“40 Days of Prayer”

Becoming a “Lighthouse of Prayer” in your “Focus of Faith”

Pastor Stan Lubeck

TABLE OF CONTENTS UNDERSTANDING KEY TERMINOLOGY Page 3

CONFRONTATIONAL EVANGELISM vs.

PRAYER EVANGELISM Page 4

FOUR PHASES OF THE LIGHTHOUSES

OF PRAYER MINISTRY Page 6

Phase I: Establish a "Focus of Faith" Page 6

Phase II: Build Bridges Page 10

Phase III: Pray for "Felt Needs" Page 11

Phase IV: Proclaim the Kingdom Page 13

THINGS TO REMEMBER Page 14

HELPFUL TOOLS (Optional) Page 15

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Using a Prayer Journal Page 16

Appendix B: Lighthouses of Prayer City Impact Page 17

Appendix C: How Lighthouses of Prayer Work Page 18

Appendix D: Lighthouses of Prayer Testimonies Page 20

Appendix E: 30 Ideas - Meeting Your Neighbors Page 22

Appendix F: Praying the Promises Page 24

Prayer Journal Record Form Page 27

Joel Comiskey Page 28

Understanding Key Terminology

What is Prayer Evangelism? Prayer Evangelism is talking to God about our neighborhoods before we talk to our neighbors about God. Prayer Evangelism is a response to 1 Timothy 2:1-8, where we are exhorted to pray for everyone everywhere in a city, place or region because "God our Savior... wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth." (v.4 NIV). God wants us to "lift up holy hands in prayer; without anger or disputing." Prayer Evangelism is reaching every person and bringing every household in touch with the power and love of God through prayer. It is the whole church reaching the whole city with the whole gospel. Acts 1:8 "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.”" NIV Scriptural references: Acts 2:42, 5:28, 19:10. John 14:12-14, What is a Lighthouse of Prayer? A Lighthouse of Prayer in it’s simplest, biblical form is a "household" of one or more believers praying specifically for the felt needs and the salvation of lost people within their "Focus of Faith", a circle of influence, illustrated by the following possibilities: One or more members of a family praying for their

neighborhood A school teacher or administrator praying for a classroom or

Day 1

an entire campus A receptionist praying for office workers A department store employee praying for the department A postal worker praying for the homes on his or her delivery

route. A student praying for classmates or teachers.

What a Lighthouse of Prayer is not: Not a "discipleship" group or home bible study Not a church or church group Not a para-church ministry Not a one-time event Not a "program"

Think of it this way: Prayer Evangelism through Lighthouses of Prayer is the massive mobilization of as many individual people or families as possible who have taken to themselves the burden for reaching their "Focus of Faith" within the area through the development of a "lifestyle of daily prayer." The objective is to mobilize a massive army of praying people on behalf of the area or city. God's Impact through Lighthouses of Prayer:

The Holy Spirit prompts a spiritual burden of responsibility for the lost in the area or city.

The Holy Spirit facilitates an atmosphere of godliness in which the lost have the opportunity to be saved.

The Father changes the hearts of the praying people and gives them His Heart.

The Father helps neighbors become aware of His presence and power.

Jesus begins to work sovereignly in the lives of neighbors without undue human interference

Confrontational Evangelism in Contrast to Prayer Evangelism

Before You Begin, Consider this Comparison! Confrontational Evangelism has followed this sequence...

1. First knock on a door to meet a stranger. 2. You have no credibility (you look just like the other

religious groups who use this approach) 3. You unintentionally patronize with a spiritual "one-

upmanship," i.e. "I have something you need," or "your life is not right," etc.

As you can well imagine, the confrontational approach is threatening to the average believer, let alone the average resident who has faced too many of these situations before. As a result, only a small number of believers participate in evangelistic ministry that is meant for "all." Prayer Evangelism follows the pattern of Luke 10:5-9…

1. Speak Peace / give blessing. 2. Remain in the House - establish a relationship 3. Heal the sick - discover felt needs and pray for them. 4. Proclaim the Kingdom of God is near - invite them to receive

Christ Which style of evangelism seems to fit your personality best?

Why?

Four Phases of the Lighthouses of Prayer

Ministry Go into all the world (social system) and preach the Gospel to every creature (neighbor) -Mark 16:15

PHASE I Establish the "Focus of Your Faith"

Luke 10:5 When you enter a house, first say, "Peace to this house."

