one laid hands on anyone, prayer for healing was released. We began hearing on Saturday that people were healed while at the altar Friday night. One of the intercessors, with a history of fibroid tumors in her uterus, was scheduled for her annual exam on Saturday. She told us on Sunday she considered not keeping her appointment but went ahead and had a pelvic ultrasound. After the test she was told, "We cannot fine any tumors!' Her response was, "At the altar last night, the fire of God burned them out!" So far, we have heard of 3 additional women who were healed of uterine problems. To God be the glory!
Going Forward
What's next? We don't know yet. Please continue to pray for God's leading and direction. All of us are just trying to walk this out by faith. Keep praying and decreeing. Remember, as Believers, we need one another - across racial, denominational, and generational lines. The best is yet to come!
The Danger of Preconceived Ideas & Expectations
Although we believe much was accomplished last Friday in the Spirit realm, we see the possibility that some could come away and be discouraged. Why? Because of a preconceived idea of what unity would look like or what we thought should have happened or manifested on Friday.
In light of this I would like to remind us of a couple passages of Scripture. After the resurrection, Jesus joins up with two disciples who are traveling to Emmaus. Luke's gospel says that they could not recognize Him, but Mark's account says He appeared in another or different "form" (see Lk 24 & Mk 16). Therein lies the danger - that God would show up in one way when we are expecting something else.
We need to have spiritual ears and eyes like Simeon, in Luke 2. When Joseph and Mary bring their approximately 6 week old son to be presented in the Temple, Simeon is able to recognized the Lord's salvation. Let us realize that something was, in fact, born on Friday 11-11-11 - a Unity Movement in the city of Pittsburgh!
Love & Kingdom blessings!
We want to share some of the highlights from the 11-11-11 Pittsburgh Unity Gathering. The event began at 10 am with worship and continued throughout the day (until about 9:30 pm) with worship, prayers, decrees, and more worship. Did we say worship? A couple of years ago, the Lord spoke to some of the intercessors in the city that He was "redefining unity through worship". The focus of the day clearly was worshipping Jesus. There was no preaching scheduled - and none occurred.
Attendance
We haven't heard an estimate of the number of people that came, but we believe that those who were there would concur that the day was well attended. Many took the day off and came to serve in various capacities. Some came just to be a part. Others had to wait until after work and could only attend the evening service. We had participation from many different streams within the Body of Christ. There were leaders from the church as well as the marketplace. But mostly it was just regular folks - brothers and sisters in Christ who came together to say, "Lord we love You AND one another".
God's Presence
One of the first things that was obvious was that God apparently was pleased with our desire to come together in unity since He decided to join us right from the beginning. It almost seemed that some were surprised that God's Presence was there and we hadn't done anything to work it up (or down).
Prophetic Decrees
The response to the decrees for Israel and the 7 Mountains of Influence (Arts & Entertainment, Business, Church, Education, Family, Government, & Media) was overwhelming. Many, including pastors, have asked for copies so that they can continue praying and decreeing in agreement with what was released during the 11 am and 3 pm sessions. We will be sending them out soon and hope that you will help circulate them throughout the region.
Small Group & Personal Prayer
There was an opportunity for everyone to agree with the prayers and decrees being made as we frequently broke into small groups to pray together. There were also groups that gathered to pray at the 4 designated prayer stations in between the general sessions. People were also given the opportunity to receive personal ministry after each session and we have been told that God's presence was strong and the Spirit was moving powerfully in the prayer area.
Pastors & Repentance
At one point during the 7 pm praise & worship, the Lord spoke that He "wanted His church back". Pastors and ministry leaders came (some running) to the platform and gave their ministries back to Him. A time of repentance was followed by rejoicing as the pastors danced and praised the Lord together before the congregation. As two pastors hugged, the love of God became contagious and it seemed all on the platform were embracing one another. You could sense and see that things were being broken off different ones.
Intercessors & Healing
A short time later, intercessors were honored and thanked for faithfully praying through the years for our city and then invited to the front to be refreshed. Although no one laid hands on anyone, prayer for healing was released. We began hearing on Saturday that people were healed while at the altar Friday night. One of the intercessors, with a history of fibroid tumors in her uterus, was scheduled for her annual exam on Saturday. She told us on Sunday she considered not keeping her appointment but went ahead and had a pelvic ultrasound. After the test she was told, "We cannot fine any tumors!' Her response was, "At the altar last night, the fire of God burned them out!" So far, we have heard of 3 additional women who were healed of uterine problems. To God be the glory!
Going Forward
What's next? We don't know yet. Please continue to pray for God's leading and direction. All of us are just trying to walk this out by faith. Keep praying and decreeing. Remember, as Believers, we need one another - across racial, denominational, and generational lines. The best is yet to come!
The Danger of Preconceived Ideas & Expectations
Although we believe much was accomplished last Friday in the Spirit realm, we see the possibility that some could come away and be discouraged. Why? Because of a preconceived idea of what unity would look like or what we thought should have happened or manifested on Friday.
In light of this I would like to remind us of a couple passages of Scripture. After the resurrection, Jesus joins up with two disciples who are traveling to Emmaus. Luke's gospel says that they could not recognize Him, but Mark's account says He appeared in another or different "form" (see Lk 24 & Mk 16). Therein lies the danger - that God would show up in one way when we are expecting something else.
We need to have spiritual ears and eyes like Simeon, in Luke 2. When Joseph and Mary bring their approximately 6 week old son to be presented in the Temple, Simeon is able to recognized the Lord's salvation. Let us realize that something was, in fact, born on Friday 11-11-11 - a Unity Movement in the city of Pittsburgh!
Love & Kingdom blessings!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Lovers of God,
Sunday morning the Lord spoke to me - TRANSITION, CHANGE, PREPARATION.
TRANSITION
We are in a season of transition. Transition as a noun means movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another. To fully understand the transition we must be like the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times and knew what to do. September 29, 2011 marks the day of Rosh Hashanah, also know as the Feast of Trumpets. Rosh Hashanah is also known as the "Head of the Year. We are transitioning into a new season, a new spiritual year in God. We must prepare ourselves for the change! Many of us have been in a hard place. We are moving towards something new and we don't yet know exactly what it will look like but if we want all that God has for us we must be ready.
Pray:
Proverbs 2:2-3 - Pray for wisdom and understanding into the times and seasons of God. The feasts are not Jewish feasts; they are God's feasts. The feasts have purpose and meaning. Pray our ears would be inclined to hear wisdom and that our voices would cry out for discernment. Along with this please pray for our country that it would once again turn its ears to the things of God.
Psalm 9:10 - Let us pray and believe that we who know God's Name, who seek and trust Him will not be forsaken. Pray we the church will know the true love of God and wait in faith with expectancy as we transition into this new place.
Isaiah 40:29 - We pray for power in our weakness and that God would increase our strength so as to not lose heart in this season. We want the body of Christ to be strong in every circumstance and ready to fight the good fight of faith.
CHANGE
The change begins in us during this season. God begins to refine us in preparation for the things to come. During the Feast of Trumpets the Jewish people pray for a good new year and for long life. According to Jewish tradition, it is also the beginning of God's annual judgment of humanity. It is a season where God searches our hearts.
Pray:
We re-establish our priorities. Let us take into account our time, our thoughts, our words and our relationships. Bishop Garlington says what we value, we prioritize. Ask the Lord to put our lives into Godly order and alignment. In this hour in time we want to be in the right place at the right time. We don't want to miss our destiny. Pray Proverbs 16:3.
Pray and ask God to examine the motives of our hearts. What we do good isn't always God. Deuteronomy 28:1 talks about receiving the blessings of God when we fully obey the Lord our God. Obeying God is not cafeteria style where we pick and choose what and when we will obey. Psalm 119:130 - Ask God to shed His light and understanding onto the motives of our hearts.
PREPARATION
The season we are now in is important because we will position ourselves to set the direction for the rest of the year. What we sow now will release a harvest for the next year.
Pray:
Pray for discernment so we can understand how God is using circumstances in our everyday life to speak to us. Circumstances and situations do speak, especially if the same thing keeps happening over and over again. We want God's perspective. Many times we walk through situations because God wants us to have authority in this area. Pray you will see how He is giving you the power to overcome. Romans 8 - Read through the chapter and pray especially verse 37.
Pray we understand the shaking in our lives. Shaking brings change in structure. A guy a our gym use to talk about being "thrown off his square" and not knowing what to do. Many times our lives, our churches, our ministries are too structured for God to move. Every minute is accounted for, every service is rehearsed, and there is no room for God with His Spirit and power to come. God can and does cause a shaking to get our attention. Pray for repentance and humility. Pray 2 Corinthians 4:7, Acts 1:8, Micah 3:8, 1 Corinthians 4:20.
Pray for faithfulness at all costs. God has to know He can trust us. We must be faithful to what God is saying and what He is calling us to. Sometimes we keep being faithful without seeing any fruit but our roots are going down deep in order that our ministry will be long lasting and we can weather every storm. Declare your love and faithfulness to the Lord! Pray Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 9:10
NATIONS
Please continue to pray for Israel and the United States, especially in light of the possible upcoming vote at the United Nations regarding Palestinian statehood and territory.
DID YOU KNOW?
The first mention of the word prophet in the Bible is in Genesis 20:7 regarding Abraham.
Healings are increasing at House of His Presence on Fridays. We hope you all can join us at some time.
TRANSITION
We are in a season of transition. Transition as a noun means movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc., to another. To fully understand the transition we must be like the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times and knew what to do. September 29, 2011 marks the day of Rosh Hashanah, also know as the Feast of Trumpets. Rosh Hashanah is also known as the "Head of the Year. We are transitioning into a new season, a new spiritual year in God. We must prepare ourselves for the change! Many of us have been in a hard place. We are moving towards something new and we don't yet know exactly what it will look like but if we want all that God has for us we must be ready.
Pray:
Proverbs 2:2-3 - Pray for wisdom and understanding into the times and seasons of God. The feasts are not Jewish feasts; they are God's feasts. The feasts have purpose and meaning. Pray our ears would be inclined to hear wisdom and that our voices would cry out for discernment. Along with this please pray for our country that it would once again turn its ears to the things of God.
Psalm 9:10 - Let us pray and believe that we who know God's Name, who seek and trust Him will not be forsaken. Pray we the church will know the true love of God and wait in faith with expectancy as we transition into this new place.
Isaiah 40:29 - We pray for power in our weakness and that God would increase our strength so as to not lose heart in this season. We want the body of Christ to be strong in every circumstance and ready to fight the good fight of faith.
CHANGE
The change begins in us during this season. God begins to refine us in preparation for the things to come. During the Feast of Trumpets the Jewish people pray for a good new year and for long life. According to Jewish tradition, it is also the beginning of God's annual judgment of humanity. It is a season where God searches our hearts.
Pray:
We re-establish our priorities. Let us take into account our time, our thoughts, our words and our relationships. Bishop Garlington says what we value, we prioritize. Ask the Lord to put our lives into Godly order and alignment. In this hour in time we want to be in the right place at the right time. We don't want to miss our destiny. Pray Proverbs 16:3.
Pray and ask God to examine the motives of our hearts. What we do good isn't always God. Deuteronomy 28:1 talks about receiving the blessings of God when we fully obey the Lord our God. Obeying God is not cafeteria style where we pick and choose what and when we will obey. Psalm 119:130 - Ask God to shed His light and understanding onto the motives of our hearts.
PREPARATION
The season we are now in is important because we will position ourselves to set the direction for the rest of the year. What we sow now will release a harvest for the next year.
Pray:
Pray for discernment so we can understand how God is using circumstances in our everyday life to speak to us. Circumstances and situations do speak, especially if the same thing keeps happening over and over again. We want God's perspective. Many times we walk through situations because God wants us to have authority in this area. Pray you will see how He is giving you the power to overcome. Romans 8 - Read through the chapter and pray especially verse 37.
Pray we understand the shaking in our lives. Shaking brings change in structure. A guy a our gym use to talk about being "thrown off his square" and not knowing what to do. Many times our lives, our churches, our ministries are too structured for God to move. Every minute is accounted for, every service is rehearsed, and there is no room for God with His Spirit and power to come. God can and does cause a shaking to get our attention. Pray for repentance and humility. Pray 2 Corinthians 4:7, Acts 1:8, Micah 3:8, 1 Corinthians 4:20.
Pray for faithfulness at all costs. God has to know He can trust us. We must be faithful to what God is saying and what He is calling us to. Sometimes we keep being faithful without seeing any fruit but our roots are going down deep in order that our ministry will be long lasting and we can weather every storm. Declare your love and faithfulness to the Lord! Pray Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 9:10
NATIONS
Please continue to pray for Israel and the United States, especially in light of the possible upcoming vote at the United Nations regarding Palestinian statehood and territory.
DID YOU KNOW?
The first mention of the word prophet in the Bible is in Genesis 20:7 regarding Abraham.
Healings are increasing at House of His Presence on Fridays. We hope you all can join us at some time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends of God,
As I mentioned last week we are in a time of change, transition and preparation. Let us continue to press into God as we prepare for the transition in our lives and in our city. Recently, we heard a CD by Dutch Sheets that very much confirmed what I heard from the Lord last week about entering a season of change, transition and preparation.
ISRAEL
As you enter into your prayer time daily with the Lord please bring Israel and the United States before the Lord. Pray for President Obama and all the leadership involved with making decisions about territories and land in Israel. We lift up all the Palestinian leaders, leaders of countries in the U.N. that will be apart of the decision process. Decisions our country makes toward Israel will affect all of our lives.
Joel 3:2 - "I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. there I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land."
Psalm 122:6 - "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may those who love you be secure."
A SPIRIT OF CONFUSION
Recently, through a series of repetitive events the Lord spoke to me about the enemy releasing a spirit of confusion over the city. This was confirmed through an intercessor in the city. We would be speaking to people and would have to repeat things several times. We would say something and people would hear something different than what we were saying even after repeating ourselves. When they would repeat what they heard it would not be what we said! The spirit of confusion is causing people to be offended by not hearing the right thing. It is causing miscommunication, confusion, distraction and disruption in ministries and churches in the body of Christ. We pray that nothing will come against churches or ministries to cause miscommunication. We pray as well for marriages that miscommunication would not have the power over marriages or families. We ask God to break the spirit of confusion over our city in Jesus name and release the unity of the spirit.
Pray: 1 Cor 14:33 - "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."
Pray: Ephesians 4:2-3 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
LEADERS
The following was taken from "Kingdom Dynamics", New Spirit Filled Life Bible - notes by Joy Dawson.
Isaiah 64:1-3 - Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence- as fire burns brushwood, as fire causes water to boil- to make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence! When You did awesome things for which we did not look, You came down, the mountains shook at Your presence. (NKJV)
"Awesome things for which we did not look" is a perfect description of genuine revival, because the unpredictable and unusual are the characteristics of great spiritual awakenings. It is of paramount importance that we pray that God will prepare the spiritual leaders for such an "awesome" visitation of the Holy Spirit. Pray that they will:
As I mentioned last week we are in a time of change, transition and preparation. Let us continue to press into God as we prepare for the transition in our lives and in our city. Recently, we heard a CD by Dutch Sheets that very much confirmed what I heard from the Lord last week about entering a season of change, transition and preparation.
ISRAEL
As you enter into your prayer time daily with the Lord please bring Israel and the United States before the Lord. Pray for President Obama and all the leadership involved with making decisions about territories and land in Israel. We lift up all the Palestinian leaders, leaders of countries in the U.N. that will be apart of the decision process. Decisions our country makes toward Israel will affect all of our lives.
Joel 3:2 - "I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. there I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land."
Psalm 122:6 - "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may those who love you be secure."
A SPIRIT OF CONFUSION
Recently, through a series of repetitive events the Lord spoke to me about the enemy releasing a spirit of confusion over the city. This was confirmed through an intercessor in the city. We would be speaking to people and would have to repeat things several times. We would say something and people would hear something different than what we were saying even after repeating ourselves. When they would repeat what they heard it would not be what we said! The spirit of confusion is causing people to be offended by not hearing the right thing. It is causing miscommunication, confusion, distraction and disruption in ministries and churches in the body of Christ. We pray that nothing will come against churches or ministries to cause miscommunication. We pray as well for marriages that miscommunication would not have the power over marriages or families. We ask God to break the spirit of confusion over our city in Jesus name and release the unity of the spirit.
Pray: 1 Cor 14:33 - "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."
Pray: Ephesians 4:2-3 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
LEADERS
The following was taken from "Kingdom Dynamics", New Spirit Filled Life Bible - notes by Joy Dawson.
Isaiah 64:1-3 - Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down! That the mountains might shake at Your presence- as fire burns brushwood, as fire causes water to boil- to make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence! When You did awesome things for which we did not look, You came down, the mountains shook at Your presence. (NKJV)
"Awesome things for which we did not look" is a perfect description of genuine revival, because the unpredictable and unusual are the characteristics of great spiritual awakenings. It is of paramount importance that we pray that God will prepare the spiritual leaders for such an "awesome" visitation of the Holy Spirit. Pray that they will:
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have understanding of the ways of God
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be sensitive and flexible to flow with whatever new thing God wants to do
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be taken over by the fear of the Lord and released from the fear of men
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recognize that the fear of the Lord is the source of their much needed wisdom
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be given a deep desire to be radically real and to repent of all hypocrisy; and that they will not be concerned for "manpleasing" or "reputation."
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Dear Pittsburgh Family,
Happy New Year 5772! It is not just a new year but Pittsburgh is transitioning into a new era. I know many of you are sensing things are about to change. All the sowing of prayers, tears and time will be worth it. "Look among the nations and be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe though it were told you" (Habakkuk 1:5).
Prayer:
A sense of community - On one of our mission trips God sent us to Ireland to re-dig the ancient wells of St. Patrick. (If you Google St. Patrick you will find he was a guy who moved in signs and wonders and raised 30 people from the dead). Usually what happens on mission trips for us is God sends us to impart something but then in turn God imparts something in us that is life changing. In Ireland they have a sense of community where everything they do in the church has to affect the community. God put this sense of community in us. At the time we were pastoring a church and went from only thinking about our church to having this burning passion for our city and the people in our city. When we returned we went to every prayer meeting we could find in the city! Pray that pastors would get a bigger vision - not just pastoring a church but for co-pastoring a city. Pray Jeremiah 29:7.
A bridge to unity - Pray we would all be willing to be a bridge to unity. Sometimes this may mean that we might get walked on. But I don't believe that we will walk in the fullness of God unless we desire to dwell in unity. It may be a sacrifice on our part but In Psalm 133 it says, "there the the Lord commanded the blessing''. I believe that type of blessing and anointing only comes with unity.
Crossing cultures - In being a bridge to unity we must be willing to cross cultures and over look differences. Ray and I have been to so many countries and I have come to love culture. We have also been in all different denominational churches. The flavors of the different worship, and different sounds stir my heart. God made differences in His church because I believe it would be boring if we were all the same. What I have come to look for in people is a passion for God, a passion for His people and the truth of the Word. When I focus on this, it bypasses everything. Pray we in Pittsburgh would be moved with compassion, as Jesus was, for the people. Read Revelation 5:9 - those that sang a new song were, "out of every tribe and tongue, people and nation." Interestingly, it doesn't say race here. Ask God to break every division and disunity in His church so that we as a city will be properly aligned with His will.
Overcoming faith - God is looking for faith on the earth and it is the only way to please Him. Pray this city will have that overcoming faith to believe God regardless of the circumstances. I believe this will be a great witness to those around us and all those who are lost and in need of a savior. Recently, when Ray and I both needed some encouragement, we were praying at Cornerstone with the founder Norma Bixler. I asked her how she got all of this faith. She said, "I have been in so many hard circumstances that I have come to understand you just have to believe God." Pray we can all make that decision today to just believe God. Pray we will submit to God and resist the enemy. Pray we will cast down every high thing that is exalting itself above God. Pray our city will be a bulwark of strength and faith like Norma.
Leaders - Pray for every leader in the city. Know great leaders are formed in hard circumstances by taking risks and making the right decisions before God. Pray they will have an unyielding passion for God and passion for people. Pray they will learn to navigate through services under the direction of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit it is always a learning process, and if we are truly dependent on the Holy Spirit we never have it all together. Pray leaders truly hear the voice of the Lord during this season of transition so they will be in the right place at the right time because the time is now. God is coming to our city.
