Desperate Prayers for a Nation in Crisis
Summary
### Summary
Today's message centers on the critical question: Are you praying? In these desperate times, marked by societal breakdowns, political unrest, and moral decay, the need for fervent, desperate prayers is more urgent than ever. Drawing from Ezekiel 22:23-31, we see that the issues we face today are not new; they have plagued humanity throughout history. The corruption, immorality, and injustice described in Ezekiel's time mirror our current age. God is looking for intercessors, prayer warriors who will stand in the gap for a nation in crisis.
Prayer is not just a religious exercise; it is a vital connection to God that impacts the spiritual and physical realms. Everything we see in the physical world has roots in the spiritual realm, and prayer is the tool that reaches into that unseen world to bring about change. We must awaken our spirits and engage in quality time with God, not just quantity. The strength of our spirit is directly related to the time we spend in prayer, and this is not a suggestion but an obligation for every Christian.
Romans 8 provides a powerful insight into what happens when Christians pray. We claim God's life and peace, identify ourselves as children of God, align under Christ's suffering and atonement, take responsibility for our spiritual authority, call forth freedom and glory, exercise our right to call on the Holy Spirit in our weaknesses, and invite God to be sovereign in our lives. These are not just spiritual platitudes but actionable steps that transform our lives and the world around us.
In a world where many have stopped praying, we must rise as a praying church. We cannot outsource our prayer life; it is a personal responsibility. Men, in particular, are called to be prayer warriors, standing for their families and communities. Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, spiritual exercise through prayer strengthens the spirit. We must push beyond our comfort zones and engage in various types of prayer, from intercession to spiritual warfare.
### Key Takeaways
1. Desperate Times Call for Desperate Prayers: In these last days, marked by societal and moral decay, the church must rise to pray desperate prayers. Our prayers can bring about the change we desperately need, aligning earth with heaven's will. [02:39]
2. Prayer Reaches the Root Causes: Everything we see in the physical world has roots in the spiritual realm. Prayer is the only tool that can reach into that unseen world to address the root causes of our issues, not just the symptoms. [08:54]
3. Romans 8 and the Power of Prayer: When Christians pray, we claim God's life and peace, identify as His children, align under Christ's atonement, take responsibility for our spiritual authority, call forth freedom and glory, and invite God to be sovereign in our lives. [15:39]
4. The Obligation to Pray: Prayer is not a suggestion but an obligation for every Christian. We have been given authority and responsibility to pray into the spiritual realm, impacting the physical world. [22:38]
5. Men as Prayer Warriors: Men are specifically called to rise as prayer warriors, standing for their families and communities. Spiritual authority in men is crucial for leading and protecting their tribes. [29:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - Personal Story: Lab Tests
[01:46] - Desperate Times
[02:39] - Desperate Prayers
[03:43] - Ezekiel's Context
[04:38] - Corruption and Immorality
[05:23] - False Prophets
[06:27] - Call for Intercessors
[07:44] - Spiritual Root Causes
[08:54] - Power of Prayer
[09:46] - Triune Nature of Man
[10:59] - Quality Time in Prayer
[12:04] - Decline in Prayer
[13:04] - Types of Prayer
[14:19] - Romans 8: Power of Prayer
[15:39] - No Condemnation in Christ
[19:17] - Life and Peace in Prayer
[20:49] - Identifying as God's Children
[21:42] - Obligation to Pray
[22:38] - Spiritual Authority
[23:28] - Adoption into Sonship
[24:05] - Present Sufferings vs. Future Glory
[25:17] - Calling Forth Freedom and Glory
[26:03] - Hope and Patience
[26:56] - Spirit's Intercession
[27:58] - Inviting God's Sovereignty
[28:47] - Seven Benefits of Prayer
[29:44] - Call to Men: Be Prayer Warriors
[30:45] - Exercise the Muscle of Prayer
[32:04] - Different Types of Prayer
[33:02] - Stand in the Gap
[34:00] - Men and Women of Prayer
[35:12] - Call to Action: Pray
[36:34] - Personal Responsibility in Prayer
[37:31] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ezekiel 22:23-31 - "Again the word of the Lord came to me: 'Son of man, say to the land, "You are a land that has not been cleansed or rained on in the day of wrath." There is a conspiracy of her princes within her like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they devour people, take treasures and precious things and make many widows within her. Her priests do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain. Her prophets whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, "This is what the Sovereign Lord says"—when the Lord has not spoken. The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the foreigner, denying them justice. I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.'"
