"We will undergo four weeks of basic training, followed by 12 weeks of front line tactical praying." That's how one person looking to organize a CHOP group sought to enlist recruits for the ministry of evangelistic prayer.
"Tactical" suggests specific strategy calculated for accomplishment of the goal. That describes well the ministry of CHOP--prayer with a purpose, kingdom prayer, prayer that engages participants in the advancement of Christ's church against the gates of hell, occupying territory of hearts for Jesus Christ.
The language used above for the invitation to the CHOP group carries with it military overtones. That is exactly as our Lord Jesus Christ would have us see the work of His church and see ourselves for that work. As many have pointed out, we need to recapture the concept of the church militant, the church engaged in spiritual war, facing spiritual opposition, employing spiritual tactics, wielding spiritual weapons. It is to our detriment and ineffectiveness and disobedience to maintain a peace-time mentality. There will come a day when the church will be at rest, triumphant in glory, but that day is not now. We need the mentality of sacrifice, of hardship, of danger, of mission given us by the Lord of hosts for the sake of His kingdom.
May the Lord richly bless this CHOP group being formed and multiply groups throughout the land in mobilizing His people in tactical prayer in service to His kingdom.
1 comment:
I'm going through "Basic Training" right now. The theme of the church at rest hit me really hard right off the bat. We are called not just to hear, but go and do (infinitive-imperative conflict intended!). Amos 6:11 speaks to what will happen to those who are at ease in Zion, ignoring their kingdom work to be done.
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