Region: Pray for Brookline, Carrick, McKees Rocks, and the West End. Please lift up the leaders and region in prayer.
Countries: Israel, the U.S.A. and Russia. If Putin runs and is elected President of Russia, he could be president until 2024. Pray in regards to the U.N and all decisions affecting Israel.
Did you know?
The modern Pentecostal movement is said to have begun on January 1, 1901 in Topeka, Kansas. This was the first day of the 20th century.
Happy New Year 5772! It is not just a new year but Pittsburgh is transitioning into a new era. I know many of you are sensing things are about to change. All the sowing of prayers, tears and time will be worth it. "Look among the nations and be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe though it were told you" (Habakkuk 1:5).
Prayer:
A sense of community - On one of our mission trips God sent us to Ireland to re-dig the ancient wells of St. Patrick. (If you Google St. Patrick you will find he was a guy who moved in signs and wonders and raised 30 people from the dead). Usually what happens on mission trips for us is God sends us to impart something but then in turn God imparts something in us that is life changing. In Ireland they have a sense of community where everything they do in the church has to affect the community. God put this sense of community in us. At the time we were pastoring a church and went from only thinking about our church to having this burning passion for our city and the people in our city. When we returned we went to every prayer meeting we could find in the city! Pray that pastors would get a bigger vision - not just pastoring a church but for co-pastoring a city. Pray Jeremiah 29:7.
A bridge to unity - Pray we would all be willing to be a bridge to unity. Sometimes this may mean that we might get walked on. But I don't believe that we will walk in the fullness of God unless we desire to dwell in unity. It may be a sacrifice on our part but In Psalm 133 it says, "there the the Lord commanded the blessing''. I believe that type of blessing and anointing only comes with unity.
Crossing cultures - In being a bridge to unity we must be willing to cross cultures and over look differences. Ray and I have been to so many countries and I have come to love culture. We have also been in all different denominational churches. The flavors of the different worship, and different sounds stir my heart. God made differences in His church because I believe it would be boring if we were all the same. What I have come to look for in people is a passion for God, a passion for His people and the truth of the Word. When I focus on this, it bypasses everything. Pray we in Pittsburgh would be moved with compassion, as Jesus was, for the people. Read Revelation 5:9 - those that sang a new song were, "out of every tribe and tongue, people and nation." Interestingly, it doesn't say race here. Ask God to break every division and disunity in His church so that we as a city will be properly aligned with His will.
Overcoming faith - God is looking for faith on the earth and it is the only way to please Him. Pray this city will have that overcoming faith to believe God regardless of the circumstances. I believe this will be a great witness to those around us and all those who are lost and in need of a savior. Recently, when Ray and I both needed some encouragement, we were praying at Cornerstone with the founder Norma Bixler. I asked her how she got all of this faith. She said, "I have been in so many hard circumstances that I have come to understand you just have to believe God." Pray we can all make that decision today to just believe God. Pray we will submit to God and resist the enemy. Pray we will cast down every high thing that is exalting itself above God. Pray our city will be a bulwark of strength and faith like Norma.
Leaders - Pray for every leader in the city. Know great leaders are formed in hard circumstances by taking risks and making the right decisions before God. Pray they will have an unyielding passion for God and passion for people. Pray they will learn to navigate through services under the direction of the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit it is always a learning process, and if we are truly dependent on the Holy Spirit we never have it all together. Pray leaders truly hear the voice of the Lord during this season of transition so they will be in the right place at the right time because the time is now. God is coming to our city.
Region: Pray for Brookline, Carrick, McKees Rocks, and the West End. Please lift up the leaders and region in prayer.
Countries: Israel, the U.S.A. and Russia. If Putin runs and is elected President of Russia, he could be president until 2024. Pray in regards to the U.N and all decisions affecting Israel.
Did you know?
The modern Pentecostal movement is said to have begun on January 1, 1901 in Topeka, Kansas. This was the first day of the 20th century.
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Dear Pittsburgh Family,
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." God is working His purposes in Pittsburgh and in our great state of Pennsylvania. Two weeks ago we attended a ceremony in Philadelphia where the Cornerstone was reset in the state. The cornerstone was given to Senator Greenleaf to present to the mayor of Philadelphia and prayer was released by State Judge Paula Patrick. The resetting of the cornerstone was to reset the government of God in the state. The foundation of the government of God is built on the apostles and prophets. Interestingly, attending the ceremony was a delegation from Kurdistan. Included in the delegation was a woman introduced as "the First Lady of Kurdistan", a governmental leader and a sheik. They are in the process of rebuilding their government and came to Pennsylvania to learn more about democracy and the government of Pennsylvania. Isaiah 28:16 says,"See I lay a stone in Zion a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation."
Before praying, let us take a moment to worship God. "O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens, from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies to silence the foe and the avenger" (Psalm 8:1-2). The first and foremost thing we can do in our day is to praise God. Kathryn Kuhlman said, "If I have only have 10 minutes to pray, I spend the first 9 in worship."
Much of our prayer strategy for the next month or so will be focused on "unity".
Numbers 21:16-17 -"From there they went to Beer, which is the well where the Lord said to Moses, 'Gather the people together and I will give them water.' Then Israel sang this song; 'Spring up, O well! All of you sing to it-'". God gives the instructions to gather the people. There is unity and power in corporate gatherings. Pray for a greater willingness and desire of the people of Pittsburgh to come together corporately before the Lord. God here promises to give the people water (life). Pray the people of God will be willing to lay down their differences, whether they are culture, tradition, opinions or personal feelings, to receive the promise of life. The people in this scripture had a responsibility and that was to sing to sing to the well. Let us sing to the well of unity in our city to spring up.
Personally: Isaiah 54 says, "Sing (shout) O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing and cry aloud." Israel is compared to a barren woman. Isaiah's word is to deal with barrenness through worship, to enthrone God in song in order to release His miraculous provision. Take a moment to sing into the face of any barren place in your life.
Recently, God spoke to me that He wanted to break the power of the word, "never". The word "never" has the sound of finality in it. Words have been spoken over our city that we will never have unity in Pittsburgh that it will never happen. God is about to change that. Pray that the power of the spoken words of "never" having unity in the city of Pittsburgh be broken in Jesus name. Romans 4:17 says, "God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as thought they did."
Personally, speak to 'the nevers' spoken over your own life. I pray every word curse of never over your life be broken. Words that said you would never have anything, never be anything, never be healed are a lie. I pray the power of those words be broken over you mind and heart in Jesus name. I pray for success and blessings to fill every place of barrenness and lack. God is shifting and moving 'the nevers' out of your life to make room for the promises and blessings of the Father.
Psalm 39 says,"I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence." Recently, we were at a conference where a woman spoke of a demonstration she used as an example of how when we speak negative things to people how it pollutes their life. She takes a clear plastic glass of water and has a person hold the glass. Every time someone would speak a negative word to them or a "never" it polluted the clear water and began changing the color. The thought of this was very impacting for me because of how negative words to me have affected my life personally. Also, the reason she gave for not speaking negative words to people - this also included swearing at them, is because those words are like boomerangs - they come back to the one who spoke them. Pray that God would help us all to speak life words over our city, especially over our husbands and wives, over our children and the people we are around. Sometimes this takes practice, so begin to take one of God's promises and speak it aloud over the city or over some one around you. We pray that we will, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3).
Prayer focus:
Nations: Israel, Sweden, France
City: Downtown Pittsburgh - government & businesses
Did you know?
Pennsylvania had more broken treaties and covenants than other state. If you're not sure how this might be relevant to us today, read 2 Samuel 21.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." God is working His purposes in Pittsburgh and in our great state of Pennsylvania. Two weeks ago we attended a ceremony in Philadelphia where the Cornerstone was reset in the state. The cornerstone was given to Senator Greenleaf to present to the mayor of Philadelphia and prayer was released by State Judge Paula Patrick. The resetting of the cornerstone was to reset the government of God in the state. The foundation of the government of God is built on the apostles and prophets. Interestingly, attending the ceremony was a delegation from Kurdistan. Included in the delegation was a woman introduced as "the First Lady of Kurdistan", a governmental leader and a sheik. They are in the process of rebuilding their government and came to Pennsylvania to learn more about democracy and the government of Pennsylvania. Isaiah 28:16 says,"See I lay a stone in Zion a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation."
Before praying, let us take a moment to worship God. "O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens, from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies to silence the foe and the avenger" (Psalm 8:1-2). The first and foremost thing we can do in our day is to praise God. Kathryn Kuhlman said, "If I have only have 10 minutes to pray, I spend the first 9 in worship."
Much of our prayer strategy for the next month or so will be focused on "unity".
Numbers 21:16-17 -"From there they went to Beer, which is the well where the Lord said to Moses, 'Gather the people together and I will give them water.' Then Israel sang this song; 'Spring up, O well! All of you sing to it-'". God gives the instructions to gather the people. There is unity and power in corporate gatherings. Pray for a greater willingness and desire of the people of Pittsburgh to come together corporately before the Lord. God here promises to give the people water (life). Pray the people of God will be willing to lay down their differences, whether they are culture, tradition, opinions or personal feelings, to receive the promise of life. The people in this scripture had a responsibility and that was to sing to sing to the well. Let us sing to the well of unity in our city to spring up.
Personally: Isaiah 54 says, "Sing (shout) O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing and cry aloud." Israel is compared to a barren woman. Isaiah's word is to deal with barrenness through worship, to enthrone God in song in order to release His miraculous provision. Take a moment to sing into the face of any barren place in your life.
Recently, God spoke to me that He wanted to break the power of the word, "never". The word "never" has the sound of finality in it. Words have been spoken over our city that we will never have unity in Pittsburgh that it will never happen. God is about to change that. Pray that the power of the spoken words of "never" having unity in the city of Pittsburgh be broken in Jesus name. Romans 4:17 says, "God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as thought they did."
Personally, speak to 'the nevers' spoken over your own life. I pray every word curse of never over your life be broken. Words that said you would never have anything, never be anything, never be healed are a lie. I pray the power of those words be broken over you mind and heart in Jesus name. I pray for success and blessings to fill every place of barrenness and lack. God is shifting and moving 'the nevers' out of your life to make room for the promises and blessings of the Father.
Psalm 39 says,"I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence." Recently, we were at a conference where a woman spoke of a demonstration she used as an example of how when we speak negative things to people how it pollutes their life. She takes a clear plastic glass of water and has a person hold the glass. Every time someone would speak a negative word to them or a "never" it polluted the clear water and began changing the color. The thought of this was very impacting for me because of how negative words to me have affected my life personally. Also, the reason she gave for not speaking negative words to people - this also included swearing at them, is because those words are like boomerangs - they come back to the one who spoke them. Pray that God would help us all to speak life words over our city, especially over our husbands and wives, over our children and the people we are around. Sometimes this takes practice, so begin to take one of God's promises and speak it aloud over the city or over some one around you. We pray that we will, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3).
Prayer focus:
Nations: Israel, Sweden, France
City: Downtown Pittsburgh - government & businesses
Did you know?
Pennsylvania had more broken treaties and covenants than other state. If you're not sure how this might be relevant to us today, read 2 Samuel 21.
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Dear Pittsburgh Family,
Prayer focus: Haiti
Prayer focus: Israel
Prayer focus: Pittsburgh, Brookline
Did you know?
We at House of His Presence say thank you to all of you who pray over the Prayer Strategies regularly. Many have passed the Prayer Strategies on to others which is increasing prayer for our city. We know God is faithful and will answer our heartfelt prayers.
We will continue to focus on prayers for "Unity" in the city leading up to the Pittsburgh Unity Gathering on 11-11-11 at Petra International Ministries. There are gatherings in cities all over the country on 11-11-11. The Unity Gathering will focus on continuous worship (beginning at 10 am) to the Lord with 3 set times of declaration and prayer into the 7 Mountains of Influence at 11 am, 3 pm, & 7 pm. We will have representatives from the 7 Mountains leading the prayers for these areas. We are asking every church in the city to come and be represented. There will be opportunities for everyone to pray and to receive prayer. It will be a glorious day in Pittsburgh! Please help us get the word out. Just being there will bring unity. Isaiah 61:11 - "So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations."
Prayer:
Saturday, Oct 15 - Occupy Pittsburgh is planning a rally and march beginning in the Hill District, and ending at Point State Park. Occupy Wall Street in New York has been a protest that has not had any real direction and has at times turned violent. After leading prayer during the G20 in 2009, we learned that there are professional protesters that travel all over the world just to protest anything. We pray Psalm 68:1, "Let God arise and His enemies be scattered." Pray for the peace and shalom of the city (Jeremiah 29:7).
Honor is a key element in facilitating unity. Romans 12:10 says, "Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another." We may not all agree on how to do church or ministry but honor one another for the gifts God has put in them, the work they have done for the Lord, and the sacrifices they have made for God. Let us lay down our opinions and refrain from saying negative things about one another. Romans 12:14, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." Lord we confess all of our negative opinions of people who serve you and we bless those who have persecuted us. Help us to honor those around us and to prefer one another above ourselves. Romans 12:16, "Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." Many times it is a test when we have to die to ourselves and be kind when people in the body of Christ are not kind to us. Responding in the opposite spirit always works.
Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Kindness (chrestotes in the Greek) means goodness in action, sweetness of disposition, gentleness in dealing with others, benevolence, kindness, affability. The word describes the ability to act for the welfare of those taxing your patience. The Holy Spirit removes abrasive qualities from the character of one under His control. This is from the Word Wealth in the New Spirit Filled life Bible. What I have learned is that God puts people in our lives that are like pebbles in our shoes. The purpose of this is for me to develop more of the Fruit of the Spirit. I begin to cry out for mercy from God and for Him to pour kindness or goodness into my life because my flesh wants to kill them (I hope you know I don't mean this literally). Then the Holy Spirit comes and changes me and develops the Fruit of the Spirit in me. I have learned they don't just come naturally. We have to be in situations and cry out in prayer for them to come. Let us pray that people will be drawn to this city because we are so filled with the fruit of the spirit and the love of God.
Praying the Prophetic Word for Pittsburgh - On July 12, 2011 Jane Hamon released a prophetic word for Pittsburgh at Greater Works Outreach. Here are some excerpts from her word to pray over. "I am releasing a voltage in the Spirit, that will begin to charge you, that will begin to release to you a new energy source and it will impact you physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, relationally, territorially." Father release that voltage in the spirit that will bring change in us and in our spirit. We call for the new energy source that will impact us like never before. We believe your prophet and we will prosper in doing so. "And I am shifting the heavens, over this region and over this territory. For there has been a remnant in this territory, that has cried out and has stood in the gap and called upon Me for the spirit of awakening to revisit this land." We call forth the shifting of the heavens over the region and for the spirit of awakening to once again revisit the land.
Prayer focus: Haiti
The following was received from Ray's daughter, who has been living in Haiti since June, on Wednesday: Just wanted to let you know about an incident that happened last night. Dr. Ken got a call that another American missionary couple in the Jacmel area had intruders in their family home around 1am who took computers and money. They were armed and the wife was shot in the shoulder when she shined a flashlight through the window to try to scare them away. They have 4 small children. Dr. Ken cleaned the wound and was able to remove the bullet. There have been a series of thefts or attempted break-ins targeting orphanages in the surrounding area in the past month or so. We had several large batteries stolen presumable by someone who had been on the compound before, because they are not in an obvious location, and the dog did not bark at them. We have increased safety measures by increasing the height of the wall up to 10 feet and adding razor wire on the top, and will most likely hire an armed guard to watch the gate. Please pass the word to prayer for divine protection of all the missionaries here, and the children that are in their (our) care. Love, Kyle
Prayer focus: Israel
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces." - Psalm 122:6-7
Prayer focus: Pittsburgh, Brookline
Did you know?
Eric Butler says that he knows of no other city with more prophetic words regarding revival than Pittsburgh.
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Dear Prayer Warriors,
A couple of weeks ago I heard something that I shared with several intercessors where we attend church. Yesterday, I began sensing that this needed to go out on a wider scale.
This is what I heard: "Tell the intercessors to move from 'standby' to 'full alert'. Since then, the senior pastor has been attacked twice in his body - once the next day and then again this week.
While praying today, I believe the Lord is saying we are in a season of increased spiritual activity in and around our city. Intercessors, take your place on the wall and watch to see what the Lord will say (see Hab 2:1). We need to continue to war through worship & rest and allow the Spirit of God to displace the enemy.
For the Kingdom & Pittsburgh
A couple of weeks ago I heard something that I shared with several intercessors where we attend church. Yesterday, I began sensing that this needed to go out on a wider scale.
This is what I heard: "Tell the intercessors to move from 'standby' to 'full alert'. Since then, the senior pastor has been attacked twice in his body - once the next day and then again this week.
While praying today, I believe the Lord is saying we are in a season of increased spiritual activity in and around our city. Intercessors, take your place on the wall and watch to see what the Lord will say (see Hab 2:1). We need to continue to war through worship & rest and allow the Spirit of God to displace the enemy.
- Pray for a revealing of the enemy's plans (see 2 Chron 20) as well as God's strategy in this season.
- Lift up Leaders in the Body of Christ.
- Call for the government of God to come forth.
For the Kingdom & Pittsburgh
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October 20, 2011
Dear Lovers of God in Pittsburgh,
In Lila Terhune's book Cross Pollination, she said, "Unity precedes revival." She was the Intercessory Prayer Coordinator for Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida where there was a mighty move of God beginning in 1995 lasting 10 years. This is why we will continue to pray and war in prayer for the spirit of unity to come to Pittsburgh.
As each day passes I see a greater significance in gathering together on 11-11-11 for The Pittsburgh Unity Gathering. The enemy is always releasing a counterfeit. Recently we were made aware of occult gatherings on 11-11-11 and of how important that day is in the occult world. The following is from the Kansas Apostolic Prayer Network:
One last thing, 11-11-11 is a high, sacred occult day because of the significance of the consecutive ones. 11 is one of the occult's most respected numbers. Numerology is used to accomplish its agenda. For the occult, 11-11-11 signifies the activation of a new beginning or era. The occult considers that day as the beginning of the new world order and the rise of the occult agenda. The triplication of 11's is most sacred. Here's what I have to say about that, "devil, your god calls my God, Lord and King. Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world. No weapon formed against me will prosper. I am a part of the Triumphant Reserve and I triumph, every time!" One of satan's tactics is to change time. He has taken this new era of God's kingdom and even the specific date of 11-11-11 and perverted it. I'll just declare what Daniel did in chapter 7 of Daniel, "I beheld, and the enemy made war with the saints and prevailed against them, UNTIL, the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High and the TIME came that the saints possessed the kingdom."11-11-11 is OUR TIME! OUR POINT OF ACCESS!
Prayer:
John 17:21 - "that they all may be one, as You Father, are in Me I in You; that they also may be one in Us that the world may believe You sent me." Pray a new level of unity will come to Pittsburgh by way of the Holy Spirit. Pray the spiritual unity in the church will be so strong that the world will believe in Jesus.
Ephesians 4:1-3 - "therefore the prisoner of the Lord beseech you to walk worth of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." There is a process to attain unity which begins with humility. We pray for humility to return to the church and the spirit of elitism to be broken. The desire for those in the church would change from being celebrities to being servants. At the end of this verse it states, "to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace". Pray that those in the body of Christ would have a no tolerance policy for those that cause division and see it as sin. The church would consider it a very serious matter to cause division among God's people. We pray that the spirit that causes division in churches would be revealed and broken in Jesus name. We pray for the spirit of repentance to come upon those who the enemy used to open the door to allow division to come in.
Ephesians 4:11 - "He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God," Christ gave these office gifts to equip and mature the church. These offices are not just titles but for equipping the believer. Equipping in the Greek implies recovered wholeness as when a broken limb is set. We pray for true apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers to come forth. Those that have a heart and passion for people to reach their destiny in God. If you have ever been with a true apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher your life will be changed in some way because they focus on people not their title. Pray the church will embrace all of these office gifts, not just some of them so the church will be powerful and ready for the return of Christ. Each of these offices has a divine purpose of bringing us to the unity of the faith and a greater knowledge of the Son of God.