Speak Peace... Give Blessings

A. Definition of a Focus of Faith

1. The size of the group(s) (the circle of influence) covered in prayer daily by the Lighthouse of Prayer.

2. Like a magnifying glass, it is more powerful, the more it is focused. Don’t spread yourself too thin by trying to prayer too broadly. Focus on a smaller group of people and then expand as God blesses.

B. Decide the size of your "Focus of Faith" according to the following:

1. Measure of Faith Ask the Lord for the number of

people, homes, offices, or classrooms that He wants you to be personally influencing for His Kingdom, and ask Him for the faith to do it.

2. Circle of Influence Consider these questions: What is the size of the group of people with whom you are in daily contact? How many people do you supervise or work with? How many young people are in your classroom?

Day 2

KEY INSIGHT: Your Focus of Faith should be big enough to stretch you, but small enough to be manageable. It needs to be small enough so that you can "reach out and touch someone" to get results. Tracking the results of the prayer effort is important to the process. You need to be able to monitor what's happening in your "Focus of Faith."

C. Establish or Set Apart Your "Focus of Faith" by Prayer Walking. (Joshua 1:3 "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses." NIV)

1. The Lighthouse of Prayer (you and your

partner(s)) should initially walk together through or around the Focus of Faith. You won’t fall asleep as you walk and pray. Pray for each person at that location, and dream of what that place will look like once the individuals come to know Jesus. Ask, seek and knock, be persistent to ask God to bring revival to your sphere of influence. There is not one thing wrong with any group that a miracle could not fix. Ask BIG. Ask God’s spirit to lead you.

QUALIFICATION: Each person may decide how often to prayer walk their focus of faith after the first experience. In this first step, "we are NOT talking TO our neighbors about God - we are talking to God about our neighbors."

2. Be careful not to place rigid guidelines on your daily prayer time. Anyone can accomplish this goal. Talk to God about your neighbors in a regular quiet time. If this is not possible, talk to God about your neighbors when-

You're in the shower You're driving to work You're washing the dishes During your break at work You're walking your dog When you lie down to go to sleep

Here's a suggested prayer: "Lord, please bless every person within my Focus of Faith. Work through their felt needs to reveal yourself to them. Bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."

3. The purpose of this phase is to pray for the Holy Spirit to

begin to soften the ground of the hearts of nonbelievers. This is the groundwork for the platform upon which subsequent evangelism will take place. This phase takes approximately three months. It is essential that this time not be shortened except by the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Prayer must be given a chance to do its work.

When you work, you work. When you pray, God works!

-Oswald Chambers 4. Achieving a Prayerful Presence - You should maintain

the discipline of a regular prayer time on a daily basis with the goal of walking and praying through your target area at least once a week.

NOTE: To emphasize again, the enemy's number one strategy to destroy the development of a lifestyle of prayer is to make the believer feel ineffective, inadequate or unworthy. Don't allow the goal of prayer walking once a week to become a hindrance to the growth of your prayer. Do what you can do. Just keep praying until the blessing of your Focus of Faith becomes a daily habit. Just in Case the Idea of Giving a Blessing Seems a bit Fuzzy!

Gary Smalley and John Trent have written a coherent, Scripturally-grounded book entitled, The Gift of The Blessing (Nelson: 1993). Appendix B beginning on page 269 gives "Sample Blessings Based on the Scriptures."

Actual Experience: When Beverly Jaime walked out of her front door to prayer walk

around her Focus of Faith for the first time, she did so simply out of obedience. She did not have any expectations. She did not consider herself a "prayer warrior!" Beverly is an ordinary person seeking to follow the move of God. However, she knew right away that God was in the midst of this act of faith. A clear picture came to her mind of a huge invisible roll of material. The best way Beverly could describe it was like bubbles that seem invisible until the light hits them and reflects a rainbow of color. This telephone pole high roll of cellophane-like material remained at her front door, but something very curious happened. The roll seemed to be attached to her. The further she walked the cellophane would unroll. Beverly turned the first corner and then the second, third and fourth. When she approached her front door, she knew that God gave her a mental picture of the entire neighborhood block wrapped with God's presence set apart for God's will. It was as if life came to the city block. The spiritual atmosphere over these homes had changed. A Lighthouse of Prayer was now in position to continue to pray for the life of Christ to impact every single neighbor. From a satellite looking down, the presence of one small light could be seen. How marvelous it will be from a satellite view when the greater city area is filled with light! What defines your “focus of faith?”

