“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7-8).

We live in a stressful world. Every day we are confronted by stressful circumstances. It seems that each one of us needs to learn to cope with an increasingly stressful lifestyle. Our responses to these situations reveal our spirit. The verses above teach us how to combat this stressful life through prayer and the peace of God that transcends all understanding. We need this kind of peace. Our bodies can’t cope with such high-level stress unless we learn to live in God’s peace. We can be either a thermometer or a thermostat. We either register what is happening just as a thermometer registers the weather. In other words, we are totally affected by our environment. Or we can regulate what is happening like a thermostat that sets the environment. God wants us to be like a thermostat that influences our environment and responds properly to life’s situations.

Looks at what we often say to ourselves and what He says to help us not to be stressful but to instead walk in His peace.

• You say: “It’s impossible.” God says: All things are possible – Luke 18:27.
• You say: “I’m too tired.” God says: I will give you rest –
  Matthew 11:28-30.
• You say: “Nobody really loves me.” God says: I love you –
  John 3:16 & John 3:34.
• You say: “I can’t go on.” God says: My grace is sufficient –
  2 Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15.
• You say: “I can’t figure things out.” God says: I will direct your steps – Proverbs 3:5-6.
• You say: “I can’t do it.” God says: You can do all things –
  Philippians 4:13.
• You say: “I’m not able.” God says: I am able – 2 Corinthians 9:8.
• You say: “It’s not worth it.” God says: It will be worth it –
  Romans 8:28.
• You say: “I can’t forgive myself.” God says: I Forgive you –
  1 John 1:9 & Romans 8:1.
• You say: “I can’t manage.” God says: I will supply all your needs – Philippians 4:19.
• You say: “I’m afraid.” God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear – 2 Timothy 1:7.
• You say: “I’m always worried and frustrated.” God says: Cast all your cares on ME – 1 Peter 5:7.
• You say: “I’m not smart enough.” God says: I give you wisdom –
  1 Corinthians 1:30.
• You say: “I feel all alone.” God says: I will never leave you or forsake you – Hebrews 13:5.

Here some very practical ways to help you to reduce stress in your life and live in God’s peace. Realize that most people are not enjoying the trip of life. They are merely coping with stress just like a thermometer. This is a tragedy because God has promised us an abundant life (John 10:10).

Ways to Reduce Stress

“If life is a journey, then life’s greatest tragedy is not having enjoyed the trip.” Peebles

• Pray about everything, and always be thankful.
• Go to bed on time. Get enough rest.
• Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
• Say no to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule.
• Delegate tasks to capable others.
• Simplify and unclutter your life.
• Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
• Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time.
• Take one day at a time.
• If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can’t do anything about a situation, forget it.
• Live within your budget. Less is more.
• Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, extra stamps, etc.
• Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
• Eat right. You may want to add food supplements as well.
• Get organized so everything has its place.
• Write down thoughts and inspirations.
• Every day, find time to be alone.
• Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud.
• Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy. Hold onto God’s truth.
• Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
• Make friends with Godly people.
• Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good “Thank you Jesus.”
• Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
• Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
• Talk less; listen more.
• Slow down.
• Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for.

“Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled; neither let them be afraid. (Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful; and intimated and cowardly and unsettled)” (John 14:27 Amplified).

By Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
IHOPKC


“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)” John 10:10 (Amplified)

 Welcome to Health Arise! After having recently recovered from breast cancer, I realize how very important our health is. It is not something we can take lightly. Therefore, I want to encourage you to eat healthy.

I never realized how many people were battling with cancer until I had it myself. It is entirely out of control. I realize that cancer is the result of a broken down immune system. The way to fight against cancers is to build up your immune system. That’s why eating fruits and vegetables, exercise and nutritional supplements are so important. Having cancer was a wake-up call to me to eat right, exercise and take other healthy supplements to help my immune system. 