1 John 4:1 - "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. by this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist which you have heard was coming and is now already in the world." Know that we have a responsibility to pray this scripture to test what we are hearing or seeing. I have used this scripture at times when something in my spirit had a check or a sense something wasn't right. I want to be open to new things so I don't miss God if He comes in another form or in a way I have not been exposed to. But if something is said or revealed and it isn't from God then I don't want that entering my spirit. Pray the body of Christ begins to test the spirits so nothing corrupt, divisive, unholy or defiling will enter the church of Pittsburgh.
Genesis 28:22 - "And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God's house and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You." As I was reading this scripture today the Lord spoke to me and said, "I want to release My grace and blessings in the lives of many of My people in this city but I can't because many are not giving Me the tithe." Being a single parent for 11 years I know how hard it is to tithe. I was even ridiculed for doing so but I continued to tithe and God saw me through and blessed my children. Many believe that the tithe is part of the Law, but it actually began with Abraham prior to the Law. One survey showed that only about 10% of the Church tithes. Pray that God's children will begin to give willing in faith and obedience so that heaven will open in their lives (see Malachi 3:8-11).
Prophetic words:
Luke 1:45 - "Blessed is she who believed for there will be a fulfillment of those thing which were told her from the Lord." Sam Shoemaker had a vision in the 1950's that, "One day Pittsburgh will be more famous for God than for steel." Certainly the steel industry in Pittsburgh is not what it was in the past. Let's pray that God will be made famous in our city.
Did you know?
Believers were first called Christians in Antioch. - Acts 11:26
In Lila Terhune's book Cross Pollination, she said, "Unity precedes revival." She was the Intercessory Prayer Coordinator for Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida where there was a mighty move of God beginning in 1995 lasting 10 years. This is why we will continue to pray and war in prayer for the spirit of unity to come to Pittsburgh.
As each day passes I see a greater significance in gathering together on 11-11-11 for The Pittsburgh Unity Gathering. The enemy is always releasing a counterfeit. Recently we were made aware of occult gatherings on 11-11-11 and of how important that day is in the occult world. The following is from the Kansas Apostolic Prayer Network:
One last thing, 11-11-11 is a high, sacred occult day because of the significance of the consecutive ones. 11 is one of the occult's most respected numbers. Numerology is used to accomplish its agenda. For the occult, 11-11-11 signifies the activation of a new beginning or era. The occult considers that day as the beginning of the new world order and the rise of the occult agenda. The triplication of 11's is most sacred. Here's what I have to say about that, "devil, your god calls my God, Lord and King. Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world. No weapon formed against me will prosper. I am a part of the Triumphant Reserve and I triumph, every time!" One of satan's tactics is to change time. He has taken this new era of God's kingdom and even the specific date of 11-11-11 and perverted it. I'll just declare what Daniel did in chapter 7 of Daniel, "I beheld, and the enemy made war with the saints and prevailed against them, UNTIL, the Ancient of Days came and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High and the TIME came that the saints possessed the kingdom."11-11-11 is OUR TIME! OUR POINT OF ACCESS!
Prayer:
John 17:21 - "that they all may be one, as You Father, are in Me I in You; that they also may be one in Us that the world may believe You sent me." Pray a new level of unity will come to Pittsburgh by way of the Holy Spirit. Pray the spiritual unity in the church will be so strong that the world will believe in Jesus.
Ephesians 4:1-3 - "therefore the prisoner of the Lord beseech you to walk worth of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." There is a process to attain unity which begins with humility. We pray for humility to return to the church and the spirit of elitism to be broken. The desire for those in the church would change from being celebrities to being servants. At the end of this verse it states, "to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace". Pray that those in the body of Christ would have a no tolerance policy for those that cause division and see it as sin. The church would consider it a very serious matter to cause division among God's people. We pray that the spirit that causes division in churches would be revealed and broken in Jesus name. We pray for the spirit of repentance to come upon those who the enemy used to open the door to allow division to come in.
Ephesians 4:11 - "He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God," Christ gave these office gifts to equip and mature the church. These offices are not just titles but for equipping the believer. Equipping in the Greek implies recovered wholeness as when a broken limb is set. We pray for true apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers to come forth. Those that have a heart and passion for people to reach their destiny in God. If you have ever been with a true apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher your life will be changed in some way because they focus on people not their title. Pray the church will embrace all of these office gifts, not just some of them so the church will be powerful and ready for the return of Christ. Each of these offices has a divine purpose of bringing us to the unity of the faith and a greater knowledge of the Son of God.
1 John 4:1 - "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. by this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist which you have heard was coming and is now already in the world." Know that we have a responsibility to pray this scripture to test what we are hearing or seeing. I have used this scripture at times when something in my spirit had a check or a sense something wasn't right. I want to be open to new things so I don't miss God if He comes in another form or in a way I have not been exposed to. But if something is said or revealed and it isn't from God then I don't want that entering my spirit. Pray the body of Christ begins to test the spirits so nothing corrupt, divisive, unholy or defiling will enter the church of Pittsburgh.
Genesis 28:22 - "And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God's house and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You." As I was reading this scripture today the Lord spoke to me and said, "I want to release My grace and blessings in the lives of many of My people in this city but I can't because many are not giving Me the tithe." Being a single parent for 11 years I know how hard it is to tithe. I was even ridiculed for doing so but I continued to tithe and God saw me through and blessed my children. Many believe that the tithe is part of the Law, but it actually began with Abraham prior to the Law. One survey showed that only about 10% of the Church tithes. Pray that God's children will begin to give willing in faith and obedience so that heaven will open in their lives (see Malachi 3:8-11).
Prophetic words:
Luke 1:45 - "Blessed is she who believed for there will be a fulfillment of those thing which were told her from the Lord." Sam Shoemaker had a vision in the 1950's that, "One day Pittsburgh will be more famous for God than for steel." Certainly the steel industry in Pittsburgh is not what it was in the past. Let's pray that God will be made famous in our city.
Did you know?
Believers were first called Christians in Antioch. - Acts 11:26
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Dear Sons & Daughters of the Most High God,
We have received several email reminders about heightened demonic activity at this time. While we are not to be devil-focused, we can't be ignorant of his schemes and devices either. As God's children we have the Greater One living in us and fear is not to be part of our lives - David said he sought God and He delivered him from all his fears (Psalm 34:4). But taking the approach that we are immune from the enemy's attack is naive and actually makes us vulnerable to deception.
Halloween
Although viewed by many as an innocent time when even adults dress in costumes and attend parties, and children 'trick or treat' for candy, it is the highest 'holy' day for the spirits of darkness and those in the occult. Those at the higher levels of satanic worship do offer human sacrifices.
Prayer: Pray for protection of children. Declare God's protection and the Blood covering of Jesus over yourself, your families, and church and ministry leaders. Consciously put on the full armor of God (Eph 6).
National Prayer Initiatives
There are many prayer events in progress or scheduled for 11-11-11. These include:
We have received several email reminders about heightened demonic activity at this time. While we are not to be devil-focused, we can't be ignorant of his schemes and devices either. As God's children we have the Greater One living in us and fear is not to be part of our lives - David said he sought God and He delivered him from all his fears (Psalm 34:4). But taking the approach that we are immune from the enemy's attack is naive and actually makes us vulnerable to deception.
Halloween
Although viewed by many as an innocent time when even adults dress in costumes and attend parties, and children 'trick or treat' for candy, it is the highest 'holy' day for the spirits of darkness and those in the occult. Those at the higher levels of satanic worship do offer human sacrifices.
Prayer: Pray for protection of children. Declare God's protection and the Blood covering of Jesus over yourself, your families, and church and ministry leaders. Consciously put on the full armor of God (Eph 6).
National Prayer Initiatives
There are many prayer events in progress or scheduled for 11-11-11. These include:
- The Call - Detroit at the Lions' football stadium with Lou Engle and many others.
- A Line in the Sand at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA with over 300 Christian leaders from California.
- DC40 - 40 days of worship and prayer in the nation's capital. We have received emails specifically asking for additional prayer support -"The witch and pagan coven in DC is staging a five hour festival on Sunday for the sole purpose of speaking curses over the DC40 prayer team." We can't assume that this is the only event targeted by the enemy.
Pittsburgh Unity Gathering - 11-11-11:
Prayer: Pray that the Body of Christ would hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Declare that is will not just be a 1-day event, but the beginning of a Unity Movement in Pittsburgh.
An Appeal For Unity: Becoming an Answer to the Prayer of Jesus
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." - John 17:20-21
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
According to the Scripture passage above, Jesus prayed that all who would ever call on His name would model unity so that every generation would know that His Father had sent Him into the world. Unfortunately, if we are honest, we must confess that we, as Christians, have not always done a good job of representing or re-presenting Jesus to those around us.
But what if, as co-laborers with God, we could become part of the answer to the prayer of Jesus? What if, in spite of a myriad of different expressions of Christian faith, cultural differences, and religious traditions, the Church of Pittsburgh could actually become a living witness of God's love and goodness? Is it possible that we, as God's people, can demonstrate sincere love for one another and the world around us?
If your answer to any of these questions is 'no' or 'I don't think so', please remember these words of Jesus, "All things are possible to those who believe." Do we really think that any of the prayers of Jesus will go unanswered? There may be some in our city who think this will never happen, but there are many others who really believe that God can bring His people together in a way that will allow for the commanded blessing of Psalm 133 to be poured out.
What will it take for this to happen? We first need to recognize that we have not been united. We need to ask God's forgiveness for the things that have kept us apart. We need to own up to the fact that the Church has some issues.
Here are just a few of the issues:
· It is estimated that nearly half of all people who consider themselves Christians do not attend church on a regular basis. You obviously don't have to go to church to be a Christian, but there is a problem when so many have left churches because of offense. Jesus said that offenses are unavoidable, but have we forgotten that we are required to forgive others if we want God to forgive us?
· It is said that Sunday mornings are still the most segregated time in America. No one can be faulted for wanting to spend time with their family, friends, and favorite people. But isn't there a problem if we can't occasionally fellowship with people who we will one day spend eternity with?
· The Church has not done a good job of loving sinners while hating sin. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17). Unfortunately, many times we have pointed fingers at others and excused our own secret sins and ungodly attitudes in our hearts. Is it possible that many of us have forgotten where we have come from and where we would be without God's amazing grace?
Not all of the issues are ours individually, but the question is, "Are we willing to become part of the solution?" In the Old Testament, King David asks God why there has been a famine in the land for three years; the response is that David's predecessor, King Saul, had killed the descendants of a people who had deceived Israel into making a covenant with them (see 2 Samuel 21, Joshua 9). There may have been issues in the past that kept Christians divided, but can we be those who help bring about change so that we can be united?
Pittsburgh is known as "The City of Bridges." In fact, with 446 bridges counted in a 2006 survey, it has more bridges than any city in the world.
Yet, there are more bridges needed. We need to build bridges between the different denominations. We need bridges between the generations. And we certainly need bridges between the races. For those who are willing to become a bridge, we must recognize the risk of "being walked on" from both directions.
This appeal is to all who name the name of Jesus to put aside our issues and the things that kept us apart in the past so that God might look favorably on our city and region as He sees our unity.
It is also an appeal to those who God has called to be leaders. Generally speaking, sheep will follow their shepherds. Leaders, can we seek the welfare of the city and not just individual ministries? Jeremiah 29:7 tells us that we will be blessed when the city is blessed. Can we seek the Lord together for a corporate blessing, knowing that individual blessings will follow?
Another bridge that we are attempting to build in our city is between our past and our future. Pittsburgh has seen its share of God's wondrous works over the years. The city has been impacted by the ministries of Billy Sunday, Jack Coe, A.A. Allen, Kathryn Kuhlman and others. It was also the birthplace of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at Duquesne University in 1967.
And while we celebrate what God has done in the past, many are hungry for another move of God's Spirit in our city.
Many in our region are unaware of the prophecies about another wave of God's glory coming to Pittsburgh. Others have been praying, and even planning, for what God might do next. Is it possible that God might "do it again at Duquesne"? What if God were to pour out His Spirit in a way or place we are not expecting? Will be rejoice and partake or will we stand back with judgmental attitudes and reject what God is doing because He's not doing it through us, our church, or our denomination?
One of the prophecies about Pittsburgh is that the healing ministry of Kathryn Kuhlman was like the tip of an iceberg in comparison to what is coming (if you remember 90% of an iceberg is below the surface and only 10% above). God is still healing today and some believe the "healing wells" of the city are already beginning to open again.
In 2009 the Church in Pittsburgh had the opportunity to come together in prayer for the G20 Summit. There were concerns and threats of all sorts of problems and violence from demonstrators. However, the Church prayed - individuals and congregations and different denominations; some even coming together corporately to beseech God's protection and favor for the city. The theme of corporate prayer for our city was PEACE. And for the most part, we had peace. At least one person said the G20 was God's gift to the Church of Pittsburgh to practice unity. It seems prayer worked!
Now there is another opportunity for the Church of Pittsburgh to come together. We don't have to wait for a crisis or another G20 type event. Christians throughout the region are responding to God's call for His people to come together for worship and prayer. It may never be possible to agree on everything, but a decision has been made to agree on at least this one thing - Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
We believe this will not just be a one day event, but is the beginning of a Unity Movement in Pittsburgh. Please join us!
The Pittsburgh Unity Gathering will be held on 11-11-11 at Petra International Ministries, located at 235 East Gate Drive, Pittsburgh (Penn Hills), PA 15235.
· Doors open at 10 am
· Non-stop worship beginning at 10 am
· Corporate sessions of worship & prayer - 11 am, 3 pm, 7 pm
· Prayer from leaders in the 7 Mountains of Influence
· Prayer Stations
· Personal Ministry
Please visit www.theunitygathering2011.com for more information.
Kingdom blessings!
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Dear Pittsburgh Family,
Last week at House of His Presence we had an amazing time with God in worship. We sang the word "Holy" for about 30 minutes. We were echoing "Holy" back and forth while Sheri played 2 chords. We were joining with all of heaven, and the angels singing "Holy, Holy." I saw as we sang one word "Holy" how God was bringing into alignment over everyone there and the city His purposes and plans. Something so simple but so powerful released the presence of God and His kingdom to earth.
Recently, an intercessor friend said, "Pittsburgh is hot". What she meant by this is Pittsburgh is ready for a move of God. As we prepare for the 11-11-11 Pittsburgh Unity Gathering (Ray is calling it the beginning of a Unity Movement), people we meet everywhere express their excitement and and longing for God to come to Pittsburgh and remain. I believe this desire, prayer, and crying out for God to come is creating a "hot" atmosphere.
Pittsburgh was recently voted by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top 20 places in the world to visit in 2012 - click here to read more. I believe it is due to the increase of the presence of God and the draw spiritually. It may appear to be the economy, cost of living, or the transformation the city has gone through but the difference is the spirit. Zechariah 2:5 says, "And I myself will be a wall of fire around it declares the Lord, and I will be its glory."
Prayer:
1 Cor 2:4 - "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." Pray for a demonstration of the Spirit's power all over the city, in churches, on the streets, in every meeting everywhere. I love John 9 where Jesus heals a man who is blind from birth. His disciples asked Him who sinned, the man or his parents, since he was born blind. Jesus says neither, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." Pray the works of God would be displayed everywhere at work, family gatherings, holidays, the mall, in the church, everywhere.
1 Cor 1:10 - "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name or our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no division among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." Recently, I had a friend email me a dream about a civil war in the church. Ray commented saying he has heard that mentioned before. Let us pray our Lord Jesus would break the power of sectarianism, divisions and contentions in the body of Christ. Pray we would be one in Christ. Pray the enemy would not use anyone to be the vessel through which division would come.
Today, upon arising I heard the Lord say to read 2nd Corinthians. I felt that we were to pray over our thought processes. Our thought life has much to do with our spiritual health. What we entertain in our thoughts and what we dwell on influences our conduct and decisions. In 2 Cor 10:5, "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." Believe me, this scripture will break the power of the enemy to fill your mind with lies about yourself and others. We live in the world but we aren't of the world so we live by another standard. What God's word says about us is true.
Prayer:
John 5:25 - "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live." This is a verse about the resurrection of the dead at the end of the age, but today Ray was led to pray for those who are dead in their trespasses and sins, as we formerly were (see Eph 2:1-7). Pray that people would hear God's voice calling to them so that they might live in Him. In Romans 10:20, Paul declares that God will be found by those who have not sought Him, and will be manifest to those who did not even ask for Him.
Pray for:
Israel - There are reports in the news that Israel may pre-emptively strike Iran's nuclear facilities. Pray for the peace (shalom) of Jerusalem - Psalm 122:6.
USA - On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted by a margin of 396-9 to reaffirm "In God We Trust" as the official U.S. motto and encourage its display in all public schools and buildings. This is a non-binding resolution, but significant nonetheless. Psalm 33:12 - "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord". Pray that America will put God first and fulfill its spiritual calling and destiny.
Squirrel Hill - Pittsburgh has the second largest Orthodox Jewish community in the country (New York is #1). A Messianic friend (i.e. a Jewish person who believes that Jesus is the Messiah) told us recently there are only about 100 Jewish believers in Pittsburgh out of a population of approximately 50,000 Jewish people, and no evangelical churches in Squirrel Hill. Pray that the veil that blinds the eyes of unbelievers would be removed and that Jew and Gentile alike would see the light of the gospel (see 2 Cor 4:3-4). Pray that the Church will have God's perspective, heart, and strategy for reaching the Jewish community of our city.
11-11-11 - The Church of Pittsburgh is having a Unity Gathering, but New Age and Occult folks are having a gathering too. Pray that the distinguishing difference will be God's Presence (see Exodus 33:16).
Did you know?
Abraham was not circumcised when God made covenant with him - circumcision was the sign of the faith that Abraham had (see Romans 4).
Last week at House of His Presence we had an amazing time with God in worship. We sang the word "Holy" for about 30 minutes. We were echoing "Holy" back and forth while Sheri played 2 chords. We were joining with all of heaven, and the angels singing "Holy, Holy." I saw as we sang one word "Holy" how God was bringing into alignment over everyone there and the city His purposes and plans. Something so simple but so powerful released the presence of God and His kingdom to earth.
Recently, an intercessor friend said, "Pittsburgh is hot". What she meant by this is Pittsburgh is ready for a move of God. As we prepare for the 11-11-11 Pittsburgh Unity Gathering (Ray is calling it the beginning of a Unity Movement), people we meet everywhere express their excitement and and longing for God to come to Pittsburgh and remain. I believe this desire, prayer, and crying out for God to come is creating a "hot" atmosphere.
Pittsburgh was recently voted by National Geographic Traveler as one of the top 20 places in the world to visit in 2012 - click here to read more. I believe it is due to the increase of the presence of God and the draw spiritually. It may appear to be the economy, cost of living, or the transformation the city has gone through but the difference is the spirit. Zechariah 2:5 says, "And I myself will be a wall of fire around it declares the Lord, and I will be its glory."
Prayer:
1 Cor 2:4 - "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." Pray for a demonstration of the Spirit's power all over the city, in churches, on the streets, in every meeting everywhere. I love John 9 where Jesus heals a man who is blind from birth. His disciples asked Him who sinned, the man or his parents, since he was born blind. Jesus says neither, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." Pray the works of God would be displayed everywhere at work, family gatherings, holidays, the mall, in the church, everywhere.
1 Cor 1:10 - "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name or our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no division among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." Recently, I had a friend email me a dream about a civil war in the church. Ray commented saying he has heard that mentioned before. Let us pray our Lord Jesus would break the power of sectarianism, divisions and contentions in the body of Christ. Pray we would be one in Christ. Pray the enemy would not use anyone to be the vessel through which division would come.
Today, upon arising I heard the Lord say to read 2nd Corinthians. I felt that we were to pray over our thought processes. Our thought life has much to do with our spiritual health. What we entertain in our thoughts and what we dwell on influences our conduct and decisions. In 2 Cor 10:5, "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ." Believe me, this scripture will break the power of the enemy to fill your mind with lies about yourself and others. We live in the world but we aren't of the world so we live by another standard. What God's word says about us is true.
