“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize”
(1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

We just finished a fast during which time we focused a lot of prayer on Jesus’ command in Matthew 9:38 which says, “Pray to the Lord of the harvest that He would thrust out workers.” The Hebrew word translated “thrust” is Ekballo. It has several different connotations which indicate something similar to rocket propulsion. When we leave the sending or thrusting to the Lord of the harvest, there is a different potential in those being sent. In reality, the outcome would be that they would do the things that Jesus did which are included in Matthew 9:35-38, 10:3.

“Jesus went through all the town and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness… He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matthew 9:35-10:1).

There is a mistaken notion that this powerful impartation comes with no personal effort. The container of this power is the human temple. The body, as with the temple in Scripture, is in the hands of the servants of God. I think that God may withhold a greater anointing for service when His wisdom sees that the container cannot bear it. So what must we do? I (Norm) am not a large framed person, but I do weight-lift. At forty-eight years of age, I don’t expect to become a huge, muscular figure, yet I am encouraged to see the form and enlargement of muscle on my body. I am more fit today than I was at age twenty-eight. Some of the more muscular men who work out where I exercise have given me helpful information regarding muscle building. It is good to have coaches who speak with experience.

Bodily discipline does have benefit. We need to exercise our body because it is the temple where God dwells. Tiredness, dullness of mind, vulnerability to temptation and depression of emotion are linked to our physical state. Diet also has a lot to do with this because excessive amounts of sugars are a poison that actually kills vitality. We all need to watch our diets. Fasting is also good and necessary for many reasons. One of the by-products is the cleansing of the body. I actually feel more energized when fasting than when I don’t.

A good, consistent physical exercise program is extremely important. I normally exercise five days a week for thirty minutes. Find what is right for you. Adequate sleep is also important. Most people need eight good hours of sleep a night. Some may be blessed to get by with less, but not all. A missionary will need to be culturally sensitive about this but, when possible, we should retire early and rise early. The morning, when all is quiet and when we are well rested, is the best time to spend time in prayer and study. If you would like to receive Health Arise which is a monthly e-mail designed to encourage and motivate you toward a healthy lifestyle, send a blank e-mail to health-arise-subscribe@strategicnetwork.org.

“The one mark of discipleship is the mastership of Jesus – His right to me from the crown of my head to the sole of my foot.” Disciples Indeed

We need to realize that bodily discipline can be compared to spiritual discipline. Just as a physical muscle needs exercise, the spiritual does too. Faith is developed by exercise. Spiritual giants are not born giants; they are born as small children. Through nurture and exercise they grow and develop. We need to dismiss the idea that spiritual maturity and power comes instantly. Too many people are disappointed to find that one must expect the Lord to school them in spiritual matters. Many who read Scripture, receive prophetic words of revelation and encouragement, and/or receive a classroom education, expect to immediately go out and conquer the world. Peter thought like that, but Jesus said that Peter would deny Him. It was a little maid confronting Peter that led to His denial. How will many of us respond when confronted with trials; perhaps there will be the possibility of danger or loss? How will our faith stand if not exercised and made strong?

The Bible says in Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” The Lord impressed that upon me during a time of fasting. The implication is that we have a responsibility to make ourselves strong in the Lord. Before God can commit your ministry into your hands, you must first be submissive to His discipline. As you go into God’s mission field in another country, He wants you to go forth as a disciplined soldier. He is preparing you for your destiny and so how you live now is very important.

“The cross of discipleship is that I daily and hourly delight to tell my human nature that I am not my own, I no longer claim my right to myself.” Run Today’s Race

Areas of the Disciplined Life

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of Godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).

The following are some additional areas in which we need to be well disciplined, alert to the enemy devices, so that we will be good soldiers on the mission field. These are very basic places where the enemy will attack the believer. We urge you to discipline yourself now and strengthen your spiritual muscles so that you may not be disqualified at a later time. We have seen workers on the field fall into these very traps time and time again.