When will you begin to prayer walk, and who will you include in

your lighthouse of prayer partners?

PHASE II Build Bridges Luke 10:7

Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you

"Stay in That House"… Establish Relationships

QUALIFICATION: Please know that the time frame of Phases II, III and IV range from a relatively short period of time to several years. This is not a program, but a process that is directed by the Holy Spirit.

A. Continue the prayer model established in Phase I of a daily lifestyle of blessing your focus of faith and prayer walking once a week. In addition, during Phase II, your goal is to make contact with your neighbors in order to establish a credible relationship. Eventually they will learn that you are a Lighthouse of Prayer. This usually occurs in Phase III

B. During Phase II, move toward reaching the goal of

meeting and establishing a credible relationship with your neighbors, coworkers, or classmates. A plan has been designed to give each Lighthouse of Prayer a wide spectrum of possible activities so they might discover what works well for them. There will be some Lighthouses of Prayer that do not feel released to do more than what they are doing right now-praying and/or walking. Others will be ready to approach their neighbors.

CREATIVE OPTIONS: 30 Non-Threatening Ways to Meet Your Neighbors! (see Appendix E page 22)

C. The most important thing is that each Lighthouse of

Prayer follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and move in freedom without pressure or condemnation.

Day 3

PHASE III Pray For "Felt Needs" Luke 10:9 Heal the sick who are there.

"Heal the Sick" ... Discover the "Felt Needs"

A. Overall goals of Lighthouses of Prayer during these first three phases:

PHASE I = Pray for each Focus of Faith. PHASE II = Put a Face to each Focus of Faith. PHASE Ill = Discover a Felt Need for the Face of each

Focus of Faith. or PHASE I = Identify a Number to each home... PHASE II = Put a Name to each Number... PHASE Ill = Discover a Need for the Name of each

Number

The ultimate goal is that each person within your Focus of Faith might accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior

B. Now that your area has been saturated with prayer, the

Lordship of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed over the neighborhood and, you have had opportunity to introduce yourself as a "neighbor," your neighbors may be ready for a face-to-face visit. As the Holy Spirit gives direction, begin to ask your neighbors for a specific prayer request (felt need). Enter those requests with the date into your Prayer Journal (Page 26)

C. This is when the excitement begins! "When Christians

begin to pray for the felt needs of the lost, God surprises them with almost immediate answers to prayer" (That None Should Perish, p.84). Based on the principle shown in the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7), meeting the felt needs of the unbelievers is the primary method that Jesus modeled to reveal God's love for the lost. This is the time to focus on those specific prayer requests,

standing in the gap for the non-believer, "... going boldly before the throne of grace." When you receive a prayer request, ask the requester to let you know when God answers that prayer. These answered prayers become "spiritual IOU's " to be redeemed when the gospel is preached.

D. John 14:12-13 - "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith

in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

E. Because of the refined focus of this stage, you may

experience counterattack from the enemy in the areas of discouragement and distraction. The antidote for this is perseverance in battle - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power; Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:10-11).

F. Although this is not the specific moment for preaching the

gospel, the Holy Spirit may have prepared some hearts. You may find yourself in a situation where someone is eager to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Consider that the Holy Spirit has been preparing you for this divine encounter. As He leads-go for it!

What step of faith can you take to develop a closer relationship with your focus of faith? What specific needs do you see in each life?

PHASE IV Proclaim the Kingdom Luke 10:9

... tell them, the Kingdom of God is near you

"The Kingdom of God is Near" ... Invitation to Receive Christ

As the results of the first three phases become apparent-by raising of people's awareness of the presence, love and power of God-an opportunity now exists to proclaim the Gospel. This most likely happens in two ways: 1. Expect the Holy Spirit to give you increased numbers of

divine appointments and creative ways to share the Gospel with the people in your Focus of Faith.

2. Make the most of key events taking place at your local church

(or area churches) by inviting neighbors from inside your perimeter to attend. Examples to consider:

Holiday Services during special seasons of the year Special music presentations Area-wide evangelistic or worship events

Read the “30 Ideas on How to Meet Your Neighbors” on page 22 and write down which you will do in the coming week:

Read page 28 on Joel Comiskey’s conclusions on the connection between evangelism and connecting with God in personal devotions of prayer and time in God’s word. What did you learn?

