Aglow prayer

The following blog was contributed by Dave McDaniel.
Dave is one of our Men of Issachar and husband of Nancy McDaniel. 

As Graham Cooke has so accurately described, the Body of Christ has moved into its finest hour by moving from visitation to habitation.  Simply put, this is a place of abiding.  Jane Hansen Hoyt recently added on April 16th, “I believe that Aglow has been coming into a new time of communion with God.  I believe we have been realizing a new anointing on the new covenant, and walking with a greater understanding of the fullness of our identity in Christ.  It is truly a transitional time for us.”

How do we transition into this place of fullness?  How can we feel such a drawing of the Spirit into the secret place of abiding while at the same time being confronted with experiences of such hardship and testing?  There is no mistake that we are experiencing a shaking in the earth today.  The global financial market and political structures are quickly collapsing.  Our faith is being tested, and the Spirit is urging us to press in to the place of abiding in Jesus. 

Standing Tall in a Small World
John 15 beautifully describes the fruitful relationship of abiding in Jesus.  While chaos and uncertainty become the norm in the earth today, we can press into the secret place of His presence and remain there.  The key in this powerful place is to realize that we are not there for the purpose of avoiding the perplexing challenges that lie ahead; instead we are there to be empowered with revelation and wisdom to speak into these challenges.  We are being empowered to stand tall in a small world with the power to declare the Word of the Lord.  John 15:7 says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you.”  Notice it didn’t say “Word” but “words”.  Its particular meaning is “an utterance (individual, collective or special).”  Jesus wants our relationship to be so close that He can utter a word for an individual He has scheduled to come across our path, a collective word that can change a mountain of influence, or a special word that can change the direction of a nation.   Our commitment to live in habitation, rather than visitation, is essential for this divine exchange.  Since abiding is the key to remaining in this place of empowerment,  we all have permission to enter.  However, it will be those who choose to dwell in this place who will operate as divine carriers of revelation, understanding and power in this hour. 

(Watch for Part Two – “Preparing the Soil” and “How Do You Abide?”)

When I was very young, a teenager in
fact, a friend shared something that really helped set my identity in a satisfying relationship with God.  We were doing a study on abiding in Christ from John 15 when Skip shared some thoughts from Albert J. Wollen.  He said that every Christian can enjoy “constant, conscious communion with God.”  Wow!  “Constant, conscious communion”  — being continually aware of God’s presence in my life moment by moment, worshipping Him and talking with Him in a practical, thoughtful way all the time.  I can just enjoy being with God no matter what I am doing, and furthermore, He is interested in being with me, too! 

Those three words and the thoughts Skip shared that day have stuck with me and marked my life with an awareness that everything about life in Christ is 24-7.  And those three simple words have been a benchmark to remind me that all the things we do to nurture our lives spiritually — like prayer, studying the Bible, worship, loving one another, stewardship – all those things are who we are, not just what we do.

A few years ago, a friend of mine was asked, “Linda, when do you pray?”  We all knew she had a very powerful, effective prayer life.  She was asked, “Do you pray in the morning, do you pray at night time, do you pray several times throughout the day?”  Linda didn’t have to think about her answer very long.  Her answer was immediate.  She said, “My life is a prayer.”

I Corinthians 6:19 says that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  And Jesus said that His house, or His temple, is the house of prayer (Mark 11:17).   So, with Christ in us, we are His House of Prayer.  Prayer isn’t just something I do – it’s who I am. 

. . . Christ in you, the hope of glory!  (Colossians 1:27)

The following blog was contributed by Martha Stanley, Aglow Administrative Assistant –  International Field:

I had a sobering experience that I’d like to share with you.  It demonstrated how God will orchestrate detail upon detail to have us in the exact place at the exact time to fulfill His plan.  It was also an example of how he can avert disaster in our lives without us ever knowing there was a danger in the first place.

This past December I was decorating the entry way to our subdivision with neighbors.  At one point we determined that we needed one more set of a specific kind of Christmas lights, so I was tasked with the reconnaissance mission.  It was about 1:00, and I was getting hungry, so decided to go home and grab a quick bite to take with me in the car on the road.  I put a Hot Pocket in the microwave, was going to take it out 20 seconds early, but felt impressed that I was to leave it in for the full 3 minutes.  20 seconds, Lord?  Really? Having learned long ago not to argue with those impressions no matter how strange they may sound, I waited the full 3 minutes then took off with my lunch down the road.  Bear with me, these details are very important. 

Driving to the exit of the subdivision the thought came to my mind to go left to Walgreens instead of right to Wal-Mart because Walgreens was closer.  I went to Walgreens, no success, and had to backtrack and go in the opposite direction all the way to Wal-Mart.  When I finally got to the Wal-Mart parking lot, my cell phone rang and it was my neighbor saying that they didn’t need the lights after all.  As long as I was already there, I decided to go in and pick up some medication my husband had waiting at the pharmacy.

