INTERCESSORY PRAYER WARRIORS

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. As we gather here today to close the Year 2023, let us take a moment to reflect on the journey we have taken together as a faith community. This year has been filled with joys, sorrows, challenges, and triumphs. But through it all, we can say with confidence that God has been faithful to us.

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it is important for us to remember that God’s faithfulness is not limited to the passing of time. In fact, as the psalmist says in Psalm 33:4, “For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.”

So today, as we bid farewell to 2023 and look forward to what lies ahead in 2024, let us remind ourselves of three key lessons that the Lord has taught us throughout this year.

Firstly, we have learned the power of prayer. In the face of uncertainty, we have turned to our Heavenly Father in prayer, seeking His guidance, protection, and provision. And time and again, we have seen God’s hand at work. He has answered our prayers, sometimes in ways we least expected, but always in ways that brought about His perfect will. Let this encourage us to be a people of prayer, not just in times of need, but as a constant habit, recognizing that our prayers have the power to move mountains.

Secondly, we have witnessed the importance of community. This year has reminded us of the value of fellowship, of standing shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in times of both celebration and hardship. When faced with challenges, we have leaned on one another, providing support, encouragement, and love. Together, we have exemplified the truth found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Let this be a reminder for us to continue to foster a spirit of unity and love within our faith community, extending our reach to those in need outside the church walls.

Lastly, we have experienced the unwavering love and faithfulness of our God. Despite the storms that have raged around us, we can confidently declare that God’s love never fails. He has been our rock, our refuge, and our strength. When we have felt weak, He has given us strength; when we have felt lost, He has guided us; when we have felt broken, He has given us healing. Let this truth anchor our souls as we walk into the new year, knowing that God’s love will sustain us in all circumstances.

As we close this year, let us express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His faithfulness throughout 2023. Let us also commit ourselves to seeking His will and obeying His commandments in the year ahead. May we continue to grow in faith, hope, and love, shining the light of Christ in a world longing for His salvation.

In closing, I leave you with these words from Isaiah 43:18-19, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” May we embrace the new thing that God is doing in our lives and in our church, for His glory.

God bless you all, and may you have a blessed and joyous New Year! Amen.

Intercessory prayer warriors play a vital role in the Christian faith. Here are some key teachings on intercessory prayer warriors:

Importance of Prayer: Intercessory prayer warriors recognize the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian. They understand that prayer is not just an act of making requests but also a way to communicate with God and seek His will. They believe in the power of prayer to bring about spiritual transformation and to intercede on behalf of others.
Advocates for Others: Intercessory prayer warriors are called to stand in the gap for others. They take on the responsibility of praying for the needs, concerns, and well-being of others. They selflessly lift up individuals, communities, and even nations before God, seeking His intervention, provision, healing, and guidance.
Spiritual Warfare: Intercessory prayer warriors understand that prayer is not just about asking for blessings but also engaging in spiritual warfare. They recognize the presence of spiritual forces and the need to combat them through prayer. They actively pray against spiritual strongholds, demonic influences, and any other obstacles that hinder the work of God in people’s lives.
Faith and Persistence: Intercessory prayer warriors exercise unwavering faith and persistence in their prayer life. They believe in the promises of God and approach Him boldly with their requests. They trust that God hears their prayers and will answer according to His perfect timing and will. They continue to persevere in prayer, even when faced with challenges or delays.
Surrender and Alignment with God’s Will: Intercessory prayer warriors strive to align their prayers with the will of God. They recognize that God’s plans and purposes are higher and more significant than their own desires. They surrender their own agendas and seek to discern God’s will through prayer, Scripture, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. They submit themselves to God’s guidance and trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.
Love, Compassion, and Empathy: Intercessory prayer warriors embody love, compassion, and empathy towards others. They have a genuine concern for the well-being of those they pray for. Their prayers are filled with love and care, interceding on behalf of those who are hurting, in need, or trapped in sin. They seek to bring healing, reconciliation, and restoration through their prayers.

Overall, intercessory prayer warriors understand the powerful role they play in the spiritual realm. They embrace the responsibility to intercede, advocate, and fight for the needs of others through prayer, aligning themselves with God’s will and demonstrating love and compassion. Through their prayers, they believe in the potential for miraculous interventions and the transformative power of God.