• A consistent quiet time Your devotional life is a time set aside each day to be with the Lord. It may mean study, or prayer, or it may be a time of fellowship and meditation with Him. It is a time when you find yourself happy to be with God and He with you. There are many tools that help in personal devotions. The most important tool is an alarm clock to wake you from sleep! Realize that the enemy will strongly attack this area of your life. We have seen him do this in missions again and again. 
“Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart” (Psalm 119:2).
• Taming the tongue Watch your tongue. Stay away from destructive speech, listening to gossip, or talking negatively about someone. Instead, bless others by saying constructive things, looking at the good side, practicing positive speech, encouraging others. Your tongue can have a powerful influence on others. Use your tongue to bring life instead of death. 
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).
• Using your spiritual gifts What are you good at? What do you love to do? Where do you sense God’s presence moving through you? Tell others when you see them excelling, or when you see a spiritual gift operating in their life. Your spiritual gift is your spiritual job description. 
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6).
• An evangelistic lifestyle God wants all of us to reach out to the lost. We must be involved in evangelism here at home before going overseas. We need to reach out and show acts of love and kindness to our neighbors and co-workers now. 
“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5).
• Journaling and listening to God Get a notebook and write down what God is speaking to you, what you are learning and how you see God working. Begin journaling now. It helps you to remember all that happens. God can give you direction through journaling. Your journal is your friend. 
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
• Prayer and fasting Prayer and fasting has already been mentioned but we must stress how extremely powerful this is for reaching the nations. Fast a day or a meal a week, and pray for that country or area that is on your heart and for what you want to see God do there. Discipline yourself into longer fasts as you are able. We recommend Debbie’s book called Intercessors Arise that can help you grow in your prayer life. You can purchase it at intercessorsarise.org. 
“But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:17-18).
• Bible study The Holy Spirit is given to guide and teach (John 14). There are many good books that help in Bible study. Sometimes I just read through books of the Bible, meditating on certain portions, relating them to others. For a period of six years, I (Norm) would read through the Bible from cover to cover each year. I had a chart in the front of my Bible with all the books and chapters so I could check each off as I read it. This helps to ensure that you are not purposefully leaving out the “uninteresting” parts of the Bible. “All scripture is God-breathed and is profitable.” I have noticed that the more I am in the Scriptures, the happier I am with the productivity of my life. 
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Praise, worship and thanksgiving Praise and worship are our greatest weapons against the enemy. Whenever you are going through a difficult time, have a time of radical praise, worship and thanksgiving. Everything changes. Remember that God dwells in the praises of His people. 
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:2).

Go through these areas of the disciplined life and evaluate yourself. What are your strengths and weaknesses? What areas do you need to work on now? Make it a matter of prayer. Focus your discipline on improving those areas this year. You will find it a great benefit to your life later, whether at home or overseas, and you will be a good example to others in every situation.

If a Christian is not disciplined in many of these areas he will not be very fruitful. Discipline and discipleship are one and the same. Jesus says, “if anyone would come after me.” “If” means you don’t need to unless you like, but you won’t be of any account to Me in this life unless you do. Jesus expects us to live a disciplined life. As we grow and mature in our Christian walk, we realize the importance of this truth. We become stricter with ourselves, and we do not run aimlessly. We realize that we are in strenuous training. Many times we say “No” to good things because we want the best. We know that self-denial and taking up the cross of Jesus Christ is a requirement in being His disciple.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

For additional training on mentoring in character; preparation for knowing the will of God and approved unto God: a key to God’s will, read the book called Go Forth in Power by Norman and Debbie Przybylski.

 “It is easy to imagine that we will get to a place where we are complete and ready, but preparation is not suddenly accomplished, it is a process steadily maintained. It is dangerous to get into a settled state of experience. It is preparation and (more) preparation.”

The above quote from My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers can be both encouraging and discouraging. It is meant to instruct us about the reality of Christian service and the truth that nobody is ever completely ready to do what God has called him to do, but preparation is always ongoing. A completely prepared worker in the harvest would look and act just like Jesus. There have been some good workers like the apostle Paul, Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael, etc. Yet even they would admit their struggles and desire to have more of Christ in their lives.

I (Norm) am always impressed when reading about Gideon in Judges 6. The strength of his going was in the power of God’s sending. The Lord Himself appeared to him and said in Judges 6:14, “Go in the strength you have and save. Am I not sending you?” Of course we know that Gideon, by his own admission, was the least of the lowest and an unlikely candidate for this high calling from God. The strength of Gideon’s going was not in his qualifications, but it was in the power of God’s sending. This is what we call God’s ekballo power. Ekballo is a Greek word that means to thrust, cast out, be carried along (by the Spirit). It is like a jet propulsion!

A Need to Examine the Heart

Many people have made contact with the Elijah Company saying they have a call. We often try to discourage people by “de-romanticizing” the call to be an end-times harvester.

“The sense of sacrifice appeals readily to a young Christian. Humanly speaking, the one thing that attracts to Jesus is our sense of the heroic, and the scrutiny of our Lord’s words suddenly bring this tide of enthusiasm to a test.” Oswald Chambers

Chambers goes on to say that the Lord is able to call our desire into question and purify our motives. Why do we want to serve the Lord? I can think of several wrong reasons: To experience new cultures, to escape present difficulties, to have people think we are adventurous, brave and committed, to travel and the list goes on. After twenty-five years of mission’s experience, I can testify that all these reasons fade once the difficulties and perseverance begin to cost. The Lord lets these things happen to test us. He wants us to learn self-denial and commitment with pure motives.