Day 4

Things to Remember Concerning Prayer

1. Expect God to work supernaturally in answering prayer

requests that are in accordance with His Word, even in the lives of unbelievers.

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

2. Work hard at being faithful to pray daily for your "Focus

of Faith." Be intentional to Prayer Walk your "Focus of Faith" as often as possible. The discipline behind this a matter of the heart as well as a learned character trait. As you dedicate yourself to this ministry, your prayer life and your relationship with God will grow.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

WHEN CONTACT IS MADE 1. Realize that most people recognize the value of prayer and are

grateful for one who will pray for them. 2. As you contact people in your neighborhood, speak from the

confidence of experience. You serve a supernatural God-and he is ready and able to resolve impossible problems. You can give examples from your own life.

3. Don't over stay your welcome. Be sensitive so that natural

and positive contact can be maintained.

Day 5

4. Be warm and friendly. Resist argumentative or combative

conversations. "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."

5. Resist falling into the snare of the devil yourself! Neighbors

will have a variety of serious needs. Use care in avoiding compromising or inappropriate situations with the opposite sex.

6. The Lighthouse of Prayer, while full of ministry

opportunities, has limits. The ministry is not designed to meet counseling needs. Counseling needs should be brought to the attention of your pastor or appropriate staff person in your church for referral purposes.

Pray the Promises on page 24

What has God taught you about being a lighthouse of prayer?

Appendix A - Using a Prayer Journal This optional form helps you to record and follow the history of each person in your Focus of Faith. 1. During Phase I you may only be recording information in the

name and address section If, however, during your prayer time God gives you specific insight or burden for a particular person or family, you may want to record it in the prayer journal.

2. Use One Prayer Journal-record per home, so that you can

make quick reference to the needs and overall progress. For example:

If you have 10 homes, you will have 10 journal-records; 20 homes, 20 records; etc. On each individual form there is an area to write in individual prayer requests and praise reports from each prayer receiver. A checklist-grid is also provided for you to check off-should you decide to accomplish each assignment with each prayer receiver. A three-ring binder has proven to be helpful for keeping the records and needs together. In effect, the notebook becomes a faith-building tool to help you track how Jesus is touching the lives of those in your Focus of Faith. When you meet neighbors and learn of their felt needs,record in your Prayer Journal both the burden and the answer to prayer.

Appendix B - THE IMPACT LIGHTHOUSES OF PRAYER HAVE ON CITIES

1. The hearts of believers are transformed as Jesus imparts His

burden for the lost. 2. New levels of unity in the Body of Christ are reached,

bringing hope and renewed vision among the pastors of the area as they are covered by prayer.

3. Congregations are mobilized to be "ministers of reconciliation" in their community.

4. As believers pray for those in their "Focus of Faith" (circle of influence), "lifting up holy hands without wrath and dissension," and in unity with each other, a mantle of authoritative prayer blankets the city. As the light of the Gospel gets brighter and the strongholds of the enemy are torn down, an atmosphere for effective evangelism results.

5. Salvation of the lost will result. As nonbelievers begin to be impacted by the love of God experienced through the prayer and interaction of the Body of Christ, the Church of the city will grow. Many of the new converts will have as their close friends in the faith-the very people who prayed for their felt needs-putting the Lighthouses of Prayer people in a privileged place of favor to become part of the personal discipleship process. The local church will determine the method of nurture, but the Lighthouse of Prayer person will provide the vital link.

6. Ultimately, quality of life in your city will improve. Be careful not to focus just on the salvation of your neighbors or the growth of your congregation. Watch for blessings that transform society, and that bring life to the city, such as the drop in crime rate, favor between the church of the city and government, neighborhoods being cleaned up and improved economic conditions. "Seek the peace of the city for in its peace you will find peace."

Appendix C Summarizing How Lighthouses of Prayer Work A Lighthouse of Prayer is an individual, a couple, or a family -praying at home- for their neighbors, coworkers, or fellow students on a regular basis. 1. Identify & Establish Your Focus of Faith

You identify your "Focus of Faith" by deciding how many homes in your neighborhood (or individuals at work)

You are willing to pray for consistently over a period of time.

As long as you live, work and play in a given place, you will purpose to develop a lifestyle of blessing prayer by praying for those around you in your circle of influence (such as a group of houses in your neighborhood or an area where you rub shoulders with coworkers on your job). This "Focus of Faith" should be big enough to stretch you, but small enough to be manageable.