2. Romans 8:1-17 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
### Observation Questions
1. What were the specific issues of corruption and immorality mentioned in Ezekiel 22:23-31? ([04:38])
2. According to Romans 8:1-17, what are the benefits of living according to the Spirit rather than the flesh? ([19:17])
3. How does the sermon describe the current state of society and its comparison to Ezekiel's time? ([02:39])
4. What does the sermon say about the importance of men as prayer warriors? ([29:44])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the need for "desperate prayers" in today's society? ([02:39])
2. How does the concept of spiritual authority and obligation to pray, as mentioned in Romans 8, apply to modern Christians? ([22:38])
3. What does it mean to "stand in the gap" as described in Ezekiel 22:30, and how can this be applied in today's context? ([06:27])
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between physical and spiritual realms, and why is prayer crucial in this context? ([08:54])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. Are you engaging in "desperate prayers" as the sermon suggests? What changes can you make to deepen your prayer life? ([02:39])
2. The sermon mentions that everything in the physical world has roots in the spiritual realm. How can you incorporate this understanding into your daily life and prayer practices? ([08:54])
3. Romans 8 speaks about the obligation to live according to the Spirit. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are living by the Spirit and not by the flesh? ([22:38])
4. The sermon calls men to be prayer warriors for their families and communities. If you are a man, how can you step up in this role? If you are not, how can you support the men in your life to become prayer warriors? ([29:44])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of quality time in prayer over quantity. How can you ensure that your prayer time is of high quality and truly connects you with God? ([10:59])
6. The sermon mentions various types of prayer, such as intercession and spiritual warfare. Which type of prayer do you feel most comfortable with, and which type do you need to practice more? ([32:04])
7. How can you take personal responsibility for your prayer life instead of outsourcing it to others? What steps will you take this week to become more self-reliant in your spiritual journey? ([36:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Desperate Prayers for Desperate Times
In these last days, marked by societal and moral decay, the church must rise to pray desperate prayers. Our prayers can bring about the change we desperately need, aligning earth with heaven's will. The world today mirrors the corruption, immorality, and injustice described in Ezekiel's time. God is looking for intercessors, prayer warriors who will stand in the gap for a nation in crisis. This is not just a call to pray but a call to pray fervently and desperately, recognizing the urgency of our times. Desperate prayers are those that come from a place of deep need and earnest longing for God's intervention. They are not casual or routine but are marked by a sense of urgency and intensity.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and in the spiritual realm, this means desperate prayers. When we see the brokenness around us, it should drive us to our knees, crying out to God for His mercy and intervention. Our prayers have the power to bring about change, not just in our personal lives but in our communities and nations. We must rise as a praying church, understanding that our prayers can align earth with heaven's will. [02:39]
Ezekiel 22:30 (ESV): "And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none."
Reflection: Think of a specific issue in your community or nation that deeply troubles you. How can you commit to praying desperately for God's intervention in this area today?
Day 2: Prayer Reaches the Root Causes
Everything we see in the physical world has roots in the spiritual realm. Prayer is the only tool that can reach into that unseen world to address the root causes of our issues, not just the symptoms. Often, we focus on the visible problems around us, such as societal breakdowns, political unrest, and moral decay, without recognizing that these are manifestations of deeper spiritual issues. By engaging in prayer, we can address these root causes and bring about lasting change.
Prayer is not just a religious exercise; it is a vital connection to God that impacts both the spiritual and physical realms. When we pray, we are engaging in spiritual warfare, battling against the forces of darkness that seek to destroy and corrupt. Our prayers have the power to reach into the spiritual realm and bring about change in the physical world. This is why it is so important to pray with understanding and intentionality, recognizing that our prayers can address the root causes of the issues we face. [08:54]
2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds."
Reflection: Identify a recurring issue in your life or community. How can you pray specifically to address the spiritual root causes of this issue today?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer in Romans 8
When Christians pray, we claim God's life and peace, identify as His children, align under Christ's atonement, take responsibility for our spiritual authority, call forth freedom and glory, and invite God to be sovereign in our lives. These are not just spiritual platitudes but actionable steps that transform our lives and the world around us. Romans 8 provides a powerful insight into what happens when Christians pray, highlighting the transformative power of prayer.