Prayer:
John 5:25 - "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live." This is a verse about the resurrection of the dead at the end of the age, but today Ray was led to pray for those who are dead in their trespasses and sins, as we formerly were (see Eph 2:1-7). Pray that people would hear God's voice calling to them so that they might live in Him. In Romans 10:20, Paul declares that God will be found by those who have not sought Him, and will be manifest to those who did not even ask for Him.
Pray for:
Israel - There are reports in the news that Israel may pre-emptively strike Iran's nuclear facilities. Pray for the peace (shalom) of Jerusalem - Psalm 122:6.
USA - On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted by a margin of 396-9 to reaffirm "In God We Trust" as the official U.S. motto and encourage its display in all public schools and buildings. This is a non-binding resolution, but significant nonetheless. Psalm 33:12 - "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord". Pray that America will put God first and fulfill its spiritual calling and destiny.
Squirrel Hill - Pittsburgh has the second largest Orthodox Jewish community in the country (New York is #1). A Messianic friend (i.e. a Jewish person who believes that Jesus is the Messiah) told us recently there are only about 100 Jewish believers in Pittsburgh out of a population of approximately 50,000 Jewish people, and no evangelical churches in Squirrel Hill. Pray that the veil that blinds the eyes of unbelievers would be removed and that Jew and Gentile alike would see the light of the gospel (see 2 Cor 4:3-4). Pray that the Church will have God's perspective, heart, and strategy for reaching the Jewish community of our city.
11-11-11 - The Church of Pittsburgh is having a Unity Gathering, but New Age and Occult folks are having a gathering too. Pray that the distinguishing difference will be God's Presence (see Exodus 33:16).
Did you know?
Abraham was not circumcised when God made covenant with him - circumcision was the sign of the faith that Abraham had (see Romans 4).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 10, 2011
Dear Pittsburgh Family,
It is an exciting time to be alive and to be a part of what God is doing in our city. Everyone we talk to senses God is up to something on 11-11-11. Across our state in Philadelphia and in Harrisburg people are coming together to worship and pray on this special day. In our nation large gatherings are taking place in the Rose Bowl in California and in Ford's Stadium in Michigan. Pittsburgh is on the map too with The Pittsburgh Unity Gathering at Petra International Ministries. We are believing for a release of the beginning of a "Unity Movement" on that day. Petra's address is 235 East Gate Drive, Penn Hills 15235.
Testimony
At House of His Presence we have been praying for all those who are involved in the occult. Last week we had two young people who were invited to HOHPP by someone that attends regularly. We asked them if they would like prayer; neither were Christians. The one young man said he was a pagan who was brought up in a coven in the red light district in Amsterdam. Ray prayed for him but interestingly he was so overwhelmed by how big the cross was at HOHPP. The young girl, when I asked her if there was anything specific she wanted me to pray, told me so many things and was very receptive to my prayers. She also brought her dog with her. We felt that the Lord showed us He heard and was answering our prayers. We were so grateful for the opportunity to pray for them. Studies say that for most people it takes 7 or 8 encounters with the gospel message before people except Christ. We thank God for being able to be one of those encounters.
Prayer for The Pittsburgh Unity Gathering:
Pray for the spirit of repentance to come leading to forgiveness. John 3:1 says, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". The first call of the kingdom is to repentance. Pray Mathew 6:9-15 over the gathering. Repentance is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action.
Pray for healing and for massive healings to come. Matthew 4:23, "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease." We believe as God comes in a greater way to the city, that a spirit of repentance will fall resulting in forgiveness which will produce healing. Many people have been hurt by the Church, by leadership, by their families and church family. We pray people will get healed from the inside out. We pray forgiveness and healing will release trust in leadership again. Pray Luke 5:17, that the power of the Lord will be present at the Unity Gathering to heal.
Pray for unity that will result in a Unity Movement. John 15:5, pray the fruit from this event will remain.
Pray the love of God is released and felt like never before. 1 John 4:16-21 - pray we will love one another and prefer one another. Pray this love will bring people close together like a family and break the bonds of disunity in the body of Christ. Pray we would receive grace to love our enemies.
Pray we would be one people with one voice in Pittsburgh.
Pray we, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt 6:33). Putting God's kingdom first is the first step on the pathway of God's miracles. Let us be kingdom minded people set on righteousness in every aspect of our lives.
Pray the event on 11-11-11 would be like a seamless garment, where the Holy Spirit flows continuously.
We pray God's commanded blessing will be poured out as it says in Psalm 133 on every person and ministry that attends the Unity Gathering.
Pray we would accomplish the Lord's true desire for that day.
Did you know?
The Hebrew word for intercession is paga, which is defined as meaning, to meet; to light upon (by chance); to fall upon; attack, strike down, cut down, to strike the mark; to be laid upon.
Last July, in response to the Lord's direction, we did a prophetic act of sowing "Unity Dirt" throughout the region. We were led to get dirt from several local communities with 'Unity' as part of its name. The dirt was blended together and allowed to marinade during 24 hrs of worship and then prayed over by a number of pastors. It was then put in small sandwich bags and intercessors, pastors, and others took the dirt to places they were led to pray and release (sow) 'Unity'. So, moving in the opposite spirit of sowing discord (one of the things God hates - see Prov 6:19), we believe that many of you are instrumental in helping prepare the region for what is taking place this week.
We pray God's richest blessings for you - spirit, soul, and body.
Kingdom blessings!
It is an exciting time to be alive and to be a part of what God is doing in our city. Everyone we talk to senses God is up to something on 11-11-11. Across our state in Philadelphia and in Harrisburg people are coming together to worship and pray on this special day. In our nation large gatherings are taking place in the Rose Bowl in California and in Ford's Stadium in Michigan. Pittsburgh is on the map too with The Pittsburgh Unity Gathering at Petra International Ministries. We are believing for a release of the beginning of a "Unity Movement" on that day. Petra's address is 235 East Gate Drive, Penn Hills 15235.
Testimony
At House of His Presence we have been praying for all those who are involved in the occult. Last week we had two young people who were invited to HOHPP by someone that attends regularly. We asked them if they would like prayer; neither were Christians. The one young man said he was a pagan who was brought up in a coven in the red light district in Amsterdam. Ray prayed for him but interestingly he was so overwhelmed by how big the cross was at HOHPP. The young girl, when I asked her if there was anything specific she wanted me to pray, told me so many things and was very receptive to my prayers. She also brought her dog with her. We felt that the Lord showed us He heard and was answering our prayers. We were so grateful for the opportunity to pray for them. Studies say that for most people it takes 7 or 8 encounters with the gospel message before people except Christ. We thank God for being able to be one of those encounters.
Prayer for The Pittsburgh Unity Gathering:
Pray for the spirit of repentance to come leading to forgiveness. John 3:1 says, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". The first call of the kingdom is to repentance. Pray Mathew 6:9-15 over the gathering. Repentance is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action.
Pray for healing and for massive healings to come. Matthew 4:23, "Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease." We believe as God comes in a greater way to the city, that a spirit of repentance will fall resulting in forgiveness which will produce healing. Many people have been hurt by the Church, by leadership, by their families and church family. We pray people will get healed from the inside out. We pray forgiveness and healing will release trust in leadership again. Pray Luke 5:17, that the power of the Lord will be present at the Unity Gathering to heal.
Pray for unity that will result in a Unity Movement. John 15:5, pray the fruit from this event will remain.
Pray the love of God is released and felt like never before. 1 John 4:16-21 - pray we will love one another and prefer one another. Pray this love will bring people close together like a family and break the bonds of disunity in the body of Christ. Pray we would receive grace to love our enemies.
Pray we would be one people with one voice in Pittsburgh.
Pray we, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt 6:33). Putting God's kingdom first is the first step on the pathway of God's miracles. Let us be kingdom minded people set on righteousness in every aspect of our lives.
Pray the event on 11-11-11 would be like a seamless garment, where the Holy Spirit flows continuously.
We pray God's commanded blessing will be poured out as it says in Psalm 133 on every person and ministry that attends the Unity Gathering.
Pray we would accomplish the Lord's true desire for that day.
Did you know?
The Hebrew word for intercession is paga, which is defined as meaning, to meet; to light upon (by chance); to fall upon; attack, strike down, cut down, to strike the mark; to be laid upon.
Last July, in response to the Lord's direction, we did a prophetic act of sowing "Unity Dirt" throughout the region. We were led to get dirt from several local communities with 'Unity' as part of its name. The dirt was blended together and allowed to marinade during 24 hrs of worship and then prayed over by a number of pastors. It was then put in small sandwich bags and intercessors, pastors, and others took the dirt to places they were led to pray and release (sow) 'Unity'. So, moving in the opposite spirit of sowing discord (one of the things God hates - see Prov 6:19), we believe that many of you are instrumental in helping prepare the region for what is taking place this week.
We pray God's richest blessings for you - spirit, soul, and body.
Kingdom blessings!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 16, 2011
Dear Pittsburgh Family,
Ray & I love you and your faithfulness to pray for Pittsburgh. Thank all of you who came to be a part of The Pittsburgh Unity Gathering on 11-11-11. Many of you took off work and spent the whole day with us at Petra. Many leaders took time from their day to pray and worship with us. All of you were instrumental in bringing unity through your attendance and participation, prayers, and worship. It was such a tremendous day in the Lord! We were so pleased to meet many new people who love Pittsburgh and have a heart for unity. May this "Unity Movement" continue and spread all over the city.
Testimony:
Four intercessors from Petra Ministries, who were at Unity Gathering, were healed in the uterus. They were healed in His presence with no one laying hands on them! I pray that faith would arise because God's Presence is in this city to heal.
Prayer:
Our first prayer concern is for Israel. In the recent Israel update that we received on Nov 14, it said that last Tuesday, the International Atomic Energy Atomic Agency released a report claiming for the first time to have "credible evidence" pointing towards a conclusion that Iran's nuclear activities are by no means focused exclusively on development of nuclear power for peaceful uses, it is now a virtual certainty that the focus is on production of a nuclear weapon.
In Acts 17:1-4, Paul and Silas went to a Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica where for 3 Sabbath days he reasoned with them from scripture, explaining and proving Christ. It says, "Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women." Paul and Silas went to Berea and spoke at the synagogue there. Scripture says the Berean's were of noble character and examined the scriptures to see if Paul was telling the truth. Acts 17;12, "Many of the Jews believed as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men." Let us pray for every prominent leader in our work place, professional sports teams, every leader in government in the city, judicial system, and leaders of companies locally that they will have ears to hear the gospel. Pray that every leader at the top of the 7 Mountains of Influence will come to the knowledge of the gospel. We ask for people who know God to be set in their paths. We pray for societal change in our city through leadership serving God in the 7 Mountains. Include in this prayer Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, who is being scrutinized for praying on the sidelines and under tremendous scrutiny for his faith in God. Read and declare Micah 4:1
Pray Ephesians 6:11 - Yesterday I kept hearing the phase, "the wiles of the enemy". Pray we put the whole armor of God on so that we, as the body of Christ, can stand against all the schemes, lies, distractions, strategies, plans, baits, and traps of the enemy. Pray for discernment and wisdom before reacting to anything that would be aligned against us. Remember, we don't wrestle against flesh and blood. Pray we draw our strength from the Lord and His power (Eph 6:10). I have learned in going through so many hard circumstances that God is always speaking. Usually God allows the enemy to go first, so if we wait and seek God with our ear on the heart of Jesus the truth will be revealed. I pray for our thought lives along with this. Pray Philippians 4:6-8 and let us meditate on, "whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report." Meditating on these things helps keep the door closed to the enemy.
Romans 1:18 - "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them." In light of everything that has happened at Penn State recently I feel this is a powerful scripture. I pray the godlessness and wickedness of men be revealed and the truth of who God really is and His power be understood in our city, state.
Region: Pray for Hill District and Occupy Pittsburgh downtown.
Did you know?
Each member of the Godhead has given gifts to the Church - The Father (Rom 12:3-8), Jesus (Eph 4:11), Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:7-11).
Only in Pittsburgh, when praying for the Nations, will someone pray for 'Steeler Nation'.
May you move in extreme faith towards the things of God!
Ray & I love you and your faithfulness to pray for Pittsburgh. Thank all of you who came to be a part of The Pittsburgh Unity Gathering on 11-11-11. Many of you took off work and spent the whole day with us at Petra. Many leaders took time from their day to pray and worship with us. All of you were instrumental in bringing unity through your attendance and participation, prayers, and worship. It was such a tremendous day in the Lord! We were so pleased to meet many new people who love Pittsburgh and have a heart for unity. May this "Unity Movement" continue and spread all over the city.
Testimony:
Four intercessors from Petra Ministries, who were at Unity Gathering, were healed in the uterus. They were healed in His presence with no one laying hands on them! I pray that faith would arise because God's Presence is in this city to heal.
Prayer:
Our first prayer concern is for Israel. In the recent Israel update that we received on Nov 14, it said that last Tuesday, the International Atomic Energy Atomic Agency released a report claiming for the first time to have "credible evidence" pointing towards a conclusion that Iran's nuclear activities are by no means focused exclusively on development of nuclear power for peaceful uses, it is now a virtual certainty that the focus is on production of a nuclear weapon.
- Pray Psalm 68:30b that the Lord would, "Scatter the peoples who delight in war".
- Pray that the God of Abraham will be a shield around Israel (Gen 15:1) - that she will look to Him to protect her from fear of the "terror of the night, from the arrows that fly by day" (Psalm 91:5).
- Pray for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Knesset that they would hear the voice of wisdom. Psalm 2:6, "For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding". Pray they will pray and hear the wisdom, knowledge and understanding from the Lord.
- Pray for the Iranian people that God's truth will be revealed to them.
In Acts 17:1-4, Paul and Silas went to a Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica where for 3 Sabbath days he reasoned with them from scripture, explaining and proving Christ. It says, "Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women." Paul and Silas went to Berea and spoke at the synagogue there. Scripture says the Berean's were of noble character and examined the scriptures to see if Paul was telling the truth. Acts 17;12, "Many of the Jews believed as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men." Let us pray for every prominent leader in our work place, professional sports teams, every leader in government in the city, judicial system, and leaders of companies locally that they will have ears to hear the gospel. Pray that every leader at the top of the 7 Mountains of Influence will come to the knowledge of the gospel. We ask for people who know God to be set in their paths. We pray for societal change in our city through leadership serving God in the 7 Mountains. Include in this prayer Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, who is being scrutinized for praying on the sidelines and under tremendous scrutiny for his faith in God. Read and declare Micah 4:1
Pray Ephesians 6:11 - Yesterday I kept hearing the phase, "the wiles of the enemy". Pray we put the whole armor of God on so that we, as the body of Christ, can stand against all the schemes, lies, distractions, strategies, plans, baits, and traps of the enemy. Pray for discernment and wisdom before reacting to anything that would be aligned against us. Remember, we don't wrestle against flesh and blood. Pray we draw our strength from the Lord and His power (Eph 6:10). I have learned in going through so many hard circumstances that God is always speaking. Usually God allows the enemy to go first, so if we wait and seek God with our ear on the heart of Jesus the truth will be revealed. I pray for our thought lives along with this. Pray Philippians 4:6-8 and let us meditate on, "whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report." Meditating on these things helps keep the door closed to the enemy.
Romans 1:18 - "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them." In light of everything that has happened at Penn State recently I feel this is a powerful scripture. I pray the godlessness and wickedness of men be revealed and the truth of who God really is and His power be understood in our city, state.
Region: Pray for Hill District and Occupy Pittsburgh downtown.
Did you know?
Each member of the Godhead has given gifts to the Church - The Father (Rom 12:3-8), Jesus (Eph 4:11), Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:7-11).
Only in Pittsburgh, when praying for the Nations, will someone pray for 'Steeler Nation'.
May you move in extreme faith towards the things of God!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 1, 2011
Dear Friends (or shall I call you all Theophilus, which means "loved by God"),
I want to share with you what happened at HOHP on the Friday before Thanksgiving. As we began to worship it seemed as though we hit a wall. Then the Lord revealed that a spirit of doubt had to be broken over everyone there, and over the city. When we did this in prayer then a sound was released - a sound that seemed like we were digging in the spirit. Then the Lord released a word through Cathy. She saw a vision of the robe of the Lord and the Lord turning around looking to see if people would just touch Him and touch His robe. He kept looking to see if people would touch even the hem of His garment to receive healing or whatever they needed. We then reached for God in an even greater way, with our hearts crying out for him and touching him with our worship. As we did this His glory was released and everyone felt the powerful presence of God like a blanket covering us. I pray over you today that the power of the spirit of doubt be broken. I pray the revelation of the power and authority of who Jesus is in you come. Holy Spirit come and make yourself known. We are not called to live a life of the mundane but a life of immense power in the name of Jesus.
Dreams:
We have entered Hebraic month Kislev, the month of dreams. I pray for the knowledge of how important you are to God will come. I pray for the opening of your spirit to receive revelation from God - may the spirit of wisdom and revelation be released through dreams. As Jesus spoke and taught in parables, so many times dreams are interpreted like parables. I pray for an increase in your dream life.
Pressure, Distraction, & Worry
I am sensing great pressure on the body of Christ at this time that is coming in from every side. We are in a season of revelation and preparation as God is making clear His plans and purposes. The enemy is coming in with great pressure and distractions to hinder us and confuse us. We must take the time to still our selves and pray even if it is for 5 minutes then we will be rightly aligned again. Pray Mathew 6:25, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" The word worry here in the Greek is merimnao which is from merizo, to divide into parts. The word suggests a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress and pressure. Pray Mathew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." My prayer is that we will make time during this season to seek first His kingdom so that the pathway for miracles will be open. I pray for a listening for the still small voice because the voice is speaking. I declare over you and our city, "He is faithful, He is a covenant keeping God." Declare Isaiah 12:2, "Behold God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For Yah, the Lord is my strength and song He also has become my salvation."
Prayer:
Pray John 20:30 over Pittsburgh, "And Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book, but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." During this Christmas season pray that those that are searching, those that are unfulfilled, those that are feeling empty and lost, find their Savior. Pray they recognize the signs that He is drawing them in. Pray for divine encounters with the Lord. Pray for a willingness to believe and trust God again for all the backslidden. Declare this city will believe that there is life in His name. Declare Isaiah 11:9, "For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
Pray the word of God (the Bible) will come alive in the hearts of the people in this city. Pray for the importance and relevance of the God's word again. Ezra 7:10, "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord and to do it and to teach statues and ordinances in Israel. Pray the word of God enter our conversations, be on the the tip of our tongues, come into our thoughts when we rise and when we lie down. Pray for a revival of the word of God. Psalm 119:136, "Rivers of water run down from my eyes because men do not keep Your law." Pray we as the church keep Your law Oh God!
God is speaking - Are we listening?
When God wants to communicate a message He will use whoever is listening and available. We've heard on several occasions that Hollywood is sometimes more prophetic than the Church. I (Ray) have been sitting on 'a word' for nearly a year that I have debated the time to release it, although a bare bones version has been shared a few times with small groups or individuals. After recently seeing an advertisement and trailer for a movie that will be out soon, I decided it is definitely time.
First, we need to recognize that God sometimes uses imagery and language that, while understandable, is sometimes a mystery at first glance. It takes pressing into God to receive the full revelation of what He is trying to say. Throughout Scripture the people of God are often referred to as sheep. We think of sheep as sweet, innocent, and even cuddly. Yet, in a passage from the Old Testament, it appears that God will change at least some of His sheep into something else - horses. And not just any kind of a horses but, depending on the Bible translation, ones that are royal, majestic, or splendid; these are not horses for show, but battle or war. I believe the these horses/individuals are part of God's remnant.
"My burning anger is directed against the shepherds. I will punish the male goats. The LORD of Armies takes care of his flock, the people of Judah. He makes them like his splendid war horse." I want to share with you what happened at HOHP on the Friday before Thanksgiving. As we began to worship it seemed as though we hit a wall. Then the Lord revealed that a spirit of doubt had to be broken over everyone there, and over the city. When we did this in prayer then a sound was released - a sound that seemed like we were digging in the spirit. Then the Lord released a word through Cathy. She saw a vision of the robe of the Lord and the Lord turning around looking to see if people would just touch Him and touch His robe. He kept looking to see if people would touch even the hem of His garment to receive healing or whatever they needed. We then reached for God in an even greater way, with our hearts crying out for him and touching him with our worship. As we did this His glory was released and everyone felt the powerful presence of God like a blanket covering us. I pray over you today that the power of the spirit of doubt be broken. I pray the revelation of the power and authority of who Jesus is in you come. Holy Spirit come and make yourself known. We are not called to live a life of the mundane but a life of immense power in the name of Jesus.