You establish your "Focus of Faith" by conducting a Prayer

Walk around your circle of influence. As you walk, ask God to begin breaking down all spiritual resistance to the message of Jesus Christ. Your prayers will affect the spiritual atmosphere and you will see the results of "breaking through the darkness" as God's light begins to shine. The Holy Spirit will direct your prayers as you regularly ask God's blessing to be poured out upon your neighbors. The first prayer walk establishes your "Focus of Faith" as being set apart for God's purposes. Thereafter, this is an optional prayer activity.

2. Build Bridges

After a season of prayer over your "Focus of Faith," look for practical, non-threatening ways to meet your neighbors. The goal is to make contact with your neighbors in order to establish a credible relationship. In Appendix E of this manual, we list 30 ideas on how to meet your neighbors,

(e.g., initiate a block party, garage sale, offer to help a neighbor with yard work, bake something to share, etc.).

3. Pray For Felt Needs

Now that your "Focus of Faith" has been saturated with

prayer-the Lordship of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed over every neighbor (person in your circle of influence). Further, you have had the opportunity to introduce yourself as a "neighbor." Now consider letting your neighbors know that your are praying for them by asking them for the privilege of praying for their specified needs. A door hanger or greeting card can be very helpful in breaking the ice. As you begin to pray for the "felt needs," several things will happen:

God responds to prayers for the lost (He leaves the 99 and goes after the "one"). Your neighbors' hearts will begin to open. You will have opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ

4. Invite and Proclaim

In building relationships, look for opportunities to invite your neighbors to outreach events, home fellowships or area-wide events where the Good News can be heard and understood. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you and grant you wisdom in your relationship with your neighbors.

Appendix D Lighthouses of Prayer Testimonies

The Humble Servant - Ida's Story Ida became a Lighthouse of Prayer, but a back condition restricted her from

walking her neighborhood. Marilyn, another Lighthouse of Prayer, prayed for Ida and God healed her back! Enjoying this miracle, Ida walked her Focus of Faith consistently.

In walking, Ida spoke to Al and Mary, her neighbors who were out in their front yard. Al, weak and unable to stand without a walker, had undergone surgery for deteriorating bones and also suffered from extreme asthma. Ida told Al that he could call her any time for prayer.

One day Mary knocked on Ida's door conveying a request for Ida to come and pray for Al. Ida was filled with excitement and concern. In her humility, Ida felt she needed to prepare herself for God to use her by taking a shower. Ida cried to God, "Lord, you will have to speak through me. I don't know what to say."

That day, Al and Mary accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Al, who hadn't eaten much for five days began to eat small portions and several days later he was eating three meals a day. Another extraordinary dimension to this that Al, with a heavy heart, asked Ida to pray that his sons come to see them. According to Al, even though his sons also live in the Bay Area, it had been very long since they had come to see them. One son came over that very night and the second son "happened" to drop in the next day! The Lighthouses of Prayer ministry is truly a work of God's Holy Spirit.

HEAVENLY BUSINESS - Ann's Story Ann expanded her Focus of Faith beyond the neighborhood to an

entire office complex. Her prayer preparation really brought results. One day she needed to have some work done by a printer and asked God to clearly direct her to the right printing company. Later that day, she found herself in a conversation with a single father working at the printing company she visited. Ann discovered that earlier that same day, in desperation this man had said to himself, "I must talk to someone today!"

Ann's divine appointment and her genuine care touched his heart. He accepted an invitation to visit her church. The men of the

church embraced this single father, and this man discovered a new beginning in his life with hope!

ETERNAL AWAKENING - Mike's Story After distributing door hangers, Mike and his prayer partner decided to visit a home. This was a new experience in Mike's Christian walk. Shirley, the wife, answered the door. When Mike introduced themselves as their neighbors who left the door hanger, she invited them in. Even though they never asked Shirley for a prayer request, he could sense that Shirley had a deep concern. When they started to leave she said, "My daughter, Jennifer is having some trouble." Confirming Mike's discernment, he was taken by the awareness of specific needs for others and the satisfaction of knowing he has a personal responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission.

