Prayer for Nations

by | Aug 5, 2009 | Uncategorized | 3 comments

coach-tunnellby Jeff Tunnell

On the topic of prayer I would offer a dominant perspective in my life at this time.  Hosea seems to be a ‘contemporary’ rather than a prophet of history (750 b.c.).  In chapter 6 the conversation revolves around repentance and the healing of a nation.  Here’s a paragraph from one introduction to the book written by Sam Middlebrook:

 â€œThough all the gauges of outward success seemed positive for Israel, underneath disaster was lurking. The people of this period enjoyed peace, plenty, and prosperity; but anarchy was brewing, and it would bring the political collapse of the nation in a few short years. Hosea describes the characteristic social conditions of his day: corrupt leaders, unstable family life, widespread immorality, class hatred, and poverty. Though people continued a form of worship, idolatry was more and more accepted and the priests were failing to guide the people into ways of righteousness. In spite of the darkness of these days, Hosea holds out hope to inspire his people to turn back to God.”

 Intercession is a key component of prayer where we ‘stand in the gap’ for the benefit of those who are deficient in their relationship with God (Ezekiel 22:30).  The church must lead in repentance and returning to God in these times that parallel Hosea’s day.

 A key value of successful cell churches around the world is PRAYER, both individual and corporate. I recommend the DVD by Joel Comiskey on this website as a resource that reinforces this teaching while providing some excellent background study on successful cell churches and their approach to corporate prayer.

 This Friday night our cells will gather for a night of prayer, we call it PRAYER FIRST because we do this on the FIRST FRIDAY of each month and remind ourselves that prayer is the FIRST WORK (sorry for the redundancies). If ever in our generation there was a time to pray for a revived church with fervency and sincerity, IT IS NOW!

 What is your cell church’s practice in the arena of consistent prayer?  Do you have a regular time for corporate prayer?  Or is this accomplished at the cell level?  Both?

3 Comments

  1. Michael Sove

    We hold “Face Down” prayer every Wednesday from 6am until 8 pm. People can stop by our prayer room any time during the day and pray for as long as they want. Our staff spends at least an hour each in there. We have a prayer sheet in the room listing all the church and ministry requests as well as prayer requests from the nations. Beyond this prayer is a big part of every cell gathering.

    Reply
  2. Jeff Tunnell

    Welcome back from the study leave! The community here is holding “noon prayer meeting” each Wednesday for all the churches to participate. It is hosted on a rotating basis from church to church. I like the idea of this lasting ALL DAY like yours! Good job friend!

    Reply
  3. Vladimir Meltzer

    I have been praying for this country & the world for 4 years since I became a Christian & began to realize that we need to pray for the building the God’s Economy in the Church of This Nation.

    The Church must set up an example to this nation to live without compomises, to edify each other & help each other. God can not touch this nation & this generation without Church internal growth through the love of Christ in action.

    My 24 y.o. non-believer successful son, who came in this country at the age of 6, said to me this morning that he is selfish & noone cares about anyone!!!

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jefftunnell

jefftunnell

Jeff Tunnell is a JCG board member, pastor emeritus, and cell church advocate.

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