“If anyone desires to be my disciple, let him deny himself – that is, disregard, lose sight of and forget himself and his own interests – and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, Amplified Bible)

The issue in serving the Lord is not location or function but it is heart. That is why the Lord says in Matthew 5:23-24, “If you are bringing your gift to the alter and you remember your brother has something against you, leave your gift and first be reconciled to your brother.” Personal relationships are true reflectors of the motives of the heart. Ninety percent of everything we do in ministry has to do with developing and maintaining personal relationships. Many of us would be more willing to die as a martyr than to lay aside our personal rights reflected in these personal relationships. Dying as a martyr can have some merit for self. That is why Paul wrote to the Corinthians in I Corinthians 13:3,5, “If I give all I posses to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing. Love does not seek its own.”


Preparing For Your Call Through Self-Denial

“Are you willing to obey your Lord and Master whatever the humiliation to your right to yourself may be? You were looking for some great thing to give up. God is telling you of some tiny thing; but at the back of it there lies the central citadel of obstinacy: I will not give up my right to myself.” Oswald Chambers

Missionary life is filled with opportunities for learning self-denial. Last year we were in India. I (Debbie) brought a book with me by Amy Carmichael called A Chance to Die. It was a rugged trip with hours of traveling over bumpy roads, dangers from thieves and hours of hard endurance. When I came across a difficulty that called for self-denial, I remembered the book I was reading. I was able to say to myself, “This is a chance to die; a chance to die to myself.”

At the same time I had remembered the book by Oswald Chambers quoted above. His book is called My Utmost for His Highest. I was challenged so strongly by the life of Oswald Chambers and Amy Carmichael. The testimony of how they lived their life helped me during moments of self-denial and personal pain. If they could do it, so could I. During those difficult moments of self-denial and hardship I would say to myself, “My utmost for His highest.”

We just returned from 33 days in the Middle East. There were times of endurance on this trip as well. There is no getting away from it. If we are going to reach this world with the Gospel of Jesus, we will have to learn self-denial and sacrifice. It is going to cost us something. But we can assure you that it is worth it. Start learning self-denial right now. This will prepare you for your destiny. Jesus gave up His life. He laid it down for us. Can we expect to do less? Self-sacrifice is the way to find your true self. Don’t withdraw from suffering but learn to embrace the cross of Christ now. We encourage you to answer the following questions:

• Is there a “personal right” that you need to give up? The Holy Spirit speaks to us when we listen. What small thing is He asking of you? Listen to what He is saying, say yes to Him, and in prayer lay it down.
• Is there a person you do not like? Does the person you are thinking of stir negative emotions in you because of something they have done, or perceivably done? The greatest challenge you may face will be to pray for and speak blessing to that person.
• What are your reasons for wanting to serve the Lord? On a piece of paper write out your reasons for wanting to serve God in missions or otherwise. Evaluate and bring these before the Lord in prayer.
• What situation are you facing right now that is an opportunity for self-denial? Can you say to yourself, “This is a chance to die; a chance to die to myself”? Can you say to God “My utmost for Your highest“?

“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self” (Matthew 16:24, Message Bible).


“Today young leaders search desperately for models they can imitate and look up to. Today’s leaders live when heroes have flaws and fail and when dreams have died. When religious systems are corrupt and modern ministry does not offer a mentoring model, young leaders may end up following wrong models. Without spiritual fathers, the Church cannot achieve its ultimate destiny.” Frank Damazio

Has anyone ever told you in the midst of challenges and making important decisions to just “Go for it!” Every one of us needs this type of encouragement. Recently we had a Missionary Training Camp. It was a great experience to be able to share with those who are beginning to launch out into missions. For some it was soon and for others it was further in the distance. It was great to be together for several days, because a key to mentorship is “togetherness”. Jesus chose twelve men “that they might be with Him (Mark 3:14)”. It takes place as people share vision, model truth in life, build trusting relationships, share life experiences and work in teams.

This is what the Missionary Training Camp was like. It was great to be involved in mentoring others for missions. Mentoring is what we all long for and what we all need to be involved in personally. We notice that everyone needs encouragement to step out by faith and “Go for it!” Everyone needs someone to say, “Go for your dream.” “Go for your vision.” “Go for what God has laid on your heart!” If God has laid missions on your heart, we encourage you to “Go for it!” And in the midst of moving towards your destiny, learn some skills in the art of mentoring others.