Dreams:
We have entered Hebraic month Kislev, the month of dreams. I pray for the knowledge of how important you are to God will come. I pray for the opening of your spirit to receive revelation from God - may the spirit of wisdom and revelation be released through dreams. As Jesus spoke and taught in parables, so many times dreams are interpreted like parables. I pray for an increase in your dream life.
Pressure, Distraction, & Worry
I am sensing great pressure on the body of Christ at this time that is coming in from every side. We are in a season of revelation and preparation as God is making clear His plans and purposes. The enemy is coming in with great pressure and distractions to hinder us and confuse us. We must take the time to still our selves and pray even if it is for 5 minutes then we will be rightly aligned again. Pray Mathew 6:25, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?" The word worry here in the Greek is merimnao which is from merizo, to divide into parts. The word suggests a distraction, a preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress and pressure. Pray Mathew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." My prayer is that we will make time during this season to seek first His kingdom so that the pathway for miracles will be open. I pray for a listening for the still small voice because the voice is speaking. I declare over you and our city, "He is faithful, He is a covenant keeping God." Declare Isaiah 12:2, "Behold God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For Yah, the Lord is my strength and song He also has become my salvation."
Prayer:
Pray John 20:30 over Pittsburgh, "And Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book, but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." During this Christmas season pray that those that are searching, those that are unfulfilled, those that are feeling empty and lost, find their Savior. Pray they recognize the signs that He is drawing them in. Pray for divine encounters with the Lord. Pray for a willingness to believe and trust God again for all the backslidden. Declare this city will believe that there is life in His name. Declare Isaiah 11:9, "For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
Pray the word of God (the Bible) will come alive in the hearts of the people in this city. Pray for the importance and relevance of the God's word again. Ezra 7:10, "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord and to do it and to teach statues and ordinances in Israel. Pray the word of God enter our conversations, be on the the tip of our tongues, come into our thoughts when we rise and when we lie down. Pray for a revival of the word of God. Psalm 119:136, "Rivers of water run down from my eyes because men do not keep Your law." Pray we as the church keep Your law Oh God!
God is speaking - Are we listening?
When God wants to communicate a message He will use whoever is listening and available. We've heard on several occasions that Hollywood is sometimes more prophetic than the Church. I (Ray) have been sitting on 'a word' for nearly a year that I have debated the time to release it, although a bare bones version has been shared a few times with small groups or individuals. After recently seeing an advertisement and trailer for a movie that will be out soon, I decided it is definitely time.
First, we need to recognize that God sometimes uses imagery and language that, while understandable, is sometimes a mystery at first glance. It takes pressing into God to receive the full revelation of what He is trying to say. Throughout Scripture the people of God are often referred to as sheep. We think of sheep as sweet, innocent, and even cuddly. Yet, in a passage from the Old Testament, it appears that God will change at least some of His sheep into something else - horses. And not just any kind of a horses but, depending on the Bible translation, ones that are royal, majestic, or splendid; these are not horses for show, but battle or war. I believe the these horses/individuals are part of God's remnant.
- Zechariah 10:3 (God's Word Translation)
This change is a work of God - it is not something we can do for ourselves. It is because of God's care for His people and His plan for the world that God does this. Unfortunately, this verse also indicates God's displeasure with leaders (that is one of the meanings of male goats and is actually translated that way in the NIV). Those in leadership that are more interested in taking care of themselves than God's people will at some point lose their authority (see Isaiah 22:15-23).
Prayer:
- Pray that leaders, especially those in 5-fold ministry, will have God's father-heart for His people.
- Pray that those who are being trained as horses for battle will submit to, and cooperate with, the dealings of God in their lives. (Ray Hughes has an excellent 2 CD teaching entitled 'War Horses' which talks about the process of training wild horses).
- Pray that the Church will have ears to hear what God is saying.
- Pray God's favor for those working in the Media Mountain.
Did you know?
Did you know that you are God's poem, His work of art? Ephesians 2:10, "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." The word 'workmanship' is from the verb poieo, "to make". (Compare poem and poetry.) The word signifies that which is manufactured, a product, a design produced by an artisan. We were not an accident but created by by the greatest artisan in the world, God Himself. We have purpose and destiny in our lives that began when we accepted Jesus into our hearts.
May you have a great Advent season!
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December 8, 2011
Dear Friends,
We pray you are all enjoying this holiday season. Ray and I are particularly excited because our daughter Michelle is expecting our first grandson on Christmas Eve. She could deliver at any time but her due date is the 24th. Seeing Michelle pregnant makes the birth of Jesus even more real. I think about Mary riding a donkey pregnant and delivering in a barn in Bethlehem for her first birth. The grace and power of God must have been all over her to go through the delivery with only Joseph to support her; she was probably just a teenager at the time. It is good to reflect on the simplicity and the power of the birth of Jesus.
Every week at House of His Presence is a new experience. We never know what God is going to do. Last week we didn't have any of our regular worship leaders so we asked Daryl to lead in song - he did great! In the course of the worship a woman came up to me and said she had heard about HOHP from a friend and needed prayer for healing. She was going in the hospital for her second surgery. As we called for those full of faith to come and pray for her, Loren one of the dancers, put a red cloth over the woman. The woman said something happened when the cloth was put over her. We haven't heard back from her but we believe God touched her in a powerful way.
As the night continued we came to a point where we thought we were finished, but we have learned to ask God if He is done. About 10 o'clock, several students from Duquesne University came in and, along with Jasmine on Jim's electric guitar, formed a "drum circle" and worshiped for another hour, taking us to an amazing place in God. Daryl thought he was done as his voice was giving out, but he caught a" second wind". Ed played drums almost constantly for 4 hours. Jim was amazing, as always. God never ceases to 'wow' us!
In prayer this week I felt the Lord say there is power in remembering what God has done in our lives. In Deuteronomy 8, Moses emphasizes that the people are to remember the faithfulness of God. Deut 8:18 says, "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers as it is this day." Power, (Heb: koach), is vigor, strength, force, capacity, power, wealth, means or substance. Take a moment to reflect on a miracle God has done in the past for you. If He did it in the past, He will do it again because of the covenant He made with you when you accepted Jesus. Let His power come upon you as you remember all the things He has done and provided for you. This is true on a personal as well as a corporate level. God said he will bring revival to Pittsburgh and He will, because He promised He would.
In Deut 8:3 it says that, "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." Pray Pittsburgh will be a city that lives by the word of the Lord. Speak God's word and promise over every challenging situation in your life. Declare His faithfulness out loud, "God you are faithful and true." He will be faithful to you and fulfill every promise to our city. "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us" (2 Cor 1:20). Isaiah 55:11, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void but shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, we gather with family and friends. It is a special time and a time to release prayer for our families. Isaiah 54:13 says, "All your children shall be taught by the Lord and great shall be the peace of your children." We pray our children will be open in a greater way to the teaching of God. Pray for God's peace and protection on our children, and grandchildren. May there be a fire and zeal for God in our children. May the youth of this city be known for their faith in God alone.
Pray the love of God would be released at every family gathering. Pray for greater unity and peace in families. Pray for safety as family members travel. Pray this would be a holiday season free from sickness and disease. May God's love permeate every home. Pray Ephesians 3:16, "that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width, and length and depth and height- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Agree with others by regarding families in our city and region:
Family Mountain Decree - Pittsburgh Unity GatheringWe pray you are all enjoying this holiday season. Ray and I are particularly excited because our daughter Michelle is expecting our first grandson on Christmas Eve. She could deliver at any time but her due date is the 24th. Seeing Michelle pregnant makes the birth of Jesus even more real. I think about Mary riding a donkey pregnant and delivering in a barn in Bethlehem for her first birth. The grace and power of God must have been all over her to go through the delivery with only Joseph to support her; she was probably just a teenager at the time. It is good to reflect on the simplicity and the power of the birth of Jesus.
Every week at House of His Presence is a new experience. We never know what God is going to do. Last week we didn't have any of our regular worship leaders so we asked Daryl to lead in song - he did great! In the course of the worship a woman came up to me and said she had heard about HOHP from a friend and needed prayer for healing. She was going in the hospital for her second surgery. As we called for those full of faith to come and pray for her, Loren one of the dancers, put a red cloth over the woman. The woman said something happened when the cloth was put over her. We haven't heard back from her but we believe God touched her in a powerful way.
As the night continued we came to a point where we thought we were finished, but we have learned to ask God if He is done. About 10 o'clock, several students from Duquesne University came in and, along with Jasmine on Jim's electric guitar, formed a "drum circle" and worshiped for another hour, taking us to an amazing place in God. Daryl thought he was done as his voice was giving out, but he caught a" second wind". Ed played drums almost constantly for 4 hours. Jim was amazing, as always. God never ceases to 'wow' us!
In prayer this week I felt the Lord say there is power in remembering what God has done in our lives. In Deuteronomy 8, Moses emphasizes that the people are to remember the faithfulness of God. Deut 8:18 says, "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers as it is this day." Power, (Heb: koach), is vigor, strength, force, capacity, power, wealth, means or substance. Take a moment to reflect on a miracle God has done in the past for you. If He did it in the past, He will do it again because of the covenant He made with you when you accepted Jesus. Let His power come upon you as you remember all the things He has done and provided for you. This is true on a personal as well as a corporate level. God said he will bring revival to Pittsburgh and He will, because He promised He would.
In Deut 8:3 it says that, "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." Pray Pittsburgh will be a city that lives by the word of the Lord. Speak God's word and promise over every challenging situation in your life. Declare His faithfulness out loud, "God you are faithful and true." He will be faithful to you and fulfill every promise to our city. "For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us" (2 Cor 1:20). Isaiah 55:11, "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void but shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord, we gather with family and friends. It is a special time and a time to release prayer for our families. Isaiah 54:13 says, "All your children shall be taught by the Lord and great shall be the peace of your children." We pray our children will be open in a greater way to the teaching of God. Pray for God's peace and protection on our children, and grandchildren. May there be a fire and zeal for God in our children. May the youth of this city be known for their faith in God alone.
Pray the love of God would be released at every family gathering. Pray for greater unity and peace in families. Pray for safety as family members travel. Pray this would be a holiday season free from sickness and disease. May God's love permeate every home. Pray Ephesians 3:16, "that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width, and length and depth and height- to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Agree with others by regarding families in our city and region:
- We proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ over the Family Mountain in the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding region.
- We declare family to be the ordained relational structure for humankind, with God Himself as our Father, providing headship over the human family.
- In agreement with Psalms 68, verse 6, we proclaim that God alone chooses the family we are to be a part of, based upon His knowledge of His plan and our purpose in His plan.
- We decree the families of Pittsburgh and its surrounding region to reflect biblical standards and the biblical definition of manhood, womanhood, father, mother, son and daughter.
- We decree marriage between a man and a woman to be the righteous foundation of God, out of which the family is established.
- In accordance with Malachi 4, verses 5 & 6, we proclaim that God is "turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers".
- We decree the fathers of Pittsburgh and its surrounding region to be a standard in our nation, of commitment to the family and Godly covering.
- We decree the mothers of Pittsburgh and its surrounding region to be a clear example in our nation, of the Proverbs 31 woman.
- We decree in our city, the decline of the divorce rate, the decline of teenage pregnancy, the decline single headed households, the decline of abortion and the decline of child and spousal abuse.
- We decree in our city, spiritually healthy marriages, spiritually and physically healthy children, intact families, and spiritually healthy churches that provide and care for the widow and the orphan.
- We declare and proclaim that...JESUS IS LORD
Without exception, every letter of Paul's contains among its closing words a reference to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is also mentioned in the last verse of the Bible.
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December 14, 2011
Christmas greetings to all of you,Our God is an awesome and big God! A few weeks ago in my prayer time I was surprised when God said to me, "It is time to dream with Me again". I have learned dreaming with God is meditating on things God has put in your heart that are so big that only He can do them. I think on these things and begin to pray for them. It is a fun time doing this with God, and in the process He becomes soooo big! This feeling of "all things are possible" in God (Mark 9:23) comes and then my spirit wants to walk on water.
In the following weeks, after God spoke to me about dreaming with Him, I kept having the sense that we are entering a "season of miracles". This sense increases every time I pray. I don't believe this is only miracles of healing, but includes every area - financial, situational, and spiritual, to name a few. Miracles are not just for us. The purpose of miracles is for God to display His majesty and greatness and to turn people's hearts to His son Jesus. I believe God is looking for places to display His glory. Let us believe and look for God to move.
This season of miracles ties in with the celebration of Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a Hebrew word meaning "dedication" and celebrates the re-consecration of God's temple to the Lord after it had been purposely defiled by the enemy. As part of the defilement, the fire on the altar had been snuffed out. To re-consecrate the temple, God's priests re-lit the sacred flame but only had enough oil for one day. Miraculously the lamp burned for 8 days until a fresh supply of oil came through. For this reason the Jewish menorah has become the primary symbol of the Festival of Lights.
My prayer has been that I would be able, in a much greater way to sense and know God's presence. I pray to recognize the very essence of God so that I will recognize and be able to identify the miracle workings of God. I'm asking God for spiritual intensity and increase of spiritual capacity within myself. In all of this, my desire is to discern His spirit and know what to do (see 1 Chron 12:32). With the movement of the spirit within myself, I pray for the word of God to come alive in me so that I will have the Spirit and the Truth together. I pray this for all of you and if this bears witness with you that you would pray this as well for yourself. Also, I am looking, waiting and expecting miracles in my own life from God. Tell God you are doing the same because you know He loves you so much.
Even though it appears the world around us seems to be getting bleak, the light of God's presence and spiritual activity is increasing (see Isaiah 60:1-2). I read an article recently by Ron Phillips, called "Angels We Have Heard (and Seen)", in the December issue of Charisma Magazine. Ron says, "Angelic activity always increases at times of great spiritual breakthrough in the kingdom of God." He goes on to explain how during the first advent of Christ the earth was exploding with angelic activity. Angels made announcements to all who took part in the birth of Christ. Gabriel appeared to Zacharias; Gabriel was sent to Mary the mother of Jesus; Joseph was spoken to in a dream by an angel; an angel directed the shepherds to Bethlehem; and angels spoke above the shepherd's field. Ron also says, "Angelic activity increases when God releases the supernatural into the natural. And angelic ministry increases when our faith responds to the Word of God" (see Psalm 103:20). This article moved my heart because I believe angelic activity is stirring over Pittsburgh. Pray for the understanding of how the kingdom of God works in relationship to us and our earthly realm, which is key for Pittsburgh. I pray as the spiritual activity increases we can flow as one unit, not divided or separated. What God is doing here is for every church and every believer. I pray that fear would be bound so God's power can freely move here. I pray we are able to recognize the angelic realm with anticipation just as with Zacharias, Mary, and the shepherds. Get excited, Jesus is coming!
Prayer:
Pray that as believers, we are quick to repent. I have come to learn there is peace in truth which also releases freedom. When we speak truth, in love, a peace instead of anger and resentment is released. Many in the body of Christ have held onto resentment for too long because they did not speak truth and allowed the enemy to use this to destroy the works of God. May God arise and every enemy be scattered. We repent right now for allowing the enemy to use any circumstance to keep us from right relationships with people and God. Lord, set us free and set the people free we have bound through unforgiveness and resentment.
Pray for leaders and those that come into our city as guests to speak. Pray they would come to impart spiritual gifts to equip and to make strong the people. Paul said, "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong" (Romans 1:11). Pray leaders and speakers would not come for self-promotion, but to build up the body of Christ here. I believe at some point people from all over the world will come to Pittsburgh for teaching, training and impartation.
Pray for an arising of our faith in Pittsburgh that it would be unprecedented, mountain moving, and like none seen anywhere in the world. Romans 1:8, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because your faith is being reported all over the world."
Pray for every church, as many people only come to church at Christmas. Pray for a fresh anointing on the traditional songs sung - the lyrics of many of the Carols are powerful and filled with scripture and theology. Pray for the unsaved that they may be touched by the very presence of God and that they will hunger for more of His touch. I know there will be divine appointments and encounters with God this season, so let us pray for a great release of this.
Did you know?
- The harp is the 1st instrument mentioned in scripture? Genesis 4:21
- Hallelu-Yah, translated, "Praise the Lord" literally means, "You must all praise Yah!" and is a universal word.
- We forgot to include "Weekly Prayer Strategies" on our 2011 summary of ministry activities.
We love you all and expect God to do tremendous works through you!
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December 20, 2011
Dear Pittsburghers,
Merry Christmas!
Our grandson, (already named John) has not been born yet. Our daughter, Michelle, is tired, feeling pressure, and cramping. At this point, she feels like the baby is never going to come, but at the same time wants him out. In many ways, this is where the body of Christ is in Pittsburgh. Many are tired, feeling pressure on every side, uncomfortable, and feeling a transition coming, but not sure to what. When Michelle got married the week of the Pittsburgh G-20 (2009), we asked God if there was something significant in this marriage because of the timing of everything. We were leading prayer for the G-20 at HOHPP for 3 days prior to the wedding. It was intense in the city with traffic issues, protesters and dignitaries coming from all over the world. God spoke to Ray saying, "I am marrying My people to My purposes." Then 1 1/2 years later Michelle announces the coming birth of a baby. Meanwhile we, as well as many others, have been praying continually for God to come to Pittsburgh. During her pregnancy she began to have feelings of dizziness and finally passed out one day at work. This led to her having to work at home and eliminated being able to drive; she needed someone with her at all times. I believe all this occurred to protect her and the baby. What happened was the blood was going to the baby and her extremities as she moved around and away from her head, causing her to pass out. All of this led us to pray for the leadership (represented by the head) of the church in the city that they would be ready for the coming of the Lord. Then God spoke that he wanted to bring unity to the city and we helped organize the "Pittsburgh Unity Gathering" on 11-11-11. We believe more transpired on that day than we presently are aware of. We know from previous revivals that unity precedes revival. All this said, we don't know the hour or time God will come, but just as with baby John, He will come. What I do know, God is raising up an army of people that will go out "in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children', and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).
Be encouraged as we transition into the New Year of 2012, the year of government. In September we were part of a prayer gathering in Philadelphia to reset the cornerstone of government for the nation. William Penn's "Holy Experiment" in Pennsylvania became the basis of government in this land, with the goal of becoming a "precedent for the nations." Scripturally, Jesus is the cornerstone and apostles and prophets are the foundation of His church (Eph 2:20). Prophetically, we believe God was also releasing His government - true apostles and prophets. The governmental shift which took place in the spirit will affect all of us as we transition to a new place in God. The hardships we all face now, feeling stressed, the pressure of things squeezing us, the uncomfortable feelings, will lead to a greater glory, so please hang in there and continue to fight the good fight of faith. God is in control and birthing something in our city.
House of His Presence last Friday was jumpin' and rockin'! There was a blues sound, a rap sound, and new sounds that came forth. I know that there is a sound that is to come out of Pittsburgh that is like none other. At HOHPP we always look for the creative sounds which will lead us to another wave in God. Several people shared testimonies heightening our expectations of God. There were vision's released with drama and excitement. We were dancing and twirling as David did. One man named Phillip danced so hard you could picture it as the dance of David. He gave a testimony of how on one occasion God led him to dance with all of his might, not knowing why, and then afterwards finding out his wife was healed of cancer. Our ways and thoughts are not God's ways and thoughts. Also, the woman that pulled me aside 2 weeks ago wanting prayer before her surgery, said she was so happy the whole procedure only took 45 minutes and she did not need to be cut. She had such a glow about her. Friday, in the midst of the worship, God said He was healing people of deep rooted hurts. He said no matter how much you served Him or prayed they were still there. God began to deeply touch people, removing the pain so more of Himself could be in their hearts. If within you, you are deeply hurt by something, I believe God will come upon you as well and touch you - removing the pain so more of Himself can enter your heart. In the midst of this healing presence we had many of the women of the house surround a woman who was pregnant with twins. She was told by the doctors that one of the twins would not live. She was believing the miracle working power of God to work on her behalf. That power is still alive and still working today through the blood of Jesus.