Appendix E 30 Ideas on How to Meet Your Neighbors

1. Walk your "Focus of Faith" on a Saturday morning and be

ready to say hello and casually introduce yourself as a neighbor to those who are:

a. Having a garage sale b. Watering their lawn c. Coming out to pick up the paper d. Washing their car e. Mowing the lawn or doing some yard work f. Just happen to be outside

2. Initiate a Neighborhood Watch and meet all your neighbors at

the meeting. 3. Initiate a Block Garage Sale. 4. Have your own Garage Sale. Put a garage sale flier at the

doors of all your neighbors. When people walk up (versus those who drive up) be sure to say hello and ask them if they are your neighbors.

5. If you have fruit trees in your yard (an understatement for many in this valley) pick the fruit, put them in small bags and deliver them to your neighbors.

6. Initiate car pools to work, school or wherever. 7. Be ready to respond to an emergency. When you hear the

ambulance or fire truck, go to that home and make yourself available to be supportive and caring.

8. Identify homes with children the same age as your children. Meet the neighbors to bring the children together so they can play.

9. Be sensitive to any Sr. Adults in your neighborhood. Perhaps they may need a ride to the doctor, voting center, store, drugstore, post office, etc.

10. Offer to help a neighbor with his yard work. 11. If you are involved in or desire to host a business party

(Tupperware, Home Interior, etc) give an invitation to your neighbors.

12. Perhaps you are in support of voter registration, etc. and you

are willing to walk your Focus of Faith and share with each house materials/information for voting.

13. When there is a tragedy in your neighborhoo~death, accident, sickness, etc-provide a meal or deliver a thoughtful card.

14. When involved in a repair project, borrow tools or even seek assistance from neighbors, if not be ready to assist them in some way.

15. Let your children lead the way. If the toy they are playing with flies over into the neighbor's yard, see this as an opportunity to put a "Face to the Front yard."

16. Make an effort to meet the parents of kids in T-ball, soccer, little league, ballet class or gymnastics team and see if they live in your " Focus of Faith."

17. If you like the color, style or landscaping of a home, ask them for information regarding their accomplishments.

18. If you live in an apartment complex, consider meeting neighbors: a. Using the laundry room b. Using the pool and exercise rooms c. Arriving or departing the shared parking area d. Visiting the apartment manager's office e. Out on a deck or patio f. Getting their mail at the mailbox area

19. Meet people at the neighborhood grocery store, convenience store or drugstore.

20. Bake some cookies, cupcakes, bread, etc. and bring some to your neighbors

21. Initiate a block Fourth of July celebration for all the children. 22. Initiate a block Bar-B-Q for the summer. 23. If you have a trade (as a seamstress, painting, plumbing,

childcare) put a sign on your front window advertising your services.

24. If the neighbors you know are going out of town, offer to pick up their newspaper and mail for them.

25. Watch for car lights being left on and introduce yourself as you make contact with your neighbor.

26. If you see a neighbor with car problems, kindly offer assistance.

27. At a nearby playground, track or park, be sensitive to those present who could be neighbors.

28. If you have a swimming pool, invite your neighbors and/or children over to swim under adult supervision. Often children will attract children over to your home. Children contact inevitably leads to parent contact!

29. When attending school functions, such as open house, assemblies or PTA meetings, be sensitive to identify and acknowledge neighbors.

30. If the power goes out in your neighborhood, offer assistance, candles, flashlights, etc. or perhaps borrow them yourself.

Appendix F

Praying the Promise and Not the Problem BEGIN PRAISING GOD

"Praise the Lord, 0 my soul, and all that is within me, praise His Holy Name" Psalm 103:1

OFFER THANKSGIVING Lord we "enter Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts

with praise; giving thanks to You and praising Your name." Psalm 100:4

PERSONAL INTROSPECTION "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for us who are in

Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1 Your Word tells us, "If we confess our sins, You are faithful

and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

We have confidence that, "The blood of Jesus Christ Your Son continues to cleanse us from every sin. " l John 1:7

PRAY FOR THE CITY GOVERNMENT Jesus, you desire that we 'fpray much for others; plead for

God's mercy upon them and give thanks for all you are doing for them"

We pray in this way for the government leaders of the city of ______________ those who are in authority over us in high places of responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about You, Our Lord. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

ESTABLISH THE PERIMETER "Every place that the sole of our foot shall tread upon, that you have given to us" Joshua 1:3

THE BATTLE WE FACE Father, we choose to "take on the whole armor of God that we may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand,"stand, therefore, "having the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of the preparation of the Gospel of peace. Above all we take up the shield of faith, with which we will quench the fiery darts of the enemy. And take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:13-17.

