In recent months, a revelatory perspective concerning prayer and intercession has deeply penetrated me. The principle of praying from victory and not toward it rests upon my heart and soul. I cannot get away from it.
I seem to be engaged in a process that has me pondering and devoting chunks of my time in contemplative thought. So activate your heart and mind as I share some of my musings. A basic question must be addressed and answered: Where are we seated?
Years ago, I was on a plane sitting at a window seat while circling over New York City. The Holy Spirit whispered to me, “This is the best position.” I contemplated what the Holy Spirit meant as I peered from a heavenly vantage point, looking down over one of the most beloved cities on Earth. I quietly heard again, “This is the best position for prayer: looking down.”
This phrase has been stuck inside me for years now. It has shifted some of my understanding and approach towards intercession. Do we pray up through territorial spirits of darkness to reach the throne of God, or do we declare down and release something? As New Covenant believers in Christ Jesus, you and I are already seated with Christ at the Father’s right hand.
And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, which He performed in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principalities, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet and made Him the head over all things for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all things in all ways (Eph. 1:19-23).
“And He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6).
As New Covenant believers, we are already seated with Christ in the heavenly places. This is not just future-oriented; it is a present-tense reality. So why, then, are we positioned there and what are we to do from that position? Hmmm. Priests minister to the Lord, but kings sit on thrones and issues decrees and proclamations! (Always keep in mind, we are priests first and kings second.)
Part of the majesty of being a new creation in Christ is that we ascend in worship and then descend in spiritual warfare. If this is the case, we must not only sit on Jesus’ lap and soak, but we must do something. Let’s come up higher to function as kings and proclaim something!
The Simplicity and Power of Proclamation
One morning, a very clear word from the Holy Spirit came to me: “It is time to make a worldwide impact by calling forth the watchmen to the prophetic power of proclamation.” That word has rattled some of my old mindsets and is shifting my prayer posture.
Let’s take a look at the definition of this term “proclamation” or declaration. To proclaim is to announce, declare, ascribe, call out, cry, invite, preach, pronounce, publish, read and herald. One of the primary Scripture verses on proclamation comes from Deuteronomy 32:3-4:
“For I will proclaim the name of the Lord: Ascribe greatness to our God! He is the Rock; His work is perfect; for all His ways are just. He is a God of faithfulness and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.”
His works are perfect. His ways are just. He is faithful. He does no wrong. Do we really believe this? Do I really believe this? If so, what change does this require? How does this affect the way I live my life?
4 Core Values With Which to Align
In addition to expanding my thinking related to prayer and proclamation, I have recently been challenged to re-evaluate some of my other core beliefs. The traumatic life experiences of the past 14 years have caused me to honestly re-examine the basic relational premises I have toward God. So I am letting the Holy Spirit identify and jackhammer up any false belief systems in me so that they can be replaced with His truth.
This process hasn’t been easy, but has been incredibly rewarding.
After much soul-searching, I have discovered at least four core values to which I have aligned my heart. Join me in believing:
1. God is good all the time.
2. Nothing is impossible with God.
3. Everything that needed to be accomplished was done at Calvary.
4. You and I are ambassadors of Christ and carry His delegated regal authority.
These four values are key in shaping our attitudes and expectations. Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30b). We do not fight for victory; we fight from victory. False humility will deny our destinies, but true humility will take us to them. So let’s take this a few steps further and add in the power of proclamation.
10 Declarations to Make Over Your Life
1. I am a lover of God: My chief aim and goal of life is to worship God and to bring pleasure to Him.
2. I am a lover of people: I live to engage the journey of learning to love others, expecting nothing in return.
3. I am generous: I live to give because it is better to give than to only receive.
4. I am an empowerer: I live to help others fulfill their destinies, dreams, visions and desires.
5. I am fruitful: As I abide in Christ, I bear much fruit in every area of life.
6. I am righteous and just: I have received the gift of righteousness. and I live to see God’s righteousness and justice fill the earth.
7. I am greatly favored: I am highly favored by God, and I live to brighten the lives of others.
8. I am blessed: Jesus came to give me abundant life, and I am here to share His blessed life with others.
9. I am full of faith: I live to believe God’s promises are true, and I am full of transforming faith.
10. I am a creator of realms and atmospheres: I live to fill the earth with Christ’s goodness, righteousness and the glory of God.
Join me in ministering as priests unto the Lord through the power of praise and worship. Let’s arise into the heavenly throne room as we come to the one true God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s take our place.
Now as kings seated with Christ in the heavenly places, let’s see the temporary powers of darkness flee as we align ourselves with God’s Word. Let’s proclaim together, “God is good and His mercies endure forever! Things are changing. Heaven is coming to earth! Something good is about to happen! {eoa}
Be sure to tune in to my podcast, “God Encounters Today,” on the Charisma Podcast Network. Click here to subscribe!
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