Considering the scriptures from which Million Praying Men was birthed (1 Timothy 2:1 – 8), I believe the Holy Spirit led me to identify five battlegrounds to focus our prayers on. The Holy Spirit also spoke to me about King David and keys to be revealed from the Psalms. I noted when David went out to fight Goliath he picked up “five smooth stones”.
Our first and most important battleground, world evangelisation, world-wide revival, the salvation of men and women, is God’s priority and therefore must be ours. Today is the “Day of Salvation” and the whole of God’s purpose is founded on this single intent.
True transformation can only come about through the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and people believing that message and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Therefore this must be our main focus without leaving the other undone.
- World evangelization, world-wide revival
- Governments / Authorities
- Families
- Church Leaders
- Marketplace
Specific prayers
In each battleground and in all our praying it is important that we pray specific prayers. So often we use a ‘scatter gun’ approach with our prayers, hoping that something catches God’s attention and He hears and answers us. An old and respected friend, Desmond Higgs (Founder of 10,000 Men) said to me, “Robin, if we only pray general prayers then we will only get general answers, but if we pray specific prayers we will receive specific answers.”
Specific prayers offered in Jesus’ name, in accordance with the will of God, will be heard and answered.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
1 John 5:14 – 15
Therefore, when you pray, pray bold prayers. Prayers that are in keeping with His will. Specific requests believing to see the Lord move in great power as He answers your prayers. e.g. You might pray, “Lord bless everyone at work.” Or you could pray specifically for an opportunity to share your faith with someone or pray for an individual by name rather than just one blanket prayer over them all.
With each battleground, there are suggested examples of specific prayers that might help you, but please do not restrict yourself to my suggestions alone.
1. World evangelization, world-wide revival
Our first priority in prayer must be for the spread of the Gospel. God’s purpose that all people in all nations will hear the Good News is still heaven’s priority and therefore it must be ours. All our activities must serve the ultimate and number one command which Jesus gave to His disciples; the Gospel of the Kingdom of God preached in all nations.
And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then, finally, the end will come.
Matthew 24:14 (NLT)
Our prayers must be essentially tied to the will and purpose of God. Prayer must be based on the revealed will of God, His Word is His revealed will; His will is world evangelization as revealed in His Word.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18 – 20 (NIV)
We need to ask the Holy Spirit to empower us to be a witness for Jesus Christ, where we live, work and play. Pray for boldness, asking for opportunities to witness and when you have the opportunity.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
There is a great harvest of people to be brought into the Kingdom of God. Jesus told us to pray for workers for this harvest.
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.
Matthew 9: 35 – 38 (NIV)
Specific prayer suggestion:
Pray for a specific person by name, pray for their conscious needs. Pray that they will be receptive to the Good News when you speak to them. Pray for a people group, industry, school, sports club etc. Ask the Lord to guide and direct you as a worker in this large harvest.
2. Governments / Authorities
The apostle Paul clearly states that we should pray for all those in authority and that the outcome of us praying would be to live in peace.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:1 – 2 (NIV)
This is certainly in contrast to the way the world operates with even the so called ‘peaceful protests’ often turning into violent confrontations.
It is no mistake that Paul ties the thought of praying for governments to all men being saved. In a peaceful nation the Gospel can be freely proclaimed with relative ease and safety. Praying for governments/authorities is important so that we can carry out this task without hindrance and threat. We don’t hide or quit when opposition and persecution comes, but our pursuit is peace first.
Of course other serious issues of government, legislation and social justice must also be on our prayer agenda.
We need to pray for good government.
When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, men go into hiding.”
Proverbs 28:12 (NIV)
“When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.
Proverbs 29:2
In nations whose laws are founded on God’s law there is generally prosperity and a civilized life. When the laws of the land reflect the value of human life, then it goes well for its citizens. By contrast in those nations whose gods are false, there is less value on human life and the culture reflects the same through poverty, conflict and a lower standard of living.
Specific prayer suggestion:
Pray for a politician by name, but remember to be specific in your requests for him/her. Where there are unjust laws in place pray that they will change. Pray and ask what the Lord would have you do, other than prayer to facilitate the change.
3. Families
Across the world the institution of “family” is being threatened on many levels, therefore we need to pray and protect this vital and crucial foundation of society. Fatherlessness is epidemic throughout all nations causing damage to multitudes of children.
It is important that you pray for your family. If you are husband you must pray with your wife and if you have children, be an example in godliness, teaching them to pray by praying with them.
This is not a solo role. The Bible is clear so that your prayers are not hindered you must treat your wife with honour and recognise that she is a joint heir with you in Christ.
In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. If you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard.
1 Peter 3:7
For many, many years it has been statistically true that when couples pray together, their marriages are stronger and much more likely to succeed and not end in divorce as so many do.
With Christ as their head, husbands and wives can exercise great authority praying over their family and into their community.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Specific prayer suggestion:
Family life delivers daily many prayer needs. Remember to be specific. Don’t just ask the Lord to, “Bless my family” but be specific and especially pray for each one by name and the different needs, be specific about the outcome you or they want when facing challenges.
4. Church Leaders
Throughout the nations faithful men and women are serving Christ and His church in leadership roles. The majority of these usually serve at great personal cost and sacrifice. Many times, unfortunately, they are not honoured for the work they do and the many hours of service unseen.
One of the most difficult, though rewarding, jobs on earth is the shepherding and caring for the people of God. It is necessary and vital that you pray for your own pastor and church leaders.
The Bible tells us to follow those whose faith we can imitate and it also says to submit to those who led us.
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)
Specific prayer suggestion:
Start by praying for your own pastor, his wife and family daily. If you are aware of personal needs bring these to the Lord. There might be other key ministry leaders in your city which the Lord also wants you to pray for. Pray that they will have ears to hear and hearts to receive the revelation and knowledge of Jesus and to be able to share the same through their preaching and teaching.
5. Marketplace
In other words where you live, work and play. It is there where you will have the greatest personal influence, as a follower of Jesus Christ, through your daily living and witness for Him.
Seek out other believers who may be in the same company, office block or work nearby. Invite them to pray with you. Tell them you are a part of an exciting, worldwide men’s prayer network and that together you can bring great blessing and make a difference in your environment.
If you are still attending an education facility, seek out other Christians who you can pray with. Many of the Universities/Colleges have existing prayer groups. If so join one. Or if one doesn’t exist, start a prayer group.
Consider starting up a weekly 20 – 30 minute prayer meeting, either before work/school, at lunch time or at the end of the work/school day. Not another Bible study group, simply men praying together. If female employees/students want to join to pray, that is great too, as the aim is to have people praying.
Specific prayer suggestion:
Pray for your boss/workers/teachers by name. Where there are obvious needs in your work place bring these to the Lord. Your continued employment may depend on it. Pray for opportunities to testify about Jesus with specific work/school friends.
