Based on busy lives which we all seem to have in various fashions, I have found that getting back with people / following up / etc. has been difficult. About 5 years ago, when GOD reignited my ability and passion for writing, HE also pressed upon me the following verse while I was in a men's bible study.
Matthew 12:43-45 "When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man,
he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out;
and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked
than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state
of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto
this wicked generation."
What the LORD pressed upon me was the absolute need to gather at least 7 other CHRISTIANS and pray for them and in turn, receive their prayers. But my challenge was likely similar to yours! Time tables! When is someone free to meet or talk?
Making impromptu or random calls; hoping we can reach the other person...well, that rarely works out. So in the pursuit to have a groupof people that would KNOW that I'm praying for them; I felt led to start an informal ministry which leaves VOICE MAIL PRAYERS for each partner.
Simply, I refer to it as being a Voice Mail Prayer Warrior! (TM)
Now envision coming home from yet another busy day and seeing that incessant blinking little phone light. What does it usually lets you know? Perhaps 1. You've won another free vacation to somewhere or 2. that you can switch your long distance, see a free demo or 3. there's a survey that will only take a few minutes so that you can tell a stranger which is better....Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi. You know the drill.
INSTEAD!! You hear a brother or sister in CHRIST leaving you a 30 second or 1 minute prayer which prays GOD's blessings and favor on your life! Totally unexpected and seemingly random encouragements which speaks Life into you by praying for those issues which you shared with them...and the LORD! To date, I probably have 30 minutes of Voice Mail prayers from others on my home or cell phone.
When I'm struggling with something, frustrated with the events of the day, I can just listen to these voice mails! 7 different voices encouraging me without me trying to catch up with them in order to have such a blessing. And in turn, I am one of 7 for someone else!
Just as you can be that one for someone you know! To me, this is the example of our responsibility to build up the Body of CHRIST...by gathering others to join in agreement against the trials brought our way. It's an extremely powerful and tangible way of combating this demonic tactic which is clearly detailed in Matthew 12!!
Now, these prayers never get old, do they? They're a timeless blessing with every replaying. And as new ones come in that again add to the blessing, I save them. The goal is to be that daily yet random act of kindness to our brothers and sisters! It can also be a witnessing tool to those who don't know the LORD and so on and so on.
So my goal is first of awareness to make every call count. And LORD willing, when we call each other from now on, we'll hear a voice mail prayer which lets us know that we're standing together. As such, it's vital to be passionate with our prayers then, isn't it? If you feel led to be part of this ministry, please click the link below!
I sincerely believe this will make a big difference in the lives of others as well as our own. By just following through with a REAL message instead of hanging up and calling some other day or time! So this is my prayer for you!
Father! Touch the lives of each soul who has purposed in
their hearts to serve YOU additionally as a Voice Mail
Prayer Warrior. Bless them with YOUR sovereign touch and
with Peace both beyond their comprehension!
And as they pray for others, LORD...as they speak life into the lives of
those not present, anoint them further with both strength
and endurance to accomplish YOUR will on earth! In
THY NAME we pray, Amen and amen!