Putting Kingdom Praying Into Real Time

I have spent considerable time through these blogs over the last few months describing what Kingdom authority is and how to pray Kingdom prayers that have real effect. For me this is more than just an academic exercise but it has been outlining my own journey in developing a prayer life that has taken me deeper in my walk with Christ and praying with confidence. So what does it look like in my own life? My prayer life is divided into two areas. In this blog I will outline what my morning prayers consist of.

Matins is the term used for morning prayers. This is the time that I designate to pray for the world we live in. In my opinion most prayers tend to be myopic in nature, too small in focus. There are two scriptures that direct my thoughts in Kingdom praying. The first is the Messianic Psalm 2, specifically the verse: "Ask of Me and I shall give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your possession." I follow this up with the verse from Revelation 11:5. "The Kingdoms of this world have now become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall rule them forever and ever."

I begin my morning prayer time by reading from the New Testament. I read the Bible systematically, which means I start with Matthew and read through to Revelation and then repeat. I choose to walk slowly through the chapter for that day. I look for content, both immediate and then in the larger context. I cross reference texts. I look for grammatical nuances. My goal is always to "study to show myself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of truth." Only after I have read the Scriptures do I move on to prayer. The Bible grounds me and helps me to know the heart and mind of God so that I can pray more effectively.

I have a prayer list that I use for Kingdom praying. On that list I have identified various countries that I consistently pray about and add to that list as God directs me. These prayers involve three areas.

First, I pray for the political leaders who oversee these countries. I pray for them by name, for wisdom to lead well. I pray that they would be aligned with values that reflect "justice and mercy and humility before the Lord". I pray for their souls that they would know Him who is truly Lord of all. I pray for an openness to the Gospel of Christ. I pray that things hidden in darkness would be revealed by the light. I am reminded of two things said of John Knox, as among many. The devout Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots, is reputed to have said, “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe.” “Give me Scotland, or I die”. Would that be said of Christ's followers? Would that be said of us?

Secondly, I pray for the church leaders in these countries. I pray that they would shepherd the flock well, being examples of godly living. I pray that they would deepen in their walk with Christ, that they would proclaim the gospel fearlessly and stand boldly for truth.

Thirdly, I pray for the believers within these countries, that they would know the Christ in deeper ways; to learn how both to live and walk in the Spirit; that their lives would reflect His glory and be "a sweet incense" in their everyday lives.

There are other things that I pray about but you get the drift.

I have over 25 countries that I consistently pray daily for. I am not suggesting that you emulate everything that I do. Seek the Lord on how He would lead you in prayer. But I can say this: I have seen God move in response to consistent and bold prayers. I no longer pray "if it be your will." I pray in the authority of Christ and the authority given to me as a follower of Jesus.