Prayer is a means of aligning ourselves with God's will and purposes. When we pray, we are not just speaking words into the air; we are engaging with the living God who has the power to change our circumstances. Through prayer, we can claim God's promises, take hold of our spiritual authority, and invite His sovereignty into our lives. This is a powerful and transformative practice that can bring about real change in our lives and the world around us. [15:39]
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you need God's intervention. How can you pray in alignment with the truths found in Romans 8 today?
Day 4: The Obligation to Pray
Prayer is not a suggestion but an obligation for every Christian. We have been given authority and responsibility to pray into the spiritual realm, impacting the physical world. This is not just a privilege but a duty that we must take seriously. The strength of our spirit is directly related to the time we spend in prayer, and this is an obligation that every Christian must fulfill.
Prayer is a vital part of our spiritual life, and it is something that we are called to do consistently and fervently. It is through prayer that we exercise our spiritual authority and bring about change in the world around us. This is not just a personal practice but a communal responsibility, as our prayers can impact our families, communities, and nations. We must take this obligation seriously and commit to a life of consistent and fervent prayer. [22:38]
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Consider your current prayer life. How can you make prayer a more consistent and fervent practice in your daily routine starting today?
Day 5: Men as Prayer Warriors
Men are specifically called to rise as prayer warriors, standing for their families and communities. Spiritual authority in men is crucial for leading and protecting their tribes. Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, spiritual exercise through prayer strengthens the spirit. Men have a unique role to play in this, and it is important for them to take up this mantle and lead their families and communities in prayer.
In a world where many have stopped praying, men are called to rise as prayer warriors. This is not just about personal piety but about taking responsibility for the spiritual well-being of their families and communities. Men are called to lead by example, showing what it means to be committed to a life of prayer. This is a crucial role that cannot be outsourced or neglected, as it has a significant impact on the spiritual health of those around them. [29:44]
1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV): "I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling."
Reflection: If you are a man, consider how you can take up the mantle of a prayer warrior for your family and community. If you are not, think about how you can encourage the men in your life to rise to this calling. What specific steps can you take today to support this?
Quotes
1. "And if you don't know, now you know. And the desperate times cause for a desperate church to be praying desperate prayers, so that we can actually see change happen. We need to be a desperate church. Desperate to see. Desperate to see the things of God happening here on earth as it is in heaven." [02:39] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Everything that happens in the physical that we see today, all the injustices that you're seeing all around you, starts in a realm that we do not see. Everything starts in the spirit realm. And I want to make sure that we as a church have eyes to see and ears to hear so that we know where to go when we're dealing with the root causes of the issues that we're facing." [08:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The strength of our spirit is directly related to how much time we're spending in prayer, awakening. Awakening and communion with the spirit. And I'm not talking about quantity time. I'm talking about quality time. Quality time, communing with God the Father, talking to God the Son and talking to God the Spirit." [10:59] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have an obligation as children of God to pray into a spirit realm that others will not be able to touch. And it's not a suggestion. Every Christian is obligated as a child of God to be opening up your mouth to pray." [22:38] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When Christians pray, we exercise our right. To call on the helper in the very moment of weaknesses where we find ourselves. In those midnight hours. In those very moments where we're like, I'm so embarrassed to call Jesus right now, but I need him." [26:56] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Prayer is the most vital component of our spiritual walk with God. And we are a mess if we are one of the people that do it once every three months. Imagine eating food once every three months. What would we look like?" [28:47] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We need our men to carry spiritual authority so that we can run side by side. God is calling us out to be a house of prayer. May we be a church that when we feel the worst days and we want to run and cower away. Just like you do when you're going to the gym and you feel so weak and you don't want to go and you're so tired." [30:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If we exercise the muscle of prayer long enough, we'll know when we feel like praying the least is when we step up to pray. And that we're going to be. We're going to be a church that is not timid about praying. We're not going to be the people that have run away and make silly excuses about opening up our mouths and praying into the spirit." [31:31] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I actually believe that we're in a season where the Lord is saying, pick up your sword, child of God. Run into this territory and claim it. Open your mouth and pray. Because we are children of the most high God. And the devil needs to know who we are." [32:04] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We need to know how to be sensitive to the prayers that is needed in the moments that we need it. And so I just want to pray that Ezekiel 22 verse 30 is not our story. That God is looking around to see who's going to stand in the gap as intercessors and he could find none." [33:02] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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