The Tree of Life Community
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A quiet place – The Prayer Chapel Convert small back conference room into sanctuary
Replace small upper window with stained glass (antique?) Cut small window in door, also stained glass Simple cross on far wall to left of window Small wooden table with open Bible underneath Maps of Monroe County, Holy Land on near wall Simple symbolic decoration, indirect lighting A kneeling bench with a few old pews or several chairs
Open for quiet prayer during the day
Monthly His Branches prayer meetings (in Chapel or conference room beside)
Other times when intercessors come in as well
Receive vision of Monroe County as a Redeemed Community Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven What would community look like, specifically? Develop teams dedicated to concerted prayer Like RPO orchestral concerts Each person has their part to play Common score sheets A lot of practicing Like practicing medicine or law Group activities and gatherings Goal: Rochester fulfills its ordained destiny
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"And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." Revelation 5.8
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An active network – The Shadow Government
A team of designated spiritual armor bearers for leaders Government Mayor, County Exec, and Town Supervisors City Council, County Legislators Police, Sheriffs, Judges, courts and jails NET offices and Sector leaders Community United Way, YMCA, etc. Neighborhood organizations Churches Each pastor and elder/deacon/council member (these designated from within church)
Intercessors are trained, equipped, and assigned Accountable to Intercessory Council Not to become politically involved Not to give advice or become part of organization Completely non-threatening, nonpartisan Arrange to meet their leader regularly for brief visits Get to know the individual personally over time Gather list of prayer concerns and then PRAY
Some focused prayer on particular community needs Might be geographical, like The Crescent
Periodic gatherings of entire prayer community Group worship and intercession only No political overtones
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"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." 1 Timothy 1.1-2. |
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A growing movement – Who is My Neighbor?
Teaching throughout the Body of Christ locally
Articulate vision for a redeemed community Pulpit messages, group teaching experiences Printed materials, brochures, guides, maps Invite Holy Spirit into personal life, then into family, neighborhood, city
Practical teaching on how to pray for and love our neighbors The people who live on either side and across the street Our coworkers, bosses, and those who work under us
Simple plan that anyone can grasp and follow Encourage each believer to make a list of neighbors Make intentional plans to meet each one regularly Specific, focused object: "We are praying for our neighbors." "How are you, and how can we be praying for you?" Let relationships grow out of shared prayer concerns Similar to Shadow Government but everywhere Non-threatening, no ulterior motives, no giving of advise No persuasion or interference with their lives
Could develop into neighborhood prayer cells Would happen if revival broke out Not affiliated with specific churches Spontaneous as the Spirit led
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"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10.27; Deuteronomy 6.5; Leviticus 19.18. |
