911 – A Call From Our Father
a call to humility and intercession
On September eleventh—9/11— we believe that our Heavenly Father sent us a “9-1-1 call” to prayer and intercession. That Tuesday morning, we, the Christians of America, suddenly found that we were a church living in a nation at war. How would we respond to God’s call?
When dispatchers receive a “911 call” they first find out as much information as possible. They ask questions, and make decisions during the process. This requires careful listening. As we watch and evaluate the circumstances in our country, we must also listen carefully so as to make right—and righteous—decisions. The attack was against buildings involved in wealth and military power. It took thousands of lives of civilians who never suspected that we were involved in a war. The attack was carried out by a religion that believes in a different “Jesus” and preaches a different gospel than that which is in the Bible, a religion that has been persecuting Christians all over the world. The result is a war that has shaken the foundations of our nation and its trust in money and technology. It has also shaken Christians, driving many of us into more prayer and sometimes fasting.
The attack has spiritual implications for the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. A nation, such as the United States can fight this kind of war with its armed forces and its resources. Nations can defend themselves (Read Romans 13). But what is to be the Church’s response? The armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) has both defensive and offensive parts. When Jesus went on the offense He used both prayer and the Word of God. Through prayer He listened and watched to hear and see what the Father was saying and doing. And then He, who is the living Word, spoke the Word and the enemy was defeated. Jesus called us to follow Him and He told us that as the Father sent Him, He now sends us.
The first attack has stirred up the Church to prayer, but not to revival. Now, more attacks against our nation have been threatened. Having been stirred to pray, what are we praying for? Are we praying for the war to end and for our lives to become somewhat like they were before or are we getting ready for the return of Christ? Are we storing our treasures on this earth or are we seeking His face? As we saw men with a false gospel and a false “Jesus” on the attack, are we returning to the cross of the Bible? As we saw symbols of national pride attacked, are we seeking humility as His Church? Are we willing to no longer live for ourselves but live for Jesus who purchased us with His own blood? Do we desire to give our lives that the up-coming generation of our nation and other nations might be saved? Are we willing to now daily pick up our cross and follow Jesus?
As you are reading this, the Holy Spirit is stirring your heart. You may feel broken. You may feel convicted. But you are not helpless. Whenever two or three brethren come together in His mighty name, the name of Jesus, then He promises to be with us and answer our prayers. (Matthew 18:19,20) We are the temple of the Holy Spirit and His eyes and His heart are with us and He is attentive to our prayers. (1 Corinthians 3:16 & 619; II Chronicles 7:14-16)
Many small prayer meetings have begun since the “911 Call.” Some are in homes, some in schools, and some at the office. Still others are in churches. We believe that our Father desires a “blanket of prayer” over the Portland area so we are inviting intercessors to come together on the “Third Thursday” of January – January 17, 2002 at 7 PM for a time of prayer and intercession. We want to pray for revival, pray for our region, and pray for our nation. The location will be at Portland Foursquare Church, Room 101, entrance at the corner of SE 13th & Ankeny Streets.
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Third Thursday is a cooperative effort among several ministries including Portland Foursquare Church, The Summit Fellowships, The Downtown House of Prayer, and Church@24/7. You may contact us for more information.
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