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: for the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, on the contrary, we have divine power to the demolishing of strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

"The fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

BELIEVING THE PROMISES

We pray that our neighbors may know "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ And to know this love that surpasses knowledge." Ephesians 3:18-19

That our neighbors "might come to love the Lord and hate evil' and that because of Your love for them, Lord, that "whoever believes in You should not perish but have life eternal." Adapted from Psalm 97:10 & John 3:16

"For this reason, since the day we heard about our neighbors,... we have not stopped praying for them and asking God to fill them with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding." Colossians 1:9

PRAY FOR REVIVAL

"Rain down, you heavens ... pour down righteousness... bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together" Isaiah 45:8

PRAYER JOURNAL RECORD

Date Journal

Name: ITEM DATE Names of Family

Address: Conversation #1

Conversation #2

Additional Information: Conversation #3

Neighbor Calls You

A shared activity

Prayer Requested

Prayer Answered

Shared Faith

Invitation attend church

Not Interested

Name: ITEM DATE

Names of Family

Address: Conversation #1

Conversation #2

Additional Information: Conversation #3

Neighbor Calls You

A shared activity

Prayer Requested

Prayer Answered

Shared Faith

Invitation attend church

Not Interested

Joel Comiskey As part of my doctoral studies, I surveyed 700 cell leaders in eight different countries to discover what factors really made cells grow. One factor stood out above all others: prayer. The cell leader's devotional life consistently appears among the top three most important variables in this study. The correlation between cell multiplication and the leader spending time with God is clear. The cell leaders surveyed were asked: "how much time do you spend in daily devotions?" (e.g., prayer, Bible reading, etc.). They chose one of five options, ranging from 0 to 15 minutes daily to over 90 minutes. The following table summarizes the devotional patterns of those cell leaders who filled out a ques-tionnaire:

In the same questionnaire, cell leaders were asked whether their group had multiplied and, if so, how many times. Those who spent 90 minutes or more in daily devotions multiplied their groups twice as often as those who spent less than half an hour. Luke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus of-ten withdrew to lonely places and prayed. NIV Mark 1:35 5 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. NIV Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. NIV We are to pray habitually as a way of life, on all occasions! But we are also to set aside times to retreat to our closets for times of prayer! We all need place where we can get alone with the Lord, be still and wait upon Him. Matthew 6:5-6 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is

Devotional Patterns of Cell Leaders Polled 0-15 minutes 11.7%

15-30 minutes 33.2%

30-60 minutes 33.8%

60-90 minutes 7.6%

90 plus minutes 13.7%

unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” NIV Fasting and Prayer Carl Everett, now the Assistant Director of Cell Ministry at Bethany World Prayer Center, started out in ministry the way many other cell-church leaders do: leading a cell group. His cell multiplied six times and each daughter cell grew and prospered. Cell preparation for Carl and his wife includes fasting and prayer the day of the cell meeting. Before the meeting, Carl prays for each member and for God's anointing on his own life. After the meeting, they break their fast and enjoy refreshments with cell members. Matthew 9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” NIV

Great resources for helping you start

"spiritual conversations" Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg (Zondervan: 1994). Chapter 13, "Crossing the Line of Faith" helps you gauge "where people are" in their openness to the Gospel. See also Wild Things Happen When I Pray by Becky Tirabassi for faith-building anecdotes on how God opens up the doors for divine appointments for those in your Circles of Influence.

Become a Lighthouse of Prayer in Your Circle of Influence Is an adap-tation of Become a Lighthouse of Prayer in Your Neighborhood with per-mission granted from John Issacs and Pray the Bay! and is not in-tended for sale or distribution for revenue in any form, but is solely in-tended for training our members for Prayer Evangelism purposes.

Requests for information should be addressed to: Pray the Bay!

1300 Sheffield Ave. #14 Campbell, CA 95008

(800) 953-PRAY All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, me-chanical, photocopy, recording, or any other, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of PRAY THE BAY!

Notes:

HELPFUL *TOOLS Further Reading: These readable books, besides those mentioned in the training manual, have been helpful to many for developing a lifestyle of prayer evangelism:

Ed Silvoso - That None Should Perish John Dawson - Taking Our Cities for God Ted Haggard - Primary Purpose