This put me in line at the Wal-Mart pharmacy at that exact moment in time.  There was a frail, elderly woman next to me bent all the way over looking at something on the bottom shelf.  Suddenly, a big burly dude came around the corner with his shopping cart at Mach 2.  His cart was speeding straight for grandma’s head.  I reached out, grabbed the cart, and stopped him before the impending impact.  If I hadn’t grabbed the cart he would have hit her square in the head knocking her backwards.  Who knows what the extent of her injuries would have been?  He gave a muffled apology, backed up, and went down another isle.  Grandma, still bent over, was completely unaware of the entire interaction.  She found what she needed on that bottom shelf, then went on her merry way.  Since I was next in line when this happened, had I arrived 20 seconds earlier I would have already been up at the counter looking back at a horrible scene.

How many times in our lives has a plan of the enemy been thwarted by the God who sets the stars in motion….while we never knew……

. . . and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore . . . praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit . . . (Ephesians 6:13-18).

. . . Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. . .  (Exodus 14:13)

You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD . . . (II Chronicles 20:17)

And the list of scriptures goes on and on – scriptures that tell us that sometimes prayer is simply to stand.  There are those times when having the right words to say isn’t what we need.  That’s when the power of His Word alive in us becomes our greatest prayer.  That’s when having our identity secure in Christ brings an undeniable shift in the atmosphere around us.

May I tell you a rather unspiritual little story that illustrates this?  My husband was a high school football coach for many years.  I enjoyed going to the games to cheer his team to victory and console the losses.  I was in the stadium cheering for his team one night.  A very loud and rude man was stationed about 15 rows above me.  From the beginning of the game, he yelled offensively using very foul language – all criticisms aimed at my husband’s coaching.  I listened to this through the first quarter, the second quarter and the third quarter.  Each quarter, he grew louder and more vulgar until by the beginning of the fourth quarter, I had had enough!  I stood up.  I turned around.  And I looked at the man.  Then, I thought, “Nancy, what are you doing?!  He’s so out of control that he might come down here and punch you in the nose!”  I had no words to say to that man.  All I could do was stand and look at him.  As I stood and watched him, he became so angry and then confused that he nearly imploded.  He finally gave up, folded his arms, closed his mouth and never made another sound the remainder of the game.

What happened that night?  That man was out of order and out of control.  His behavior was clearly wrong and a violation to all of us around him.  I stood in the power of what was right.  I certainly didn’t stand in my own power – I was scared!  And I stood secure in my identity – I was the coach’s wife!  I never said a word; I just stood there.  What was the result?  There was an undeniable shift in the atmosphere in that stadium.

 So, words can be good in prayer.  But sometimes prayer is just standing.

Note from Nancy McDaniel:  To impact people around us, sometimes we need put some action to our prayers.  One way is by proclaiming the blessings of God and the Good News of the Gospel. 

Read how Barbara Potts, Maryland Aglow State Prayer Coordinator, is proclaiming God’s blessing:

I have always been a bit challenged at how to effectively share the Gospel in a natural, easy fashion.  That is, until some time ago when I began to respond with, “I am blessed” to anyone who asked me how I was.  This response not only honors God but it prophesies into my life the blessing of God.  I know this response was a prompting from the Holy Spirit, as I have watched how God has used it. 

A couple of months ago I had an encounter with an unsaved neighbor which has mushroomed into a ministry. This person is a widow, and a rather sad person who has not previously responded to witnessing.  She asked me how I was, and when I responded with “I am blessed,” I knew that she interpreted this to mean that I didn’t have any problems and that everything was perfect and good.  So, later when I got home the Lord impressed upon me to write to her and tell her why I am so blessed.  This is what I said:

      I would like to expand upon my response to your inquiry, “How are you?” When I said, “I am blessed,” it was not a reflection of my life circumstances, but rather of my eternal security. (There are, quite frankly, some very sad things going on in my life right now.) Years ago, when I said “yes” to Jesus and made Him the Lord of my life, He did not promise me a life of happiness and ease. But He did promise to never leave me or forsake me, to be my shield and defender, my strength in weakness, and my joy in the midst of sorrow. To the widow He is a husband, to the sick He is the Healer, to the discouraged He is Hope, to the lost He is the Savior. To all (whether they acknowledge Him or not) He is the One, True and Living God, the Almighty Creator of the Universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords. And He Who is all of this, knows my name and how many hairs I have on my head. Even before I was conceived in my mother’s womb, He saw me. And even though I am imperfect and was full of sin, He has forgiven me and crowned me with glory and honor. His magnanimous love compelled Him to leave His place of glory in heaven and be born into the world He created to suffer at the hands of evil men and become a sacrifice for my sin. His love transcends understanding. There is nothing I can do to make Him love me any more or any less than He already does. He has paid the price for my redemption and now desires to have a personal relationship with me here and for eternity. And so because of these things: I AM BLESSED beyond measure!! My prayer is that you would know this blessing too. You can, if only you would ask… Say “yes” to Jesus today and He will reveal Himself to you in ways you cannot imagine. He will heal your heart and comfort your soul. He will empower you to live an abundant life full of hope and victory. When you receive Him as your Lord and Savior, nothing can separate you from His Love. He is ready and wanting to do these things for you. But you must invite Him into your heart and life.   —   What have you got to lose?