One thing my cancer doctor told me was that I should eat 7 – 9 fruits and vegetables a day! Now I don’t always do this, but it is a good goal. God provides us with abundant fruits and vegetables in nature. One way the doctor suggested to help in eating enough fruit in a day was to put a lot of fruit in the blender. He said that if you find it difficult to get enough fruit, buy some frozen fruit to add to the fresh fruit in the blender. This is what I am doing. I put frozen strawberries, frozen blueberries, fresh bananas, fresh apples, etc. in the blender with ice and water. It makes a refreshing drink. Carrot juice is good too on its own.

In these articles, I want to share different things I am discovering as I study about nutrition and health. I have found a product called Mannatech to be very helpful. Others of you might want to find out about this product, or you may not. It is entirely up to you. Fruits and vegetables help us to glorify God in our bodies. Healthy bodies help us to live abundant lives!

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” 3 John

Health Arise Articles

• Fruits and Vegetables in Abundance
• God’s Peace in a Stressful World
• Health and Healing Scriptures
• Health and the Battlefield of the Mind
• How to Handle Stress God’s Way
• Natural Health Remedies and Cures
• Recharging Your Emotional Battery
• Sowing Good Health in our Family Line
• Sugars that Heal
• Understanding Stress in Your Life
• A Letter for Health Arise Subscribers

Health Arise

We believe that all those who are involved in prayer and intercession should try to have a healthy life style. In the Health Arise e-mail, I will cover many topics having to do with health and living healthy. I have done a lot of study on the subject of health. It has been overwhelming for me to realize how many people are sick, and some of them are intercessors. I believe that God wants us to live healthy lives but part of it is up to us. He wants us to have energy to do His will because we need strength in order to pray fervently. The times we are living in are increasingly stressful, and healthy, strong bodies are essential for those who are involved in intercession. Intercessors need to do everything they can to preserve strong healthy bodies. My prayer is that you will eat and live healthy for the glory of God.

Health Arise is a monthly e-mail network for those interested in improving their health through nutrition and prayer.


Health Arise Articles



• Fruits and Vegetables in Abundance
• God’s Peace in a Stressful World
• Health and Healing in Scripture
• Health and the Battlefield of the Mind
• How to Handle Stress God’s Way
• Natural Health Remedies and Cures
• Recharging Your Emotional Battery
• Sowing Good Health in our Family Line
• Sugars that Heal
• Understanding Stress in Your Life
• A Letter to Health Arise Subscribers

“True evangelism involves experiencing the love of Christ.
An effective Lighthouse lifestyle is one which is built
on weekly acts of kindness done for neighbors, regular
repeated offers to pray, and checks on answered prayer.” 
Ed Silvoso

During the first years of our neighborhood Lighthouse ministry, we surveyed the neighborhood looking for signs of other witnessing Christians. We looked for symbols on cars, doors, or lawns. When we found them, we shared our belief that God placed us all here to reach those who do not know Christ, and we invited them to join us in praying for the neighborhood. Several people joined us once a week and then later once a month. The little group became increasingly excited about prayer as we saw quick and definite answers.

“You’re writing a gospel a chapter a day, by the way that you live and the things that you say. People read what you write, distorted or true. What is the gospel according to you?”


Important points in starting a Lighthouse Prayer Meeting

• Define the boundaries of your mission field. Map households in your “community” by making a homemade map, or if praying for family or work mates, a simple list of people.
• Begin prayerwalking, and pray for God’s guidance.
• Discover where the other Christians live, and present the vision of a Lighthouse lifestyle.
• Ask them to consider making a timely commitment of five weeks.
• Give them a week to pray about your invitation, and pray daily for them.
• Meet informally to get acquainted and to pray for each other.
• Set a date for your meeting, and decide frequency, duration, and location.
• Begin and end on time. Remember that people are busy.
• Keep the principle of prayer for your community at the forefront.
• Refrain from any style of prayer that may be offensive to anyone present.
• Do not share personal issues that may compromise relationship or reputation.
• Aim to mix petitions with praise.