Mentoring is not having all the answers. You don’t have to be perfect or have life all figured out. None of us would probably qualify in that case. Mentoring is listening, affirming, suggesting, sharing, and praying together. The mentoring pattern is where someone in need finds someone further along in experience with something to contribute. The requirements are spiritual maturity and missionary experience greater than the one we are mentoring. Everybody needs coaches, and everybody ought to be able to coach someone in something. Mentoring takes place when a living person whose life or ministry is used as an example indirectly imparts skills, principles and values that empower another person. At the end of our Missionary Training Camps, we pray for each individual. We believe this time of prayer along with the Camp imparts and empowers each one toward their destiny in missions. See www.elijahcompany.org for more information.

Every missionary candidate needs upward mentoring from someone who has gone before and can give direction and perspective. The mentor provides perspective, accountability and the stimulus to persevere. We desperately need this. Life is too hard to manage on our own when we enter the mission field. We want to attach ourselves to someone who is further along. Each one of us deeply wants empowerment in our calling so that we may do what God has designed us for. And each of us should look for others to mentor as well.

As you begin to think about mentoring others, there are some important qualities to look for in a mentoring relationship. Candidates for mentorship should exhibit the qualities of being teachable, flexible, humble, zealous and faithful. Candidates should know how to walk in unity and understand relational togetherness. Pray for these qualities in your own life and in the life of those you want to mentor. The apostles had these qualities. Those called to be apostolic (as being sent) in Biblical days were together with the apostles such as Peter and Mark, Barnabas and Saul, Paul and Silas, Paul and Mark, etc. The Holy Spirit uses as mentors those whom He has already developed in specific ministries to develop others in the same. As we thought about this we came to realize that ECI does not have to duplicate what the local church should already be doing. Instead we aim to accentuate the ministry of local churches in a given area by adding to their discipleship the needed component of mission.

Mentoring involves the heart. According to Proverbs 4:23, “Out of the heart flows the issues of life.” The word “disciple” is not mentioned after the book of Acts. Therefore, how did the church obey the Great Commission? When the twelve turned into thousands, these new converts sat at the feet of the apostles and had church in homes. So the actual transference of Christ’s life came through the teaching of the apostles and the life of the Holy Spirit in the body of believers. The Holy Spirit was now able to do in all believers what Jesus could only do with the twelve.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common… They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-44, 46-47)


The Importance of Mentorship

“No planned course of instruction, no classroom syllabus. Instead, He called His disciples to be with Him. Truth was not taught in abstract doctrines or regulations; it was caught in the experience of their shared life.”

We may ask ourselves, “Why is mentoring so important?” God is presently raising up fathers and mothers to mentor the upcoming younger generation and empower them for service. Here are three important reasons why each of us should be involved in a mentoring relationship.

• It is Christ-like – The model of mentorship is seen with Jesus and the twelve. Mark writes, “Jesus chose twelve men that they might be with Him.” (Mark 3:14) 

• It is proven – Encourage missionaries to get mentoring or coaching before they go out. There is absolutely no comparison in the results. Jay Moon, a missionary who planted over 24 churches in an African country was asked why he was so successful. His response was, “I was mentored by a senior missionary when I arrived.”
• It is life transference – In the modern world and especially the West, there is an abundance of discipleship material, but the component of walking hand-in-hand with new missionaries is missing. How does one learn prayer in a classroom? How does one get a degree in faith? How does one practice love for the unlovable when surrounded by friends? How does one learn perseverance by reading a book? “Jesus did not go about establishing an academy, He went about establishing a fellowship; He first majored on making friends and only later on sending out apostles.” R. E. Coleman 


Mentoring Types

“The Biblical way is on the job mentoring.”
 George Patterson

There are many different ways we can mentor others. Mentoring is not done in just one way. You may prefer some of these ways above others. Find your own style of mentoring, and seek to be involved in the various mentoring types as well.

• Discipler – Enables in the basics of following Christ.
• Spiritual Guide – Accountability, direction and insights for questions, commitment and decisions affecting spirituality and maturity.
• Coach – Motivation, skills and application needed to meet a task or a challenge.
• Counselor – Gives timely advice and correct perspectives on viewing self, others, circumstances and ministry overseas.
• Teacher – Knowledge and understanding of a particular subject.
• Sponsor – Career guidance and protection as leader moves within an organization.
• Model – A living, personal model for life, ministry or profession who is not only an example but also inspires following.
• Historical – A past life that teaches dynamic principles for life ministry or profession.

The Apostle Paul is a tremendous example of one who mentored and fathers other believers. He is one who put such a high regard and priority on mentoring. This is what he said to the church in Thessalonica, and this is what we desire in our lives:

“As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who called you into his kingdom and glory.” I Thessalonians 2:6-12

For additional training for missions, read the book called Go Forth in Power by Norman and Debbie Przybylski.

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom but on God’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5).