Prayer:
God is reversing things. Two weeks ago we had a woman who had an auto immune disorder, liver dysfunction and many, many more physical problems. But looking at her she looked radiant and healthy. I commented on this, saying it seems like God is reversing things because she looked so well. All of her friends that came with her were smiling. She said God spoke to her that He was reversing things for her. Then we went to church the following Sunday and the prophetic word given was that God was reversing things. I want to use this as a prayer point because if God spoke it at HOHPP and then at church, He is confirming His word of "reversing things". Let's pray for reversal of every sickness in our body, a reversal of hurtful family situations, a reversal of financial setbacks and a reversal of every negative thinking pattern that is working against the move of God in your life. "If God is for us who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31. As I write this I see a vision of a scale, and the weight of the scale is not in your favor. God is taking His foot and putting the weight in your favor. Declare Romans 8:28, that "all things are working together for good to those (you) who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
The power of prayer: "And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day and prayed and gave thanks before God as was his custom since early days. Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before God" (see Daniel 6:10-11). I ask that you pray for the realization and revelation of the power of prayer. 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." The key word here is, "if". Prayer is a key that opens doors. Mathew 7:7 - "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Prayer is vital to the life of this city. I am asking God for an increase of prayer in our homes, offices, government, and churches. But we must have the knowledge of the power of God within us when we pray. It is not a repetitious act; it is the very power of God within us declaring His will and His word over our lives and situations. Along with us praying in power, I am praying for intercessors to arise and come forth to help birth the purposes of God as an end time army. I pray that every church, ministry, business, government be armed with intercessors. The late E. Stanley Jones, missionary and preacher, wrote: "Prayer is the opening of a channel from my emptiness into His fullness."
A Trying Spirit
Recently, I was talking to God about my frustration with my shortcomings. He answered by telling me how much pleasure and excitement it was to Him. He began to show me how in my flesh I would try to do everything I could, and things still didn't work out though they were the right things to do; how even with my emotions and frustrations coming out, how He enjoyed when I rose up and continued to draw on Him, continuing to press in and press in, not giving up. He said He loved it, when still at this point things didn't seem like they were working out and I, with nothing left to give, my heart was still His. This was life changing for me because I was focusing on success and coming up short for God. He was focusing on how much he loved my "trying spirit", and not my success. I pray today for all those who feel unsuccessful, disappointed in themselves, and frustrated, for the "trying spirit" to continue and for the revelation of how, even as we try with all our hearts and fail, we bring pleasure to God. I pray for persistence and perseverance to arise and an unshakable ability to continue through it all.
Pray for:
Region: Duquesne - Tell the enemy he cannot have our city; it belongs to God! Pray for the healing of the streets of Duquesne.
Countries: North Korea, Iran
Did you know?
- Jesus was not born in a manger - he was laid in one (see Luke 2:7, 12). A manger is an animal feed trough.
- The Bible doesn't say the heavenly host sang to the shepherds, it says they were 'praising God and saying', "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased" (Luke 2:13-14).
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December 29, 2011
Dear Passionate Prayer Warriors,
Well, winter is finally here after enjoying such wonderful weather for most of December! Most of us at House of His Presence show up consistently every Friday regardless of the weather conditions (the weather has to be extremely bad for us to cancel). In light of the weather, we want to honor all of our House of His Presence team and all those who come faithfully every Friday to worship and pray for our city. We thank you and the Lord thanks you for your service to Him and Pittsburgh. Much has been accomplished through your prayers.
We pray you all had a wonderful holiday time with family, friends, and Jesus. Our home was very busy with our children and grandchildren coming in from out of town. Our daughter Michelle still hasn't had baby John yet. We will let you all know when he comes. If she doesn't deliver by next Tuesday, which is her next doctor's appointment, they will induce her Wednesday night and she will have the baby on Thursday. Please keep her in your prayers.
Uncovering falsehood
In my prayer time this week the Lord spoke to me to pray about the uncovering of everything that is false. In the year 2012, God is calling us in a greater way to have clean hands and a pure heart. Psalm 24:3-4 says, "Who may ascend to the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully." Let us pray and ask the Lord to reveal in our city everything that is false. Falsehood leads people astray, and away from God. Things that are birthed from a heart that is not pure are false and not from God.
In the scripture, there are false apostles, false prophets, false teachers, and false brethren, and depending on your translation, false doctrine and false words. These deceivers will operate with false motives, false humility, false schemes, and false sacrifice. The ultimate test of the true and false, according to Jesus, is the fruit that is produced (see Matt 7:15-16).
Signs of the times
Pray for the awareness of "signs". 2012 is to be a year of miracles; signs, many times, precede miracles. Often the Lord first gets our attention with a sign - something that occurs in our natural environment. For example, in Exodus 3, the Angel of the Lord appears to Moses in a flame of fire in a bush. A dry bush that catches on fire is not uncommon in Israel. (This actually occurred on our first trip to Israel when we were staying at a house in Tiberius.) The flaming bush was part of Moses' natural environment that God used to get his attention. What caused Moses to look further was that the bush was not consumed. Remember, it was after this that the Lord spoke to him. Moses could have missed it! I don't want anyone to miss God moving anywhere in our city. Acts 4:29-30, "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out your hand to heal and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." Lord, help us to be aware of what you are doing and highly sensitize us to Your spirit. Tune our spiritual ears and eyes. Let us look for you to move in the environment around us.
Looking ahead to 2012 (by Ray)
In looking ahead to the New Year, many people are giving or looking for a fresh word from God. But as I have been seeking the Lord, it seems as He is saying (to me at least) to go back and look at prior words that have been given, both individually and corporately. Part of the reason for this is that God has not changed His mind about what He has said previously. Because many of us are still learning how to process prophetic words, and discerning timing is more difficult than knowing God's will, we often get discouraged when things don't happen when or in the way we think they should. When Renaid and I began going to Cornerstone TeleVision about a year and a half ago to help with prayer during their transition (which is still ongoing), one of the first things God spoke was, "Back to the Future", a movie trilogy from the late 1980's. What God was saying was that if you want to know about your future, take a look to the past.
In Isaiah 46:10, we are told that God declares the end from the beginning. Dutch Sheets says that the word picture from the Hebrew language is rowing a boat. In order to reach our destination we have to use things (words) behind us as reference points. As we line up our prophetic words and 'row our boat,' we are actually rowing right into our destiny. And because we walk (row) by faith (2 Cor 5:7), we usually don't know when we will get 'there'. One of the things we've learned is that suddenlies don't come quickly, they come suddenly.
So, we're not saying God won't say anything 'new' for the coming year, but let's make sure we don't overlook (or ignore) what He's already said.
Agree in prayer with Jesus
Pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done (see Matt 6/Luke 11), actually let's make it a declaration, "Kingdom come, will be done, in Pittsburgh as it is in heaven!" Make it personal, "Let Your kingdom come and your will be done, in my life, now, as it is in heaven."
Every day, in a greater way, we see a little more of God's kingdom coming to earth. Greater acts of kindness are occurring, just like the person paying all the lay-aways at K-Mart sparked more people to do the same thing. More of the name of the Lord is getting attention on the airways, but we can't relent. We must continue to pray and continue to pray for the increase of prayer. Pray for more of the fame of His name!
Pray for:
Country: Nigeria - please pray for the Nigerian Christians who are daily being killed by Muslims in the North. Nigeria is a very oil rich country but little of the money gets to the people, roads or facilities. Pray for leaders to be raised up that have a heart for the people. Nigeria needs a breakthrough.
Persecuted Christians - Believers in the Middle East are severely being persecuted. Pray for Christians in Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Syria.
Region: Elwood City - Please pray for the mayor and city government that is making a stand to keep a crèche on government property, which they have done for years. Earlier this month 500+ supporters turned out after the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation threatened legal action if the crèche remained on public property. Prayer can move mountains.
Did you know?
Well, winter is finally here after enjoying such wonderful weather for most of December! Most of us at House of His Presence show up consistently every Friday regardless of the weather conditions (the weather has to be extremely bad for us to cancel). In light of the weather, we want to honor all of our House of His Presence team and all those who come faithfully every Friday to worship and pray for our city. We thank you and the Lord thanks you for your service to Him and Pittsburgh. Much has been accomplished through your prayers.
We pray you all had a wonderful holiday time with family, friends, and Jesus. Our home was very busy with our children and grandchildren coming in from out of town. Our daughter Michelle still hasn't had baby John yet. We will let you all know when he comes. If she doesn't deliver by next Tuesday, which is her next doctor's appointment, they will induce her Wednesday night and she will have the baby on Thursday. Please keep her in your prayers.
Uncovering falsehood
In my prayer time this week the Lord spoke to me to pray about the uncovering of everything that is false. In the year 2012, God is calling us in a greater way to have clean hands and a pure heart. Psalm 24:3-4 says, "Who may ascend to the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully." Let us pray and ask the Lord to reveal in our city everything that is false. Falsehood leads people astray, and away from God. Things that are birthed from a heart that is not pure are false and not from God.
In the scripture, there are false apostles, false prophets, false teachers, and false brethren, and depending on your translation, false doctrine and false words. These deceivers will operate with false motives, false humility, false schemes, and false sacrifice. The ultimate test of the true and false, according to Jesus, is the fruit that is produced (see Matt 7:15-16).
2 Cor 11:13-15 - For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.
1 Peter 2:1-3 - But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false (deceptive) words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
Gal 2:4 - But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.Remember, God doesn't measure success the way the world does. He looks at our obedience, not numbers or sacrifice.
Signs of the times
Pray for the awareness of "signs". 2012 is to be a year of miracles; signs, many times, precede miracles. Often the Lord first gets our attention with a sign - something that occurs in our natural environment. For example, in Exodus 3, the Angel of the Lord appears to Moses in a flame of fire in a bush. A dry bush that catches on fire is not uncommon in Israel. (This actually occurred on our first trip to Israel when we were staying at a house in Tiberius.) The flaming bush was part of Moses' natural environment that God used to get his attention. What caused Moses to look further was that the bush was not consumed. Remember, it was after this that the Lord spoke to him. Moses could have missed it! I don't want anyone to miss God moving anywhere in our city. Acts 4:29-30, "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out your hand to heal and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." Lord, help us to be aware of what you are doing and highly sensitize us to Your spirit. Tune our spiritual ears and eyes. Let us look for you to move in the environment around us.
Looking ahead to 2012 (by Ray)
In looking ahead to the New Year, many people are giving or looking for a fresh word from God. But as I have been seeking the Lord, it seems as He is saying (to me at least) to go back and look at prior words that have been given, both individually and corporately. Part of the reason for this is that God has not changed His mind about what He has said previously. Because many of us are still learning how to process prophetic words, and discerning timing is more difficult than knowing God's will, we often get discouraged when things don't happen when or in the way we think they should. When Renaid and I began going to Cornerstone TeleVision about a year and a half ago to help with prayer during their transition (which is still ongoing), one of the first things God spoke was, "Back to the Future", a movie trilogy from the late 1980's. What God was saying was that if you want to know about your future, take a look to the past.
In Isaiah 46:10, we are told that God declares the end from the beginning. Dutch Sheets says that the word picture from the Hebrew language is rowing a boat. In order to reach our destination we have to use things (words) behind us as reference points. As we line up our prophetic words and 'row our boat,' we are actually rowing right into our destiny. And because we walk (row) by faith (2 Cor 5:7), we usually don't know when we will get 'there'. One of the things we've learned is that suddenlies don't come quickly, they come suddenly.
So, we're not saying God won't say anything 'new' for the coming year, but let's make sure we don't overlook (or ignore) what He's already said.
Agree in prayer with Jesus
Pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done (see Matt 6/Luke 11), actually let's make it a declaration, "Kingdom come, will be done, in Pittsburgh as it is in heaven!" Make it personal, "Let Your kingdom come and your will be done, in my life, now, as it is in heaven."
Every day, in a greater way, we see a little more of God's kingdom coming to earth. Greater acts of kindness are occurring, just like the person paying all the lay-aways at K-Mart sparked more people to do the same thing. More of the name of the Lord is getting attention on the airways, but we can't relent. We must continue to pray and continue to pray for the increase of prayer. Pray for more of the fame of His name!
Pray for:
Country: Nigeria - please pray for the Nigerian Christians who are daily being killed by Muslims in the North. Nigeria is a very oil rich country but little of the money gets to the people, roads or facilities. Pray for leaders to be raised up that have a heart for the people. Nigeria needs a breakthrough.
Persecuted Christians - Believers in the Middle East are severely being persecuted. Pray for Christians in Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Syria.
Region: Elwood City - Please pray for the mayor and city government that is making a stand to keep a crèche on government property, which they have done for years. Earlier this month 500+ supporters turned out after the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation threatened legal action if the crèche remained on public property. Prayer can move mountains.
Did you know?
- Luke, the writer of the gospel and the Book of Acts, was a medical doctor who travelled with the Apostle Paul.
- Mark, the gospel writer, was a companion of Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but was the center of a dispute that caused Paul and Barnabas to separate. Paul then chose Silas, and Mark went with Barnabas.
- Neither Luke or Mark were apostles.
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Dear Friends in Christ,
Deuteronomy 32: 3-4 says, "I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He."
We are praising God with all of our hearts because John Tobin George IV was finally born yesterday, January 4th (he was due Christmas weekend) at 8:24 am, in room # 7, weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz., and 21.5" long. We are blessed that he is strong and healthy. The best part for me was being in the room for the delivery. Toby, Michelle's husband, and I coached her to push, and when the baby's head was 3/4 out, tears came to our eyes as the miracle of life unfolded before us. Then we both began to weep when he was completely out and he began to cry. Oh my, how our hearts were so touched by seeing the miracle of creation come forth. I began to wonder if God Himself weeps when one soul is born into the kingdom of God (see John 3:1-5); we do know that the angels rejoice (Luke 15:10). But, I can picture God so full of joy over the birth of a spiritual soul because He is the best Father.
Forgetting the Pain
At one point during her labor, Michelle said, "I'll never do this again!" But after seeing and holding the baby, she said, "I can have three more kids." This really epitomizes the words of Jesus, "A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world" (John 16:21 NKJV). We hope you also see the spiritual principle involved here - sometimes what we are going through causes us great pain, but... in the end, it will be worth it all.
Repeat the sounding joy
One day this past week as I was praying I kept hearing the words, "Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy." Finally, I Googled the words to "Joy to the World."
Isolationism
Romans 5:20, "But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." This was the scripture that the Lord gave Ray when we ministered in Holland. Holland is a country where sin abounds, prostitution is legal, several different drugs are legal, and euthanasia is legal. But in all this sin, God gave a word to Holland that through the presence of God there is abounding grace. But, we as the church must walk in grace towards those in sin. Pray those in the churches of Pittsburgh would break out of the walls of the church, no longer isolating themselves from the homeless, the poor, the drug addicts, the prostitutes, the alcoholics, the homosexuals, and all those in illicit sin. And we must remember where we've come from - Paul reminded the Corinthians, "And such were some of you" (1 Cor 6:11). At House of His Presence, many times we have homeless people come into our meetings since Shepherd's Heart is a ministry to the homeless and poor. Whenever Ray and I have prayed for the homeless and poor we have felt an open heaven over them as we prayed. God would release faith and compassion in our hearts like no other time when ministering to people. We could feel the abounding grace of God being released. Pray abounding grace would be released into the church for all those who are in sin and need a savior.
Going Forward in 2012
As we go forward into 2012, know this is the year of government and Pennsylvania is the state with a governmental anointing. Twelve is commonly recognized in Scripture as the number of government. (For example, there were 12 apostles, and 12 tribes of Israel.) The constitution of United States was based on the Charter of Privileges written by William Penn. He said Pennsylvania was to be a Holy Experiment and was to set a precedent for the rest of the nations. This will be a year of things being put in order and coming into alignment.
Isaiah 9:6-7 - "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever."
We declare over the government of the city of Pittsburgh, and the state of Pennsylvania the Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God ruling and reigning His peace, judgment and justice. We pray a setting in order of God's government over our country. We pray and rest in His word that says, "in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains" (Micah 4:1). God will establish His Rule over every mountain in society including the Government Mountain. Declare 2012 will be a good year; expect the best from the Lord. It will be interesting to watch and see how things will turn out for Rick Santorum, who is from southwestern Pennsylvania.
The following was released at the Pittsburgh Unity Gathering on 11-11-11. Please join us in agreement for God's Kingdom and ill to be done in our region.
Deuteronomy 32: 3-4 says, "I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He."
We are praising God with all of our hearts because John Tobin George IV was finally born yesterday, January 4th (he was due Christmas weekend) at 8:24 am, in room # 7, weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz., and 21.5" long. We are blessed that he is strong and healthy. The best part for me was being in the room for the delivery. Toby, Michelle's husband, and I coached her to push, and when the baby's head was 3/4 out, tears came to our eyes as the miracle of life unfolded before us. Then we both began to weep when he was completely out and he began to cry. Oh my, how our hearts were so touched by seeing the miracle of creation come forth. I began to wonder if God Himself weeps when one soul is born into the kingdom of God (see John 3:1-5); we do know that the angels rejoice (Luke 15:10). But, I can picture God so full of joy over the birth of a spiritual soul because He is the best Father.
Forgetting the Pain
At one point during her labor, Michelle said, "I'll never do this again!" But after seeing and holding the baby, she said, "I can have three more kids." This really epitomizes the words of Jesus, "A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world" (John 16:21 NKJV). We hope you also see the spiritual principle involved here - sometimes what we are going through causes us great pain, but... in the end, it will be worth it all.
Repeat the sounding joy
One day this past week as I was praying I kept hearing the words, "Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy." Finally, I Googled the words to "Joy to the World."
Joy to the World, the Lord is come!Let us pray and declare the Lord is coming, revival is coming. Pray Pittsburgh and the rest of the country receive her King. Pray every heart prepares a room for Him that every soul not saved will open their hearts to the King of Kings. There is a sound being made by creation. "For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God" (Romans 8:19) "For we know that the while creation groans and labor with birth pangs together until now" (Romans 8:22) Let us join in with the sound of creation crying out for God to be revealed to every person that does not know Him in our city (see Luke 19:10).
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the World the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy.
Isolationism
Romans 5:20, "But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." This was the scripture that the Lord gave Ray when we ministered in Holland. Holland is a country where sin abounds, prostitution is legal, several different drugs are legal, and euthanasia is legal. But in all this sin, God gave a word to Holland that through the presence of God there is abounding grace. But, we as the church must walk in grace towards those in sin. Pray those in the churches of Pittsburgh would break out of the walls of the church, no longer isolating themselves from the homeless, the poor, the drug addicts, the prostitutes, the alcoholics, the homosexuals, and all those in illicit sin. And we must remember where we've come from - Paul reminded the Corinthians, "And such were some of you" (1 Cor 6:11). At House of His Presence, many times we have homeless people come into our meetings since Shepherd's Heart is a ministry to the homeless and poor. Whenever Ray and I have prayed for the homeless and poor we have felt an open heaven over them as we prayed. God would release faith and compassion in our hearts like no other time when ministering to people. We could feel the abounding grace of God being released. Pray abounding grace would be released into the church for all those who are in sin and need a savior.
Going Forward in 2012
As we go forward into 2012, know this is the year of government and Pennsylvania is the state with a governmental anointing. Twelve is commonly recognized in Scripture as the number of government. (For example, there were 12 apostles, and 12 tribes of Israel.) The constitution of United States was based on the Charter of Privileges written by William Penn. He said Pennsylvania was to be a Holy Experiment and was to set a precedent for the rest of the nations. This will be a year of things being put in order and coming into alignment.
Isaiah 9:6-7 - "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever."
We declare over the government of the city of Pittsburgh, and the state of Pennsylvania the Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God ruling and reigning His peace, judgment and justice. We pray a setting in order of God's government over our country. We pray and rest in His word that says, "in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established on the top of the mountains" (Micah 4:1). God will establish His Rule over every mountain in society including the Government Mountain. Declare 2012 will be a good year; expect the best from the Lord. It will be interesting to watch and see how things will turn out for Rick Santorum, who is from southwestern Pennsylvania.