By Norm and Debbie Przybylski

For more information, see the Lighthouse Movement website.



“Prayer is the match that lights the fuse to release the explosive power of the Holy Spirit in the affairs of men.”

1. Prayer and thanksgiving and praise – Psalm 100:4

• Understand the mighty power of praise and worship. Begin with praise, worship, or a song as you start your Lighthouse of Prayer meeting or before you go prayerwalking.
• Thank God for what He is going to do in your neighborhood.
• Praise God for your partnership with Him. You are His ambassador in your neighborhood and the link between your neighbors and heaven. Know that you are seated in the heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6)

2. Prayer and spiritual warfare – Ephesians 6:10-18

• Realize that Satan will oppose you. Refuse to give him a foothold, and know your authority in Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). It is good to read Scripture to encourage your faith as you start your meeting.
• Pray for the marriages, families, and relationships of those in your Lighthouse of Prayer. Most Bible passages that deal with spiritual warfare are set in the context of broken relationships.
• Resist Satan persistently. Bring every thought captive to Christ (II Corinthians 10:3-5).

3. Prayer and forgiveness – Matthew 6:12-15

• Know that the greatest way that the enemy will oppose you is by tempting you not to forgive.
• Blessing those who hurt you voids the jurisdiction the devil uses to have authority over you. Walk in peace and bless your enemies.
• Confess and repent of all known sin, and choose to forgive. You want the 
channels to be open and unhindered between you and God (Psalm 24:3-5).

4. Prayer and unity – John 17:21

• Pray for unity in the body of Christ. The eyes of unbelievers are opened as we walk in unity and love. A city cannot be reached for Christ and walk in revival unless the body of Christ comes together in unity.
• Welcome those of different denominations into your Lighthouse of Prayer. Delight in God’s diversity and creativity. Lay down your differences.
• Pray for the different cultures and types of people in your neighborhood.

5. Prayer and faith – Hebrews 11:6

• Ask God for greater faith for you and your Christian neighbors to believe Him to change the climate of your neighborhood. Pray with a big vision, and ask Him to open your eyes to see as He sees.
• Pray for miracles in your neighborhood (John 14:12-14).
• Pray God’s bless over your neighborhood claiming the promises of Scripture.

6. Prayer and the lost – Matthew 9:35-38

• Begin by finding two or more Christians in your neighborhood who will pray together for your neighborhood (Mt. 18:20). God will use your faithfulness as a small prayer group to establish a model so others whose hearts God is preparing can gradually be brought in.
• Develop a prayer list of your neighborhoods. Start by praying by name for those around you by using the BLESS method. Journal answers to prayer and insights that God gives you. Add names and information.
• Pray for compassion for the lost and opportunities to bless your neighbors. As you begin to bless your neighbors, you begin to love them.

7. Prayer and action – James 2:22-25

• Pray for opportunities to fellowship with your neighbors. God will show you how to reach out through warm-hearted acts of kindness.
• Pray for the felt needs of your neighbors in public and their salvation in private. As people experience God’s love and power through answered prayer for their felt needs, they desire to know Him.
• Pray for boldness to share the Gospel in God’s timing. Ask God to open ways for you to share your faith with those around you in loving, non-threatening ways.

8. Pray for your Lighthouse of Prayer using the acrostic “NEIGHBOR”.

N – Nurture the heavenly vision, 
E – Evaluate your neighborhood, 
I – Intercede for your neighborhood, 
G – Gather others to pray, 
H – Have compassion for your neighbors, 
B – Build relationships,
O – Open your heart and your home, 
R – Rejoice with God.