Remembering the Christian movie, “The Grace Card,” I had the idea to format this testimony on a piece of paper that folds to the size of a business card.  I carry a bunch in my purse.  Whenever anyone asks me how I am, I tell them “I am blessed.”  Then when I hand them money for my transaction, or shake their hand, I give them the “card” and say, “This tells you why I am so blessed and how you can be too.”  I have found that even Christians are blessed by it because it lifts them above life’s circumstances and reminds them who they are.

What an easy way to share the love and Good News of the Gospel!

The following blog was contributed by Jessica Wilson, Prayer Office Administrative Assistant:

So the other day I’m checking out the fabulous view in the window of my Seattle apartment, and I am struck by the clouds. On this clear, SUNNY day in Seattle (I know, I know, but it does happen, praise the Lord!) I get a wonderful view of large white, fluffy, cumulus clouds. This great weather has been going on the last few days and when it does I find myself sitting on the couch, beverage in hand, watching the clouds go by. I like to sit for a few minutes and just relax as I watch the shapes come and go, and view the trees swaying gently in the breeze. But on this particular day, there was a glitch:

The clouds weren’t moving!

The trees branches were moving. I could feel the wind blowing. But the clouds were not! Still as still could be, I felt like Evie from “Out of This World” and wondered if I had touched my two index fingers together, and if it really did stop time. Alas, it turns out I do not have time-stopping super powers, and I soon realized what the problem was. (This is rather important you see- for it was very disturbing to see clear evidence of wind, but no movement in the clouds!)

The problem was my perspective. The clouds weren’t moving left to right, or right to left- because they weren’t being blown that way. The clouds were actually moving toward me. I was at such an angle that it simply appeared that the clouds weren’t moving at all, because that was the only way I was seeing things. It reminded me that sometimes, we simply need to reposition ourselves.

When you feel stuck – Oops – you probably don’t ever feel that way. Ok, so, when I feel stuck this is a good reminder for me to reposition. Get a different view on things. And usually, a great place to start is to get out of 1st person mode, and start focusing on some other people. (Of course God should always be our first focus, and if He isn’t I tend to find that’s the source of my feeling “stuck” in the first place…)

It’s just good to know that things are always moving. They’re never still, they’re always in motion. If you don’t know that, or can’t see that, you will start to feel stuck in your situation. So get out, and get some good (Bible-based) perspective. Where do you start? Cry out in prayer.  Jeremiah 33:2-3 He says, “This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name:  ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  God is in control and has great and awesome plans for your life.  Who better to position you and get you unstuck?

There are many different postures for prayer – kneeling, standing, bowing, lying prostrate or even pacing.  I suppose we all have our favorite posture for prayer depending on the situation.  But there is something that is so much more important than our physical position in prayer – and that is knowing our spiritual position.

Ephesians 2:6 says, “And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”  This tells us very specifically where we are seated, where we are positioned spiritually.  We are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus!  This is so amazing and so empowering!

We are not groping around in the dust and mire of this earth hoping that maybe out there somewhere God just might hear our pitiful little cry for help.  No!  Our prayer is not a lone and puny voice straining to be heard in the cacophonic chaos of this world.  No!

In Christ, we have been raised above the distracting events and the harassing noise of the conditions of the world around us.  We are seated in heavenly places where we can see life’s circumstances from an eternal perspective.  We are seated in heavenly places where we can be heard by God, the One who is seated on the Throne, when we simply whisper His Name.  We are seated in heavenly places where in prayer we can enter a heavenly conversation with God – where we can hear His heart and know His ways as well as pour out our hearts to Him.

When I attended my first Aglow meeting many years ago, someone mistakenly seated me at the head table.  I leaned over and asked the president if I should find another seat.  She said, “Just sit up straight and act like you belong.”  According to God’s Word, we have been seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  And that’s no mistake.  We really do belong there!

So, when we pray, whether we kneel or stand or bow or walk, we can pray with the confidence and authority of those who are seated in heavenly places.