The following was released at the Pittsburgh Unity Gathering on 11-11-11. Please join us in agreement for God's Kingdom and ill to be done in our region.
Government Mountain Decree
We proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ over the Government Mountain in the city of Pittsburgh and surrounding region.
In agreement with the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we declare we are "grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoke His guidance" for those who serve in government in Pittsburgh and throughout the region and state.
In accordance with Isaiah 9, verses 6 & 7, we declare that the government in our city and region will be upon the shoulder of Jesus and that there will be no end to the increase of His government.
We proclaim that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and decree that God-fearing elected and appointed officials will be raised up in all levels of government.
We decree wisdom from on high for all those who serve in public office.
We decree the passing of righteous laws and the repealing of unrighteous laws.
We declare boldness for those serving in government to invoke the name of Jesus in the public arena.
In obedience to 1st Timothy 2, verses 1 & 2, we proclaim prayers and thanksgiving to be made for all those in authority so that Your people may lead quiet and peaceful lives.
We declare and proclaim that ... JESUS IS LORD!
Pray for:
Country: Israel - "Pray for the peace (shalom) of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces'" (Psalm 122:6-7).
Region: City of Pittsburgh - "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (1 Tim 2:1-2).
Did you know?
Shekinah: The word Shekinah is not found in the Biblical texts, but the concept clearly is. Rabbis first coined the term. "The word is derived from 'shakan', and whoever first used the word 'Shekinah' coined it as a substantive (noun form) from the verbal forms used to describe the 'abiding, dwelling or habitation' of the physical manifestations of YEHOVAH God described in Exodus 24:16, 40:35 and Numbers 9:17-18." Click here for a great song about Shekinah Glory.
With you on the wall.
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Dear Friends of Christ,
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Thank you for all the congratulation emails and Facebook posts! Baby John Tobin George IV is already letting us know what he likes and dislikes. In many ways the baby represents the move of God in our city. When the doctor delivered the baby, he said babies do not come with an instruction manual; neither do moves of God. What we have learned is how this baby has affected everyone's life. With all the changes, we have to make room for the multitude of baby stuff, we have to adjust our schedules, and there are times we don't get much sleep. He has become the focus of our lives. A move of God in a church or city is very much like having a new baby as there are many adjustments and changes to our lives that have to be made. I want to pray that Pittsburgh will embrace the move of God and make changes wherever necessary to facilitate the heart of God for our city and region. We pray for the readiness and willingness of every pastor and leader in our city. We ask for hearts and minds of all the people to be open.
More than revival?
We believe the move of God in Pittsburgh is to be more than revival. It even seems that whenever we say the word 'revival' for Pittsburgh, that it feels incomplete. Recently, I had something unusual happen to me that I believe was the Holy Spirit getting my attention and giving me a sign and a wonder (signs point to things, i.e. Jesus, and wonders do just that - make you wonder about something). A friend of ours, Diane Moder, emailed a response to our last Prayer Strategy and addressed it to Renaissance and Ray. Well, knowing she is a woman of God, I said to Ray, "I wonder why Diane sent it to 'Renaissance' instead of Renaid. Renaissance must mean something or she wouldn't have sent it. Revelation hit Ray and he said, "Well, it has the first 5 letters of your name in it!" This really peaked my curiosity so I of course Googled 'Renaissance'. (Interestingly, when I emailed Diane, she wasn't even aware she had done this - Ray thinks it was done by the word completion function on her cell phone). I know my name means, "New Birth", and so does Renaissance! What if what God wants to do in this city is a Spiritual Renaissance, not just revival? Two previous revitalization projects in our city have been called Renaissance I and Renaissance II. The Renaissance began in Northern Italy in the 14th century (Ironically my mother's family is from northern Italy). Wikipedia says, "As a cultural movement, it encompassed a flowering of literature, science, art, religion, and politics." Let us pray the Spiritual Renaissance of Pittsburgh would affect every facet of society bringing a cultural change centered on God.
The voice of the Holy Spirit
Do we really know the voice of the Holy Spirit? This is a question we need to ask ourselves. There has been much contention over the Holy Spirit in past moves of God and I believe there is still much fear regarding the supernatural. There has been great division historically in churches in Pittsburgh over the gift of tongues and other manifestations. We want to pray ahead of time so God will help us navigate through a move of God without disunity. We just need a willingness to do His will no matter what it is. If there are things we don't understand, by hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit and asking for discernment, we will get understanding. Our heart is to please Him, even if what He is asking us to do makes us feel uncomfortable.
Pray to be led by the Holy Spirit
Luke 4:1 - "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness." Ask the Lord to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and to know, recognize and understand the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Pray for the revealing aspect of the Holy Spirit
Luke 2:26 - "And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ."
Pray the Holy Spirit will begin to teach you
Luke 12:12 - "for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
John 14:26 - "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." If we store the scriptures in our heart we can rely on the Holy Spirit to speak and bring them back to our mind, teaching us in the process of whatever situation we are in.
Pray that we would be moved by the Holy Spirit
2 Peter 1:21 - "but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
Pray for the removal of fear regarding manifestations of the Holy Spirit
Luke 11:13 - "If you being evil, know how to give good gifts to you children, how much more will your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" We know Satan tries to minimize the significance of the the gift of the Holy Spirit and confuse the Body of Christ concerning it. It's a wonderful gift that Peter said was for all the Lord would call to Himself (Acts 2:38-39).
Every knee shall bow
"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:9-11
It was interesting recently to see Mayor Luke Ravenstahl on one knee, with Pittsburgh in the background, in the position of prayer or 'Tebowing'. Since Tim Tebow has adopted the position of bending down on one knee to pray during Denver football games, giving glory to God, it has become the new rage to mimic him and is being called 'Tebowing'. This picture has been on TV locally, in the newspaper, and even made Fox News on the Bill O'Reilly Show.
When Tebow played at the University of Florida, he had "John" and "3:16" in the black under his eyes to testify of his faith in Jesus. But as a professional football player, he's not able to do this. However, in the heartbreaking loss suffered by the Steelers on Sunday, his statistics did not go unnoticed in the sports world, leading to John 3:16 even being quoted in articles about the game. What were these statistics? Tebow passed for 316 yards, and since he completed 10 passes, his average per completion was 31.6. It seems God has ways of getting His message out loud and clear.
Prayer: Let us pray that all those in Pittsburgh will voluntarily bow their knee to Jesus and confess His Lordship.
Pray for:
Country: China - In the most populated nation on the planet, it is estimated that more than 30,000 are coming to Christ daily, but many believers to do have Bibles.
Locally: Direct the Lord's prayer to the north, south, east, and west.
Did you know?
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (aka Shadrach, Meshach, & Abed-Nego, the Babylonian names given to Daniel's three friends) are theophoric names, which means they contain a reference to their God and express praise to Yahweh. Two basic names for God are El and Yahweh. Daniel and Mishael contain a reference to El while Hananiah and Azariah contain a form of Yah. (Source: New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, note on Dan 1:6).
Kingdom blessings,More than revival?
We believe the move of God in Pittsburgh is to be more than revival. It even seems that whenever we say the word 'revival' for Pittsburgh, that it feels incomplete. Recently, I had something unusual happen to me that I believe was the Holy Spirit getting my attention and giving me a sign and a wonder (signs point to things, i.e. Jesus, and wonders do just that - make you wonder about something). A friend of ours, Diane Moder, emailed a response to our last Prayer Strategy and addressed it to Renaissance and Ray. Well, knowing she is a woman of God, I said to Ray, "I wonder why Diane sent it to 'Renaissance' instead of Renaid. Renaissance must mean something or she wouldn't have sent it. Revelation hit Ray and he said, "Well, it has the first 5 letters of your name in it!" This really peaked my curiosity so I of course Googled 'Renaissance'. (Interestingly, when I emailed Diane, she wasn't even aware she had done this - Ray thinks it was done by the word completion function on her cell phone). I know my name means, "New Birth", and so does Renaissance! What if what God wants to do in this city is a Spiritual Renaissance, not just revival? Two previous revitalization projects in our city have been called Renaissance I and Renaissance II. The Renaissance began in Northern Italy in the 14th century (Ironically my mother's family is from northern Italy). Wikipedia says, "As a cultural movement, it encompassed a flowering of literature, science, art, religion, and politics." Let us pray the Spiritual Renaissance of Pittsburgh would affect every facet of society bringing a cultural change centered on God.
The voice of the Holy Spirit
Do we really know the voice of the Holy Spirit? This is a question we need to ask ourselves. There has been much contention over the Holy Spirit in past moves of God and I believe there is still much fear regarding the supernatural. There has been great division historically in churches in Pittsburgh over the gift of tongues and other manifestations. We want to pray ahead of time so God will help us navigate through a move of God without disunity. We just need a willingness to do His will no matter what it is. If there are things we don't understand, by hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit and asking for discernment, we will get understanding. Our heart is to please Him, even if what He is asking us to do makes us feel uncomfortable.
Pray to be led by the Holy Spirit
Luke 4:1 - "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness." Ask the Lord to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and to know, recognize and understand the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Pray for the revealing aspect of the Holy Spirit
Luke 2:26 - "And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ."
Pray the Holy Spirit will begin to teach you
Luke 12:12 - "for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
John 14:26 - "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." If we store the scriptures in our heart we can rely on the Holy Spirit to speak and bring them back to our mind, teaching us in the process of whatever situation we are in.
Pray that we would be moved by the Holy Spirit
2 Peter 1:21 - "but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
Pray for the removal of fear regarding manifestations of the Holy Spirit
Luke 11:13 - "If you being evil, know how to give good gifts to you children, how much more will your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?" We know Satan tries to minimize the significance of the the gift of the Holy Spirit and confuse the Body of Christ concerning it. It's a wonderful gift that Peter said was for all the Lord would call to Himself (Acts 2:38-39).
Every knee shall bow
"Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:9-11
It was interesting recently to see Mayor Luke Ravenstahl on one knee, with Pittsburgh in the background, in the position of prayer or 'Tebowing'. Since Tim Tebow has adopted the position of bending down on one knee to pray during Denver football games, giving glory to God, it has become the new rage to mimic him and is being called 'Tebowing'. This picture has been on TV locally, in the newspaper, and even made Fox News on the Bill O'Reilly Show.
When Tebow played at the University of Florida, he had "John" and "3:16" in the black under his eyes to testify of his faith in Jesus. But as a professional football player, he's not able to do this. However, in the heartbreaking loss suffered by the Steelers on Sunday, his statistics did not go unnoticed in the sports world, leading to John 3:16 even being quoted in articles about the game. What were these statistics? Tebow passed for 316 yards, and since he completed 10 passes, his average per completion was 31.6. It seems God has ways of getting His message out loud and clear.
Prayer: Let us pray that all those in Pittsburgh will voluntarily bow their knee to Jesus and confess His Lordship.
Pray for:
Country: China - In the most populated nation on the planet, it is estimated that more than 30,000 are coming to Christ daily, but many believers to do have Bibles.
Locally: Direct the Lord's prayer to the north, south, east, and west.
Did you know?
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (aka Shadrach, Meshach, & Abed-Nego, the Babylonian names given to Daniel's three friends) are theophoric names, which means they contain a reference to their God and express praise to Yahweh. Two basic names for God are El and Yahweh. Daniel and Mishael contain a reference to El while Hananiah and Azariah contain a form of Yah. (Source: New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, note on Dan 1:6).
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January 19, 2012
Dear Burning Passionate Ones for God,
"Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered" (Psalm 68:1). Declare with your voice, over yourself and every enemy coming at you in your life, "Let God arise and every enemy be scattered!" God is arising in Pittsburgh to bring about a Spiritual Renaissance, but we must displace the advancement of the enemy with our voices. We have the power of the living God within us. Deuteronomy 29:7 says, "The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." Remember, Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." As God's people we are called to walk in victory, but there is a battle raging over our lives. There is a battle to overcome the voice of doubt and unbelief, there is a battle over our steps of faith, there is a battle over our emotions, and a battle to overcome the power of oppression. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us," Romans 8:37. It's time to speak and displace the enemy by telling him who God is. It's time to advance forward in the kingdom God in 2012.
Advancing forward in 2012
What truly moves the heart of God is faith. To advance forward this year we must move from hope to faith, especially in the midst of our battle. We cannot be casual about our faith in 2012. God is going to do extraordinary things quickly with small amounts of faith. I've been in places in my walk where I have told God I only had about an inch of faith or that I had faith for this, but not fully for that yet. As I prayed, asked for help in my faith, repented of unbelief, and meditated on His word, even though I didn't feel a thing then suddenly, out of, it seemed nowhere, faith came. I can't explain it, but faith just came. Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God," so, in other words, the more of the word we get inside of us, the more faith will have an opportunity to come. Remember, Abraham he had to get to his new place by faith. Luke 18:8 says, "Nevertheless, when the son of man comes will He find faith on the earth?" If Jesus came to Pittsburgh today would He find faith in your heart? Hebrews 11:6 Amp, "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him."
Prayer: Lord, forgive us of our unbelief. Show us any area that we are not trusting You completely. Let our faith be based on Your Word, not what we see in the natural. Thank you, Jesus, for taking us to a new place of trust in You.
Let us advance forward in 2012 in faith and watch our mountains move!
A joy and delight in God alone
There is a deep place in God where He is our delight and joy. There is a place in God where even in all the chaos or even in all the blessings, He is still our delight. Nothing else can satisfy this place in our hearts, not money, not family, not relationships or accomplishments. "Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. For then you will have you delight in the Almighty, and lift up your face to God," (Job 22:21). Pray for a re-establishment of priorities in every area of our lives so that we would come into alignment with God and His purposes and plans for us.
Do you have a dream?
In light of Martin Luther King Day, do you have a dream? Dr. King was a great reformer and change agent who had a God given dream. It only takes one person to change a city or a nation. Bill Johnson says, "Your mind is renewed to the extent that the impossible seems logical." Oral Roberts taught, "To do the impossible, you must see the invisible."
Prayer: We pray for you like Elisha prayed for his servant - that your eyes would be opened to see into the spirit realm (see 2 Kings 6:8-17). Pray this for yourselves and others as well.
Last Friday
Every week at House of His Presence is different. Last week we were so happy to have students from Duquesne, Robert Morris and Pitt with us. At one point, Ray asked them to come and 'sow' prayers by praying for a school other than the one they attend. They not only prayed for campuses around the city but for several other universities in the northeast. Some played hand drums while others prayed, and at one point Evan began to release God's heart with 'rapping prayers'. But it all started when Sister Gwen, an older saint, began to rap. She sparked the fire in us all. Everyone loved the zeal and passion for God that was released over the city.
Get ready (from Ray)
I was really struck by part of Malachi 3:1 this week - "And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple." Although we don't know exactly when and where God will break out around the city, there is a growing sense that something is stirring. Let's continue to press into the Lord without growing weary in our well doing, knowing that God can surprise us with the answers that we have been praying for at any moment.
Pray for:
Country: Egypt - it was this time about a year ago that unrest began that ended with the toppling of the government. Even though one repressive ruler was replaced, there is now a danger of radical Islamists gaining power which would make conditions worse than before and probably affect the country's relationship with neighboring Israel. A significant portion of Egypt's population are Coptic Christians. There has been an increase of persecution since last year. Pray for the church in Egypt to hear what God is saying in this hour.
City: Duquesne - There are been several recent shootings and on Sat (Jan 21) MAD DADS Street Patrol Team will be going to Duquesne Place Hilltop - Parkview Manor Apartment Complex. Pray for God's Spirit to sweep in and touch lives.
Did you know?
Tithing (giving 10%) was practiced in the Old Testament before the Law was instituted. Abram (before God changed his name to Abraham), the father of faith, as well as his grandson Jacob gave a tithe (see Gen 14:20, 28:22). Studies estimate that only 10% of Christians tithe.
Blessings & love.
"Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered" (Psalm 68:1). Declare with your voice, over yourself and every enemy coming at you in your life, "Let God arise and every enemy be scattered!" God is arising in Pittsburgh to bring about a Spiritual Renaissance, but we must displace the advancement of the enemy with our voices. We have the power of the living God within us. Deuteronomy 29:7 says, "The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways." Remember, Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." As God's people we are called to walk in victory, but there is a battle raging over our lives. There is a battle to overcome the voice of doubt and unbelief, there is a battle over our steps of faith, there is a battle over our emotions, and a battle to overcome the power of oppression. "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us," Romans 8:37. It's time to speak and displace the enemy by telling him who God is. It's time to advance forward in the kingdom God in 2012.
Advancing forward in 2012
What truly moves the heart of God is faith. To advance forward this year we must move from hope to faith, especially in the midst of our battle. We cannot be casual about our faith in 2012. God is going to do extraordinary things quickly with small amounts of faith. I've been in places in my walk where I have told God I only had about an inch of faith or that I had faith for this, but not fully for that yet. As I prayed, asked for help in my faith, repented of unbelief, and meditated on His word, even though I didn't feel a thing then suddenly, out of, it seemed nowhere, faith came. I can't explain it, but faith just came. Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God," so, in other words, the more of the word we get inside of us, the more faith will have an opportunity to come. Remember, Abraham he had to get to his new place by faith. Luke 18:8 says, "Nevertheless, when the son of man comes will He find faith on the earth?" If Jesus came to Pittsburgh today would He find faith in your heart? Hebrews 11:6 Amp, "But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him."
Prayer: Lord, forgive us of our unbelief. Show us any area that we are not trusting You completely. Let our faith be based on Your Word, not what we see in the natural. Thank you, Jesus, for taking us to a new place of trust in You.
Let us advance forward in 2012 in faith and watch our mountains move!
A joy and delight in God alone
There is a deep place in God where He is our delight and joy. There is a place in God where even in all the chaos or even in all the blessings, He is still our delight. Nothing else can satisfy this place in our hearts, not money, not family, not relationships or accomplishments. "Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. For then you will have you delight in the Almighty, and lift up your face to God," (Job 22:21). Pray for a re-establishment of priorities in every area of our lives so that we would come into alignment with God and His purposes and plans for us.
Do you have a dream?
In light of Martin Luther King Day, do you have a dream? Dr. King was a great reformer and change agent who had a God given dream. It only takes one person to change a city or a nation. Bill Johnson says, "Your mind is renewed to the extent that the impossible seems logical." Oral Roberts taught, "To do the impossible, you must see the invisible."
Prayer: We pray for you like Elisha prayed for his servant - that your eyes would be opened to see into the spirit realm (see 2 Kings 6:8-17). Pray this for yourselves and others as well.
Last Friday
Every week at House of His Presence is different. Last week we were so happy to have students from Duquesne, Robert Morris and Pitt with us. At one point, Ray asked them to come and 'sow' prayers by praying for a school other than the one they attend. They not only prayed for campuses around the city but for several other universities in the northeast. Some played hand drums while others prayed, and at one point Evan began to release God's heart with 'rapping prayers'. But it all started when Sister Gwen, an older saint, began to rap. She sparked the fire in us all. Everyone loved the zeal and passion for God that was released over the city.
Get ready (from Ray)
I was really struck by part of Malachi 3:1 this week - "And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple." Although we don't know exactly when and where God will break out around the city, there is a growing sense that something is stirring. Let's continue to press into the Lord without growing weary in our well doing, knowing that God can surprise us with the answers that we have been praying for at any moment.
Pray for:
Country: Egypt - it was this time about a year ago that unrest began that ended with the toppling of the government. Even though one repressive ruler was replaced, there is now a danger of radical Islamists gaining power which would make conditions worse than before and probably affect the country's relationship with neighboring Israel. A significant portion of Egypt's population are Coptic Christians. There has been an increase of persecution since last year. Pray for the church in Egypt to hear what God is saying in this hour.
City: Duquesne - There are been several recent shootings and on Sat (Jan 21) MAD DADS Street Patrol Team will be going to Duquesne Place Hilltop - Parkview Manor Apartment Complex. Pray for God's Spirit to sweep in and touch lives.
Did you know?
Tithing (giving 10%) was practiced in the Old Testament before the Law was instituted. Abram (before God changed his name to Abraham), the father of faith, as well as his grandson Jacob gave a tithe (see Gen 14:20, 28:22). Studies estimate that only 10% of Christians tithe.