Lighthouse of Prayer Course Links and Resources

• Lighthouses of Prayer
• Lighthouse of Prayer Course
• A Portrait of a Lighthouse of Prayer
• Bringing the Touch of Jesus through Prayer
• Essentials of a Lighthouse Lifestyle
• Prayerwalking
• Principles of Prayer for a Lighthouse Lifestyle
• Biblical Principles for a Lighthouse Lifestyle
• Starting a Lighthouse Prayer Meeting
• Simple Steps in Establishing a Lighthouse

For more information, see the Lighthouse Movement website.

“Praying on Site with Insight”

“I will give you every place where you set your foot.” Joshua 1:3

If every Christian began to prayerwalk their neighborhood or workplace, we would begin to see America and the nations transformed. Prayerwalking is part of the Lighthouse lifestyle. It is praying on site (where you step your foot) with insight (with God’s heavenly vision and understanding). Prayerwalking is a wonderful way to bring heaven’s power right into our everyday situation as we walk. I recommend it highly for it brings the influence of heaven to earth, impacting the very territory where we walk. If we all went prayerwalking, it would make a difference in our neighborhoods. We encourage you to make a commitment to go prayerwalking every week. God will answer your prayers and change will begin to come into your neighborhood. Crime will decrease rapidly if each one of us does our part. You and I have the authority in prayer to stretch forth God’s influence and power over our cities and nations.

Why Prayerwalk?

Prayerwalking is a wonderful way to reach your area (your neighborhood, city, workplace) with the power and authority of God. It bathes the atmosphere with the influence of God, it breaks the power of evil, and enables the Holy Spirit to move freely. It helps you to overcome the fear of reaching out to the lost and sensitizes your heart to the people around you and to situations with the heart of Jesus. Prayerwalking also creates divine opportunities to pray for people on the spot. People don’t realize it but they are looking for the atmosphere of heaven. They have a hunger that cannot be satisfied with what earth offers. They need God, and prayerwalking can prepare them to meet God in a personal way. Prayerwalking will give you insight as to the needs of your city and neighborhood, it will build your faith as to what God can do, and it will expand your vision. Prayerwalking empowers ordinary life and puts us in tune with God’s heart.


Guidelines as you Prayerwalk

• Simply walk with Jesus – You are stepping in His land over which He has complete authority and great compassion. So walk where He walks, and pray His prayers.
• Be patient – Don’t give up. Prayerwalking needs persistence and although it is a quiet affair, it brings great rewards.
• Be ready for battle – You are considered spiritually trespassing by established evil powers. The enemy will do all that he can to stop you.
• Be prepared, and give your whole self to the task.
• Prepare your heart – Make sure that you have confessed all known sin, and come before God in gratitude and with thanksgiving.
• Gather your mind – Fix your attention on the purposes and thoughts of God at the beginning. Leave your burdens with God so that you will not be distracted during your prayerwalk.
• Seek God for guidance – Be still before Him for a short time, and ask Him to direct your steps and prayers.
• Visualize the area as God sees it – Ask Him to help you see your neighborhood with His eyes.
• Pray with the Word of God and the Spirit of God – When you find it hard to pray, pray Scripture. You pray the will of God as you pray the Word of God over your area. The Holy Spirit will also enable you to pray on-target prayers.
• Pray out loud and with others sometimes – Your faith grows as you verbalize your prayers. Your prayers multiply as you learn to agree in your requests and as you pray conversationally with others. Together you can ask God to break any strongholds, and pray for healing, comfort, and salvation.
• Welcome Jesus into your neighborhood – Be friendly, greet people while walking, and offer to pray for their needs. Be open to God’s divine opportunities.
• Seek a balance in your prayers – As you walk, combine worship, intercession, warfare, and welcome. Make sure you keep your focus on God more than the devil and his works. Welcome God into your neighborhood.
• Proclaim the promises and prayer of the Bible over your neighborhood – Realize the power of the Word and the name of Jesus when you pray it out loud. Proclaim Jesus as Lord over the homes, people, and situations you encounter. Ask for God’s blessings and presence on each home.
• Thank God for all that He is doing – Look at your neighborhood, and list specific blessings such as honest policemen, safe schools, kind teachers, strong churches, etc. Thank God for what He is going to do.
• Pray God’s purposes and destiny for your neighborhood – Pray for each person, family, and city. Pray that God’s purposes might be fulfilled and that many would be saved and sent out as workers in His great harvest
.
• Be creative – Pray creative prayers such as the fruit of the Spirit or the Lord’s Prayer over your neighborhood.
• Give thanks over what God did through your prayerwalk – Rejoice, evaluate, and record insights for the next time you go prayerwalking. Tell others of your experiences and blessings.
• Follow-up contacts – Ask yourself what ministries are necessary as a result of your prayerwalk such as a youth and children’s ministry or a ladies Bible study.