As many of you are preparing for overseas work, it is essential that you become God’s light right here where you now live and work. All missionary candidates preparing for overseas ministry should be involved in evangelism. An individual cannot automatically become a missionary by crossing the ocean. Missions and a heart for the lost must be cultivated at home first. As we are faithful to God right now, He will empower us to be His witnesses everywhere we go. We will then expect to see His power manifested as we go into mission’s work. The harvest is ripe, and Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He promises that miracles will accompany those who go and preach the good news!

We decided to make evangelism a priority in our lives. We try to be a witness on a daily basis. Sometimes we fail, but our hearts’ desire is to be His witness to the lost wherever we go; whether we are in our neighborhood, in a place of business, or traveling. The key is to have an evangelistic outlook on life. I guarantee that this will make all the difference in the world for you. It is just too easy to yield to the enemy’s strategy of closing ourselves off from the world. He will tell us we don’t have time or that people will reject us. The truth is that the world is ready to hear the good news. God has increased the hunger in the lost almost everywhere. And God is also doing the miraculous. We have seen people come out of comas and get healed in the Name of Jesus. God wants to show the unsaved that He cares and is the answer to their life’s need.

“Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35)

God’s Power Operating Through You

We are messengers of God who are empowered by the Holy Spirit with the delegated authority to proclaim the glad tidings and good news of the Gospel, unrestricted and with freedom, to a lost and dying world. God has anointed, us, His people, to manifest God’s power by mighty works, deeds and miracles.

This is my description of what evangelism really is from a combination of dictionary definitions from Vines Expository Dictionary. What does it mean to have God’s power operating through you in evangelism? The noun “dunamis” in the word “power” means “ability, might, of that which manifests God’s power, of mighty works, mighty deeds, and miracles.” Everything you do in demonstrating God’s might that touches the life of another is His power. It’s His ability reaching out to the unsaved and not your own. It’s the demonstration of His life flowing through you in every act, the fragrance of His Presence, when you minister to the lost.

The noun also is “exousia” which denotes “freedom of action, right to act, unrestricted, authority delegated“. The body of Christ has been restricted too long. We have a right to act and share Christ with others. People are lost, and many of them are searching for truth. God has commissioned us to freely speak His words of life about Jesus. We are ambassadors of Christ, having a ministry of reconciliation for those who have been separated from Him.

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

The verb “exousiazo” in the word “power” means “to exercise authority, have authority, of the power of rulers, to be brought under the power of a thing.” We must learn to exercise this authority. It is ours to use fully for God’s glory. It is “committed to those who on becoming believers, were empowered by the spirit of God, are indwelt by Him, and will exercise it hereafter for God’s glory.” We are empowered by the spirit of God for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. The word evangelism or evangelist is “evangelizo” and means “a messenger of good, to proclaim glad tidings and good news, gospel.”

There is no greater joy than sharing the gospel with those who do not know Christ. God has given the body of Christ authority to reach out to the lost with a demonstration of His power and anointing. Because you are one who is interested in world harvest and are preparing to reach the nations, we encourage you to get involved in some form of evangelism and pray for those who are lost. You are God’s messenger empowered by the Holy Spirit with authority! Listed below are some ways to begin to pray for the lost. Prayer will be a key to your fruitfulness because prayer and outreach go together. This will help you grow in your call and will prepare you for your destiny. Don’t let the enemy fool you. Reaching out to the lost will bless you in every area of your life. God even redeems your time, and the wonderful joy of the Lord becomes your strength.


How to Pray as You Reach Out to the Lost

“Oh, when will Christians learn the great truth that what God in heaven desires to do needs prayer on earth as its indispensable condition. It is as we realize this that we will see that intercession is the chief element in the conversion of souls.” Andrew Murray

• Pray that God would minister to the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of the lost. Pray that He would use you to touch their real needs by demonstrating His love and care. “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners… to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:1, 3) 

• Pray for God to open the spiritual eyes of the Lord and set them free from spiritual captivity. Pray that they might have ears to hear the truth and understand it. “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (II Corinthians 4:3-4) 

• Pray for opportunities to get to know the lost in the area where you live and work. Ask God to help you build relationships and identify with them. Pray that you might be a fragrance of Christ. “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” (I Corinthians 9:22-23)

• Pray for opportunities to witness and have boldness in witnessing at the right time. Pray that God will send others into their life to witness as well. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; making the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:2-5)

A Prayer for the Lost

“Father, we confess that we want to see change in our lives. Give us such a heart and passion after you that we may begin to see your glory flow out of us to convict and save the lost. Release your presence through us as you did through Charles Finney when he walked through factories and saw workers drop to their knees under your glory and cried out for forgiveness although not one word had been spoken or preached. May the faintest shadow of your presence in our lives heal the sick and restore the lame we meet in the streets. Let your presence so saturate us that unsaved guests can’t step into our homes or be around us with unrepentant hearts. May your glory bring conviction in their lives that lead to salvation, not because of the words we say but because of your presence and power in our hearts. May we be filled with the glory of God where your presence resides in every neighborhood and where every person passing through is touched by the power of God.” Prayer by Tommy Tenney

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph – as trophies of Christ’s victory – and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

For additional training in setting nations free; an anointing for missions, a passion that will burn like fire and the power to set nations free, read the book called Go Forth in Power by Norman and Debbie Przybylski.