Blessings & love.
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January 26, 2012
Dear Friends united in Christ,
Thank you for continuing to ask us for baby updates. As of today baby John is ravenously hungry, so much so that they have doubled his formula to 4 ounces every feeding and may have to give him rice cereal in his bottle. You can actually hear his stomach growling when you're feeding him. He can't wait for the bottle and drinks it so fast he chokes sometimes.
Similarly, our hunger for God to come is the catalysis for Pittsburgh's Spiritual Renaissance; the insatiable hunger for God that burns, growls and can't be filled or quenched until the King of glory comes. "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things" (Psalm 107: 8-9). Pray there is desperation in Pittsburgh for God like no other city in the world. Pray that we would come before the Lord in worship, with humility, repentance and prayer.
PRAYERS OF DESPERATION
On Monday of this week I kept having periods where I just felt like crying. Nothing was wrong, nor was I sad. I have had this happen at times in the past, so I know to just lie on the floor before the Lord. I began to cry and cry and cry so hard with my spirit longing for God with each tear. Everything in me, my heart, my soul, my spirit longed for God. I had periods of loudly crying with an ache within me for God; it was uncontrollable. When I was through I had the sense that God birthed something in prayer through me. But the uncontrollable longing is something I pray this city gives birth to, that will draw the heart of God. "How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God" (Psalm 84:1-2). Pray that we will come to a new level in our passion and in our prayers. Romans 12:12 - "I will rejoice in hope, persevere in affliction and continue steadfastly in prayer."
COMING TOGETHER AS ONE
As I said in the last email, this is the year to gather together. It is not a time to walk the walk alone. We need each other so that we can be a unified force, an army standing shoulder to shoulder, shield to shield, covering each other's backs as a strong force against the enemy. What God wants to do here, the enemy is waiting to snatch and kill. But if we stand together as one, whatever hell tries to put through the gates of our city, we can survive if we stand together as one.
In a scene from the movie "Gladiator", Maximus says, "We have a better chance of survival if we work together". Maximus had been used to standing alone and fighting alone. Pray that God would bring a desire for people to gather and come together as one. John 17:11, "Holy Father protect them by the power of your name that they may be one as we are one." Leviticus 26:7, "You will chase your enemies and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight."
Pray, as Tommy Tenney comes into our city to minister to pastors and ministry leaders next month that they would be willing to gather together as one before the Lord. Pray a strong army of leaders would arise out of Pittsburgh. Pray their voices would be heard in this northeast region.
A SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE
As this city comes into a powerful Spiritual Renaissance, intercessory prayer is necessary to carry the weight of the move of the spirit. Intercessors know when the enemy comes in and know what he is up to. They can identify the doors that were left open for him to enter. Pray that every ministry will raise up powerful prayer warriors to help protect ministries and the Spiritual Renaissance God is birthing here. Also, pray for intercessors to be used to pray into the 7 Mountains of Influence. Taking these mountains of culture by affecting and breaking systems, and patterns of the past, will require a significant prayer covering. Leaders God has assigned to these cultural mountains need backed with prayer. Remember, "The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available-dynamic in its working." James 5:16 Amplified.
LOVE OF MONEY
1 Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief's." Pray the love of money would be uprooted from people, ministries and churches. Pray for a thorough cleansing of manipulation, control, and divisiveness in the body of Christ.
GOVERNMENT
Pray daily for God's chosen servant to be president of the United States. Pray the congress to hear the will and voice of God. Pray for a shift in all aspects of government to return to Godly values and judgments. Your word declares that, "blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Psalm 33:12. Declare, "The king's (president and president to be elected) heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it where He wishes" (Proverbs 21:1).
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
All of us from time to time need encouragement, and we appreciate hearing from many of you from week to week. The following was received from a pastor friend this week and we believe it will bless you as it did us.
Countries: North and South Korea - pray for an explosion of the gospel, protection for the people, and for righteous and just leaders to be raised up.
Region: Penn State University - Pray for healing for the 'extended' PSU family as a result of Joe Paterno's death and the sexual allegations against one of the former coaches. Pray that, even in these things, God will cause a working together and bring good from them (see Romans 8:28).
DID YOU KNOW?
In the Old Testament, when 'the Spirit of the Lord came upon' people the Hebrew says, "The Spirit of the Lord clothed Himself with" the person, which literally means He (God) took possession of them. Some who had this happen were Gideon (Judges 6:34), Amasai (1 Chron 12:18), and Zechariah (2 Chron 24:20).
For the Kingdom
Similarly, our hunger for God to come is the catalysis for Pittsburgh's Spiritual Renaissance; the insatiable hunger for God that burns, growls and can't be filled or quenched until the King of glory comes. "Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things" (Psalm 107: 8-9). Pray there is desperation in Pittsburgh for God like no other city in the world. Pray that we would come before the Lord in worship, with humility, repentance and prayer.
PRAYERS OF DESPERATION
On Monday of this week I kept having periods where I just felt like crying. Nothing was wrong, nor was I sad. I have had this happen at times in the past, so I know to just lie on the floor before the Lord. I began to cry and cry and cry so hard with my spirit longing for God with each tear. Everything in me, my heart, my soul, my spirit longed for God. I had periods of loudly crying with an ache within me for God; it was uncontrollable. When I was through I had the sense that God birthed something in prayer through me. But the uncontrollable longing is something I pray this city gives birth to, that will draw the heart of God. "How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God" (Psalm 84:1-2). Pray that we will come to a new level in our passion and in our prayers. Romans 12:12 - "I will rejoice in hope, persevere in affliction and continue steadfastly in prayer."
COMING TOGETHER AS ONE
As I said in the last email, this is the year to gather together. It is not a time to walk the walk alone. We need each other so that we can be a unified force, an army standing shoulder to shoulder, shield to shield, covering each other's backs as a strong force against the enemy. What God wants to do here, the enemy is waiting to snatch and kill. But if we stand together as one, whatever hell tries to put through the gates of our city, we can survive if we stand together as one.
In a scene from the movie "Gladiator", Maximus says, "We have a better chance of survival if we work together". Maximus had been used to standing alone and fighting alone. Pray that God would bring a desire for people to gather and come together as one. John 17:11, "Holy Father protect them by the power of your name that they may be one as we are one." Leviticus 26:7, "You will chase your enemies and they shall fall by the sword before you. Five of you shall chase a hundred and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight."
Pray, as Tommy Tenney comes into our city to minister to pastors and ministry leaders next month that they would be willing to gather together as one before the Lord. Pray a strong army of leaders would arise out of Pittsburgh. Pray their voices would be heard in this northeast region.
A SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE
As this city comes into a powerful Spiritual Renaissance, intercessory prayer is necessary to carry the weight of the move of the spirit. Intercessors know when the enemy comes in and know what he is up to. They can identify the doors that were left open for him to enter. Pray that every ministry will raise up powerful prayer warriors to help protect ministries and the Spiritual Renaissance God is birthing here. Also, pray for intercessors to be used to pray into the 7 Mountains of Influence. Taking these mountains of culture by affecting and breaking systems, and patterns of the past, will require a significant prayer covering. Leaders God has assigned to these cultural mountains need backed with prayer. Remember, "The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available-dynamic in its working." James 5:16 Amplified.
LOVE OF MONEY
1 Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many grief's." Pray the love of money would be uprooted from people, ministries and churches. Pray for a thorough cleansing of manipulation, control, and divisiveness in the body of Christ.
GOVERNMENT
Pray daily for God's chosen servant to be president of the United States. Pray the congress to hear the will and voice of God. Pray for a shift in all aspects of government to return to Godly values and judgments. Your word declares that, "blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Psalm 33:12. Declare, "The king's (president and president to be elected) heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it where He wishes" (Proverbs 21:1).
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
All of us from time to time need encouragement, and we appreciate hearing from many of you from week to week. The following was received from a pastor friend this week and we believe it will bless you as it did us.
"I know we have not been able to connect live and in person on any Friday Night prayer times, but we have stood in prayer in the Spirit with you for an out pouring of the Holy Spirit upon our city. Tuesday night, I was standing in our sanctuary and the Lord gave me this word and I wanted to share this with you.PRAY FOR:
Jeremiah 50:4-5 - "In those days and at that time," declares the Lord, "the sons of Israel will come, both they and the sons of Judah as well; they will go along weeping as they go, and it will be the Lord their God they will seek. 5 They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction; they will come that they may join themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten."
We are in "those days and times" I believe this is what is being done all around the city of Pittsburgh, "people asking for the way back to Zion."
Be encouraged for your faithfulness and steadfast prayer and that you are a laying a foundation for this to take place.
Standing with you in Prayer,"
Greg & Cathy Blythe
Countries: North and South Korea - pray for an explosion of the gospel, protection for the people, and for righteous and just leaders to be raised up.
Region: Penn State University - Pray for healing for the 'extended' PSU family as a result of Joe Paterno's death and the sexual allegations against one of the former coaches. Pray that, even in these things, God will cause a working together and bring good from them (see Romans 8:28).
DID YOU KNOW?
In the Old Testament, when 'the Spirit of the Lord came upon' people the Hebrew says, "The Spirit of the Lord clothed Himself with" the person, which literally means He (God) took possession of them. Some who had this happen were Gideon (Judges 6:34), Amasai (1 Chron 12:18), and Zechariah (2 Chron 24:20).
For the Kingdom
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February 2, 2012
Dear Friends of God,
We, as a city, are moving forward in the Lord in 2012. We are coming to another level in God where we will begin to see things our eyes have not seen before, and hear things our ears have not heard before. February will be an exciting month in Pittsburgh! Tommy Tenney will be coming here February 17-19, and Wesley and Stacy Campbell will be here February 26-28. Tommy Tenney and the Campbells have both experienced tremendous moves of God. They are bringing into the city an anointing for revival, but we are now calling it a Renaissance since we believe it will not only affect the church but every facet of society here in Pittsburgh. God has divinely opened the door for these leaders to come here and we welcome you to join us in receiving an impartation released through them.
Personally, I am asking God to put His pencil sharpener to my giftings in 2012. I want an increase in spiritual gifts and a sharpening of the gifts I do have. Scripturally, we are to desire spiritual gifts. Many of us have previously been taught to "seek the Giver, not the gifts." This sounds very spiritual but, in fact, is actually contrary to the Bible (see 1 Cor 14:1). With all my heart I desire more spiritual gifts; I want more! Join me in praying this so we can use our gifts to transform the area we live.
Recently, at House of His Presence, we have noticed a shift spiritually. Many times we don't have to lay hands on people, the Presence is there to heal and deliver. God just does it and people come and testify about how God freed them and healed them. Sometimes a word of knowledge is released in regards to a specific healing, but people will come up to us saying, "I was just delivered" or "God just healed me". I pray for a spreading of this all over our city as the Spirit is given freedom to move. God wants to minister to His people. Also, we are seeing more and more people coming just to receive prayer for healing. Sometimes they drive a good distance to receive a touch from God. I pray this begins to happen all over the world, that people will come to Pittsburgh to receive a healing touch from the Father. Song of Solomon 4:16, "Awake north wind, and come south wind, blow on my garden that its fragrance may spread abroad."
PRAY:
For our children
Ephesians 1:17-19, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes or your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe." Please pray this for our children who live in a Godless society and who are constantly inundated with negativity and godless ways on television, YouTube, the Internet and people around them. Pray their inner man will rise up and be able to discern right from wrong. Pray that there will be no gray areas or compromise.
Pray for the renewing of our minds
I have been reading a book by Chuck Pierce called, "A Time To Advance". In the first chapter titled, "Think Like a Hebrew," Robert Heidler (who is Chuck Pierce's pastor), writes about thinking like God thinks to change our lives. He writes that the scriptures are God inspired words to give us an understanding of who God is, how He thinks, and what His plans and purposes are for His people. He states that the original scriptures were written in Hebrew which is God's language given to His people to communicate with Him. He says that we can conclude that God has a Hebrew mindset, which is a Biblical way of thinking. What has crept into the church and into our lives is a Greek mindset. Remember the Greeks invented democracy which is the form of government we sit under. Heidler says to a Greek mindset human reasoning is supreme and won't except what is incomprehensible. He says the Greeks believe knowledge is power. If you can understand how something occurs, then you can control and manipulate it. Let us pray over our minds and ask God to remove our Greek mindsets that want to figure everything out and replace them with God's way of thinking. There is a battle over our will to make right choices. There is battle in our minds to walk by faith. There is a mindset that wants to deny spiritual gifts and the operating of the Holy Spirit. There is an enemy out there that is like a roaring lion speaking doubt and playing with our emotions.
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2
Pray for rulers, judges and leaders in every area of government. Pray too for those who are to be elected into office.
Psalm 2:10, "Now therefore, be wise, O king; be instructed you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling, kiss the son, lest He be angry and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him." Psalm 5:4-6, "The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man." Pray for a shift in all areas of government, that Godly men and women would arise and take their places.
Pray that our confidence would arise
Psalm 27:13, "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." This is one of my favorite scriptures that I quote when one thing after another goes wrong. I cry this out to the Lord with confidence knowing that I will see God's goodness and then I begin to look for it. I pray for your heart, that it does not lose confidence in the Lord and His power.
Pray for an increase in meditation of God's word this year
Psalm 1:2, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Bible meditation is like a cow chewing its cud, where it swallows and then brings it back up and chews some more. Meditating on God's word will ultimately release prosperity (success). Pray we chew on the word, speaking it over and over again until it soaks our heart and spirit with revelation from God.
Country: Iran
Pray for the cancelling of the execution of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani. In three court appearances he has refused to deny his faith. The courts have said he must recant his faith or die. Pray for open doors for the gospel. Pray for the strengthening and protection of believers. Pray for those who are disenchanted with the current situation in Iran.
Region: Oakland
Pray for another Jesus Movement. Pray for more open doors for chapels to pray for the sick in the hospitals. Let the Holy Spirit move powerfully on every college campus. Pray for Christian coffee houses, and Christian places of entertainment to be released in this area.
Did you know?
Boaz, the kinsman redeemer who married Ruth, was the son of Rahad the harlot, who helped the spies before the conquest of Jericho.
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February 9, 2012
Dear Sons and Daughters of the Most High God,
As I have stated in previous Prayer Strategies, our grandson, John Tobin George IV, is in many ways a prophetic picture of what God is doing in the body of Christ in Pittsburgh. Baby John Tobin is so hungry and in the midst of a growth spurt. Finally, our daughter gives him rice cereal every other feeding to help satisfy his hunger. He is still inhaling the formula at record speed. Many times he doesn't make it until feeding time and she has to give him a bottle much earlier. John Tobin is just over one month old and fitting into 3 month sleepers. He is starting to get larger and longer, with little rolls forming on his arms and legs.
We believe Pittsburgh's hunger is growing and increasing just like John Tobin's! Recently, we spoke at meeting outside of the city and the people had such a desire for God. Many from the group travel to HOHP to be in the presence of God. They go to different meetings to learn more of God's ways and are consistently pressing onward and upward after God. Also, recently, we have been in churches that are truly forging ahead in 2012, fasting, praying and dedicating themselves to being holy and seeking the face of God. We are seeing and hearing about the presence of God increasing in breadth and scope around the region. But, we want and desire more! We want King Jesus to release a Spiritual Renaissance throughout every area of society affecting each region in and around the city and the world!
A well known Christian leader in our region passed away this week. Fred Fetteroff, of Sewickley, was former president and chief operating officer of Alcoa Inc. The Pittsburgh Tribune Review stated, "He was a very strong, devoted Christian who was not embarrassed to talk about his faith and was willing to do it openly in the business world." Interestingly, it said in the Trib, "He gave a speech in Pittsburgh in the mid-90's where he said 'we had a renaissance of bricks and mortar and it is time we had a renaissance of the human spirit.'" I say yes; it is time for The Pittsburgh Spiritual Renaissance to come forth. Mr. Fetteroff, whether he knew it or not, was prophetically speaking what God wants to do in the spirit in Pittsburgh.
Prayer
Pray our rights to the freedom of religion as stated in the First Amendment are respected and honored. We pray the Holy Spirit will protect our rights to the freedom of religion and these rights will not be impinged in any way in our government. There are voices out there saying the Constitution is outdated and must be changed. Pray what was written in our constitution by our founding fathers will be protected and will remain intact.
Please pray for the November elections weekly. We are asking God for His candidate to be elected. We are praying for the one that has the heart of God ruling and reigning him to be elected. Also, please register to vote and vote in this election. This election is critical and don't miss your opportunity to vote and be a voice through your vote. Unfortunately, it is reported that many Christians do not participate in this freedom we have. If you're not registered to vote, please do. And then go to the polls. It's really not enough to casually pray.
Have you heard?
On January 23, a group of 37 PA House Representatives proposed in Resolution 535 that 2012 be declared "The Year of the Bible" in Pennsylvania. The following day it was voted on: 193-0 in favor! Don't underestimate the spiritual significance of this declaration for our state and even the nation. To read the resolution, click here.
"The Bumble Bee Affect"
Recently at our Saturday night gathering Jason Washington shared his testimony and talked about, "The Bumble Bee Affect". When placed in a jar and a lid is screwed on, bumble bees will fly to the top and will keep hitting the lid until finally they will only fly so far to the top without touching the lid. Then if the lid is taken off, they won't fly out beyond where they were trained and where the limits were with the lid on. Let us pray that we will never get comfortable nor be in a place where we are satisfied and except limits in our ministry or church. The Holy Spirit is a creative spirit without restrictions and limitations. Many fear the Holy Spirit and try to control things, but what I have learned is when the Holy Spirit is freely given the opportunity to move, He knows exactly what is needed in each ones heart and meets that need. The Holy Spirit goes far beyond a good message, and a good song. He sets people free and points them to Jesus. In Acts, Jesus left the Holy Spirit to help us. Pray that we would not be satisfied or complacent. Pray that fear and control would be broken so the spirit and the truth could come forth in our city.
Rebellion
Isaiah 1:5 - "Why should you be beaten anymore? Why do you persist in rebellion? Your whole head is injured, your whole heart afflicted." Rebellion can cause sickness and many problems, including mental issues. Let us pray we would offer ourselves to the Lord and allow Him to show us every place of rebellion to Him and His will. Pray for a submission to God's will in our lives. Pray for every family member that is in rebellion to the purposes of the Lord for their life. Pray for anyone in your sphere of influence that is in rebellion to the things of the Lord. "Not our will, but His be done."
Healing
Nations and cities have spiritual destinies. The spiritual destiny of the city of Pittsburgh is healing and the prophetic. Let us send the word to anyone that we know is sick in body or mind that they may be healed in the name of Jesus! The name that is above every name of sickness and disease. We are seeing more and more healings take place. Some is taking place as people worship and without anyone laying hands on them. Some is coming through words of knowledge, and some are activating their faith to receive. God is getting the glory, not man.
True Spirituality
Watchman Nee, a Chinese believer from a previous generation, was asked, "What is a spiritual person like?" He replied, "If a person can neither speak before God speaks nor move before God moves first, if he will look to God, wait on God and depend on Him for everything, that person is spiritual."
New Wineskins
Many Christians, believing that "new wine must be put into new wineskins", want to throw out everything God has done in the past. However, the words translated 'new' in this verse (Mark 2:22) are actually different words in Greek. Some translations say, "fresh" wineskins. An old wineskin can be refreshed by soaking it in water. We encourage you to "soak in His Presence" and be spiritually refreshed so that you can carry all that God has for you.
Pray for:
Country: Britain - The Australian Prayer Network is reporting that attendance is swelling Britain's churches. This is a total reversal of the trends of the past season. We pray for more of God's spirit and more of His power to be released and a great drawing to Himself.
Region: Monroeville (where Ray and I live) - We are praying for a spiritual transformation with sign and wonders, especially in the hospitals and businesses. We declare every empty building to be filled with a business. We pray for unity among the believers. We pray for media, television, radio, and the internet to come out of Monroeville and affect the rest of the city of Pittsburgh.
Missionaries: Pray for all those from the region serving the Lord in missions, both foreign and domestic, long-term or short-term. Jesus said, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Luke 10:2).
Did you know?
According to world evangelism reports, the makeup of heaven will be predominately non-white and non-English speaking.
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