Lighthouse of Prayer Course Links and Resources

• Lighthouses of Prayer
• Lighthouse of Prayer Course
• A Portrait of a Lighthouse of Prayer
• Bringing the Touch of Jesus through Prayer
• Essentials of a Lighthouse Lifestyle
• Prayerwalking
• Principles of Prayer for a Lighthouse Lifestyle
• Biblical Principles for a Lighthouse Lifestyle
• Starting a Lighthouse Prayer Meeting
• Simple Steps in Establishing a Lighthouse

For more information, see the Lighthouse Movement website

Essentials

1. A clean heart and a obedient mind.
2. Compassion (Matthew 9).
3. Persistence (Luke 11:5-13, 18:1-8).
4. Openness to opportunities.
5. Dedication to praying with others.
6. Discipline and determination.
7. Faith.

Battles to Face

There are many battles to face when you decide to start a Lighthouse of Prayer in your neighborhood or workplace. Satan vigorously opposes the prayer ministries. He especially hates it when we concentrate on praying for the lost and reaching out to them. Many cultures tend to be too busy and overly individualistic, and neighbors are often neglected. Many Christians do not want to pray for their neighbors, and often we just don’t take the time to do this important ministry. But this must change because the harvest is ripe, and God wants each one of us to be involved.

A Prayer

Lord, you were a shining light to the generation of people who lived two thousand years ago. They flocked to you because you loved them enough to be with them and to show them the true way to the Father. You have commissioned us to shine with that same love and message, yet we have not.

Even in light of the fact that you have given so much to us and have enriched our lives in every way, we have neglected to give proper attention to the function that was highest on your list, “to seek and to save the lost”. We confess, Lord, that we have been too busy with life. We have loved our lives in this world to the exclusion of the task for which you keep us in the world. Our concern has not been great enough. Our love has not been hot enough. Our vision of eternity has not been clear enough. We have not believed, we have been cowards, we have turned away busying ourselves with temporal pursuits while our neighbors pass, one by one, into a living and dying hell. We haven’t cared enough to intentionally love and pray for them.

Lord, we confess what we are, jars of clay. But you are the potter. We ask that you remold our hearts after your own heart. Give us a love that will lead the way, a passion hot as fire, and a faith that no disappointment will tire. Give us love for our neighbors and a life of power that will convince them of eternity and the claims of Jesus Christ.

We pray also for our city. Forgive us as a church in the city for pampering the institution of the church and not mobilizing her into the streets. Give our leaders your wisdom. Give your body unity. Make her strong against the enemy to destroy spiritual strongholds. May we see revival. In Jesus’ name. Amen.


Lighthouse of Prayer Course Links and Resources

• Lighthouses of Prayer
• Lighthouse of Prayer Course
• A Portrait of a Lighthouse of Prayer
• Bringing the Touch of Jesus through Prayer
• Essentials of a Lighthouse Lifestyle
• Prayerwalking
• Principles of Prayer for a Lighthouse Lifestyle
• Biblical Principles for a Lighthouse Lifestyle
• Starting a Lighthouse Prayer Meeting
• Simple Steps in Establishing a Lighthouse

For more information, see the Lighthouse Movement website.