Go Forth In Power

Chapter 1 – Mentoring in the Example of Elijah

Going out in the spirit and power of Elijah is key to reaching the nations. Learn from the life of Elijah the necessity of living a crucified life of fearless dedication to God. Elijah learned the secret of prevailing prayer. He lived by faith and experienced the power of God in his life. Discover how you can develop these qualities in your own life. Find out how to believe in an extraordinary God.

Chapter 2 – Mentoring in Your Call

Each one of us has a sense of destiny in our hearts. In this chapter learn how to discover your destiny in missions. Find out how to prepare for your call through experience and mentoring. Learn the secret of fasting and prayer in missionary preparation and how to personally incorporate it in your life.

Chapter 3 – Mentoring in Character

Discover the process of preparation for knowing the will of God and the necessity of character development in this chapter. Learn how to prepare to be approved unto God and the secrets of a disciplined missionary life.

Chapter 4 – Mentoring in Relationships

Good relationships are a challenge on the mission field. Find out what contributes to poor relationships and ways to build good relationships. Discover the necessity of unity and humility and how to facilitate unity on your team. Find out what mentoring is and why it is needed. Learn how to empower others to their full potential through mentoring.

Chapter 5 – Mentoring in Support

In this chapter you will discover the role of senders and how to build your own support team. Learn how to communicate through newsletters by knowing the important factors in communicating with those at home. Learn from the Moravian example the secrets of developing a sending base.

Chapter 6 – Mentoring in Culture

What are the characteristics of a cross-cultural worker? Find out what God looks for in choosing a potentially successful cross-cultural worker. Discover the reality of culture shock and practical ways you can effectively overcome it in your own life. Learn ways to adapt cross-culturally. Become aware of the Biblical examples of Jesus and Paul and how they related in cross-cultural situations.

Chapter 7 – Mentoring in Spiritual Warfare

In this chapter you will discover ways to maintain your relationships in the midst of spiritual warfare. You will also learn how to maintain your peace and gain the ability to persevere in times of testing. Find out the power of worship and why worship is essential for you, the warring missionary, to achieve God’s purposes in your life. Move into praise producing faith.

Chapter 8 – Mentoring in Personal Freedom

Deepen your knowledge of God, your Father, and enlarge the understanding of your relationship with Him. Recognize that every missionary faces mental attacks and learn how to triumph on this battlefield. A major strategy of warfare is intimidation and fear. Find out ways to deal with the fears of failure, rejection, punishment and shame. Discover the ways to destroy false beliefs.

Chapter 9 – Mentoring in Breaking Strongholds

In this chapter, you will discover how to recognize and destroy destructive strongholds in your mind. Learn powerful weapons to use against them. Understand the strength of a mind set firmly upon God. Discover the secret of choosing life over death on a daily basis by making God, His Name and His Word your stronghold.

Chapter 10 – Mentoring in Setting Nations Free

You have a yearning to be in missions work. Now, learn how to walk in the anointing for missions and develop that passionate lifestyle. Find out the benefits of prayer and fasting in missionary work. Discover how to pray as you reach out to the lost. Understand the necessary steps in forgiving others and how that enables you to see nations set free.

Chapter 11 – The Elijah Company Manifesto

Find out about the Elijah Company manifesto, our reason for existence, what we do and the training we provide. Learn about the strategy of missionary mentorship and our emphasis on prayer in missions. Find out about the ministry of Intercessors Arise. Discover how to go out in the spirit and power of Elijah.

Ascending the Heights in Prayer
Touching Heaven – Changing Earth

Chapter 1 – The Intercessor and Powerful Prayer

God wants us to be powerful intercessors. Learn the keys to power in intercession. Find out how to cultivate the spirit of intercession in your personal life through practicing God’s presence, praying the Word of God and learning to wait on God in prayer. Discover the tremendous power there is in corporate intercession by looking at the example of the Korean Church and the secret to their success.

Chapter 2 – The Intercessor and Personal Prayer

In this chapter find the methods and benefits of prayer journaling. Silent contemplation of God is a special dimension in prayer that few of us have grasped. Discover the benefits of communing heart-to-heart with God. Learn how to spend a day in prayer and how to pray for personal revival. Find out the blessing of repentance and bringing your heart into alignment with God’s heart.

Chapter 3 – The Intercessor and Biblical Prayer

Learn how to present your petitions in the courtroom of Heaven. Discover why the Word of God is so important in prayer. This chapter will motivate you to take hold of God’s Word and apply it to every circumstance you face. Learn the power of positive confession and the secret of praying with confidence.

Chapter 4 – The Intercessor and Refined Prayer

Why does God let you go through the refiner’s fire? Find out the answer and how you can respond in the right way to trials. The dark night of the soul is a common occurrence to all who are seeking hard after God. Learn how to face this challenging experience victoriously. God is training His intercessors in deeper levels of intercession, such as travailing prayer to bring His desires to birth. Learn how to move into these spiritual breakthroughs.

Chapter 5 – The Intercessor and Believing Prayer

In this chapter find out how you can increase your faith for intercession through ways such as practicing positive confession, praying with expectancy and pushing past your limitations. Discover what it means to pray in Jesus’ Name and with His authority. Discover how intercession is the link between Heaven and Earth, and learn how to pray for His will to invade your nation.

Chapter 6 – The Intercessor and Relational Prayer

Discover the benefits of praying together and how to find a good prayer partner. There is beauty in God’s diversity because God has many dimensions. Consider the unique individuality of intercessors and their many different prayer styles. God is raising up young prayer warriors. Learn how to cultivate prayer in children and how to model a passion for Jesus. Find out ways to develop prayer in your family and how to pray for your children.

Chapter 7 – The Intercessor and Worshipping Prayer

God wants us to be thankful in all circumstances. Learn some of the many ways to thank God. Find out the secret of choosing to praise God in challenging circumstances and how praise paves the way for the blessings of God to manifest in our lives. Choosing to praise overcomes the enemy in every dimension. God wants us to be worship warriors. Learn how to ascend in worship and descend in war.

Chapter 8 – The Intercessor and Watchful Prayer

Life is filled with options and activity. We must learn to concentrate on prayer. Find out the three dimensions of listening prayer, and learn through the example of Moses. Discover how the ear hears, the voice persistently claims, and the eye expectantly looks. God is raising up watchmen for this hour. Learn how to seize the moment in watchful prayer.

Chapter 9 – The Intercessor and Leadership Prayer

Christian leaders and the Church need prayer. Discover how to pray for your pastor. Learn how to effectively pray for missionaries who are on the frontlines of battle. There is a direct correlation between prayers here and success on the field. We have the privilege of praying for the Church worldwide. Learn how to pray for the Church through praying for a spirit of wisdom and revelation, unity, maturity and hope.

Chapter 10 – The Intercessor and Warfare Prayer

In this chapter discover how to maintain victory in spiritual warfare. Learn the benefits of fasting. Discover how fasting intensifies prayer, and learn how you can incorporate fasting into your life. Discover the rules of warfare in breaking strongholds over cities and nations. Find out the qualities necessary in order to be a prayer warrior for God’s Kingdom. Learn how to pray for your country’s leaders.

Chapter 11 – The Intercessor and Evangelistic Prayer

How can we prepare for the harvest? This chapter tells you how you can pray for the lost. It also includes a prayer for repentance and a prayer for God’s presence. Learn how to let your light shine by praying, caring and sharing Christ with your neighbors and co-workers. Discover compassion as the pathway to divine power and how to invite the compassionate Christ into your neighborhood.

         Other Links

• Books page
• Intercessors Arise
• Go Forth In Power

Intercessors Arise
Personal Prayer That Changes the World


Chapter 1 – The Intercessor and Intimacy

Intimacy is key to a life of intercession, but how do we grow in intimacy with God? Learn the secret of becoming a best friend with God through practicing His presence. Grow in your intimacy, and learn how to have a sustained pursuit after God’s own heart. Only God can meet the longings of our hearts. This chapter will awaken you to a fascinating life with God.

Chapter 2 – The Intercessor and Worship

We are created for worship. In this chapter find out how you can have a lifestyle of worship, and discover the magnificent splendor of God. Learn the power of a thankful heart and how to enjoy a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving. You will discover that this is where true contentment lies.

Chapter 3 – The Intercessor and Passion

Looking at the passionate prayer life of Jesus will lead you into a deep passion in prayer also. There is power in crying out in prayer. Find out how God answered the cries of His people over and over again and how you, too, can pray in this powerful way. Learn the characteristics of revival passion and prayer that leads to revival.

Chapter 4 – The Intercessor and Faith

Faith must inspire our prayers to God. Learn how delays develop and enlarge our faith. This chapter will help you learn to pray for the impossible and accept difficult prayer assignments without giving up. You will find that your willingness and weakness plus God’s will and supernatural power will give God unlimited opportunity to bless your life circumstances.

Chapter 5 – The Intercessor and Character

In this chapter you will discover the beauty of humility and brokenness. Learn characteristics of the lips of the righteous and find out how the power of the tongue can bring words that uplift and bring grace. Become aware that heart attitude is more important than any type of sacrifice. Discover how to have joy in the secret place of prayer and how to avoid the destroyers of joy. Receive understanding in ways to break through into fruitful and effective prayer.

Chapter 6 – The Intercessor and Stillness

Waiting on God with a listening ear is essential in an intercessor’s life. Discover the benefits of waiting for God to speak and how He brings forth resurrection life. Learn to be still and quiet the busy world around you. How do we hear God’s voice? Find guidelines to help you. In this chapter you will learn to walk in the purposes of God in your life. Waiting with Him is a time of joy and the key to your effectiveness.

Chapter 7 – The Intercessor and the Bible

Praying the Bible will enhance your prayer life by revealing the benefits and power of employing God’s Word in a very practical way. Learn how to pray the promises of God. This chapter is designed to ignite a hunger in you for the Word of God and how to use it in your intercession. Learn the value of meditation and how to meditate on God’s Word daily. 

Chapter 8 – The Intercessor and Discipline

Discipline and perseverance is important in the life of intercession. Discover the Apostle Paul’s persistent prayer life. In this chapter you will receive understanding as to how you can cultivate diligence and perseverance in prayer, even in difficult situations. Learn about burden-bearing intercession and how to carry God’s heartfelt burdens in a proper way. Plus, you will discover the rewards of such intercession.

Chapter 9 – The Intercessor and Fasting

Receive motivation for fasting as you discover its necessity and beauty. In this chapter, you will find out how fasting purifies us and brings us into a deeper relationship with Christ. Discover in Scripture the various fasts, the biblical characters who fasted and why they fasted. Learn how to fast effectively and correctly. In Isaiah 58, we will point out the many benefits of fasting. 

Chapter 10 – The Intercessor and Purpose

Discover how to pray God’s purpose rather than your problems. Learn how to live and to pray in a more focused and purposeful lifestyle. Find out in this chapter how to eliminate distractions in your prayer life. Learn how to discover God’s purposes and plans through listening prayer, prayer that makes you sensitive to hear God’s heart desires. 

Chapter 11 – The Intercessor and Strongholds

In this chapter, you will discover how to destroy destructive strongholds in your mind. Learn powerful weapons to use against them. Find out the ways to discover and deal with these strongholds. You will receive understanding about the law of sowing and reaping and how to deal with generational sins. Discover the secret of choosing life over death on a daily basis by making God and His Word your stronghold.

Chapter 12 – The Intercessor and Forgiveness

Forgiveness is vital to a fruitful prayer life. In this chapter, you will learn how to walk in forgiveness on a daily basis. You will discover the hindrances to forgiving others and how to access the freedom of forgiveness. Ways to seek forgiveness from God and from others are given as well as steps in forgiving others. Discover the power of forgiveness, and enter into this freedom today!

Chapter 13 – The Intercessor and Revival

This chapter will help you to prepare for revival personally as well as corporately. You will learn from the examples of past revivals as you discover the characteristics of revival and the supernatural heartfelt fire of revival. Find out how revival brings supernatural manifestations, spontaneous workings, conviction of sin, and a new God-consciousness. God wants to awaken His Church.

Chapter 14 – The Intercessor and the Kingdom of God

So often intercessors do not realize their authority in prayer. How do we intercede with authority? This chapter will help you to pray with authority as royal priests. You will learn how to prepare the way for the King in your neighborhood, city or nation. You will discover ways to pray strategically for your government. 

Chapter 15 – The Intercessor and the World

In this chapter you will discover God’s heart for individuals and nations. You will be motivated to bring the touch of Jesus to others through personal prayer. Learn the secret of prayerwalking, and use these guidelines to reach your own neighborhood or city. Receive understanding in how to pray strategically for countries. Discover the joy of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world!

         Other Links

• Books page
• Intercessors Arise
• Go Forth In Power

Prayer and Counseling

CBN – 700 Club

The 700 Club offers prayer and counseling 24 hours a day. Their website offers online submission of prayer requests for:

• Salvation
• Healing
• Finances
• Family
• Emotions
• Drugs/Alcohol
• Sexual Problems
• Suicide
• Other

They can be reached at (800) 759-0700 or at their Prayer and Counseling page.

World Prayer Team

The World Prayer Team at the World Prayer Center in Colorado Springs, CO operates a dynamic interactive prayer site where you can submit prayer requests and have them displayed golobally. You can also initiate a session where you can pray for the needs of others has they are displayed before you.