April 2008

Note From Our Executive Director:

“Prayer is not a preparation for battle; it is the battle."                                                    - LENORD RAVENHILL

         Greetings Canada’s Kneeling Army,

I pray that this letter finds you abiding and abounding in all of the sufficient grace of Almighty God as you prepare to go into your prayer closets and prayer gatherings this First Friday. Matthew 7 says, “7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”  This should be an exciting scripture for anyone who joyfully cries out to Almighty God every First Friday for spiritual transformation to take place from coast to coast to coast across this great nation we live in and love dearly!

Verse 8 says, “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  Friends, this truth reminds us that everyone – not just the few or the most worthy, but everyone – who asks will receive. There is enough truth in this one scripture to shake this entire nation if we take it as Jesus declares it! Remember last month when our focus was to hold onto our confession of faith. Let’s build on that this month, keeping in mind that the disciples, like ourselves, were crossing over into uncharted waters (Luke 8:22-25) and were given a command from the Lord, but they began to lose heart when they listened to the whispers of death instead of the Lord’s command.

During this month of April, we turn our attention to an incident where an intercessor’s prayer was answered, but God seemed strangely silent. This account begs the question, “What do you do when you’re in a hurry and it doesn’t appear that God is?” Daniel 10:12-13 sheds some light on this very relevant question. “12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.” 

Many times our prayer is delayed because of demonic activity. While we are waiting, however, we must be committed to staying grounded in our confession. While we are waiting, remember that Jesus said, “Don’t give up!” Luke 8:1, “ought always to pray.. “ was as relevant for the First Century believer as it is for us today. It reminds us that when we pray it reaches through a world of spirits, and the devil is ready to stop any good thing from getting through. Never forget that God answers immediately when we pray. However, as we’ve seen time and time again in scripture, it may take time for the answer to reach us in the natural. FACT: Answers to prayer always take some time. FACT: We are in danger of fainting while we wait. FACT: God always gives us one of three answers – yes, no, or wait. FACT: Don’t give up; hold onto your confession and remember it’s your profession!

Touching and agreeing,

Brian Warren

Executive Director, CIP

FROM THE TRENCH

Dear Friends,

How great is the mercy and grace of our God!! God has once again been giving me a sobering glimpse of His holiness and sovereignty. It is only by His incredible and unchanging mercy that He does not treat us as our sins deserve (Ezra 9:13). I have been drawn back to the letter I wrote in “From the Trench” in July 2007, as I feel like I am once again in a very similar place. I know that righteousness and integrity are things that God is requiring of me. But even more than that, it’s my heart He desires. And I know that God does not show favouritism (Galatians 2:6), so this is a season He is bringing His entire Body into – He is holding us to greater accountability for what is in our hearts, because He is jealous for our love and devotion.

What I am realizing is that we cannot perform for Him or try to earn His approval or His promises by what we do outwardly. This is only acting in pride, and does not win His favour. Yet, we must still seek Him and love Him with all of our hearts and be obedient. He is exhorting us to continue in our pursuit of Him, receiving His love, hearing His voice, and saying “yes” to everything He commands, trusting HIM to help us to do what we need to, and give us joy in the process (Psalm 16:11)!

God tells us in 1 Samuel 15:22 that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Jesus told the religious leaders, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.” (Matt. 23:25) Now, this is not meant for us to come under condemnation (for there is none – Romans 8:1). Let’s take a look at this in the light of the character of our righteous but loving God (Psalm 145:17) who is jealous for us and does not want us to be betrothed to anyone or anything else but Him (2 Corinthians 11:2). To obey Him is to love Him (1 John 5:3). So what He is really reminding us is that we don’t have to perform – we just have to love Him, and remember that He cares more about the inward state of our hearts than He does about the outward things we do. When our hearts are in the right place, we will automatically desire to walk in obedience to Him, and He will give us the grace to do so if we remain in submission to Him. He doesn’t require that we know everything all at once and do everything perfectly, but only that we keep surrendering our hearts and crying out to Him and for Him consistently and continually, taking baby steps as we follow His leading. He just wants our devotion and our dependence, not our striving to perform outward duties in an effort to please Him. His passion is to be our First Love.

Friends, we don’t have to get anxious or worn out trying to discipline our own selves and do everything we think we should be doing by ourselves. We only need to love Him. And in the midst of the storm, we need only throw ourselves at the feet of our Almighty God and cry out for mercy, receive His grace and His help to do what He wills, and then respond in obedience, believing that His purpose for us is good (Jer. 29:11) and that in our weakness His strength will be made perfect (2 Cor. 12:9).

Let me remind you, as our Heavenly Father has been so gracious and merciful to remind me, that “HE LOVES YOU!” And “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

Loving Him,

Karen Schmidsrauter

News Director, CIP

PRAISE REPORTS

- Give glory to Almighty God for the Promise Keepers gathering, Pure Power, that took place in Winnipeg, MB in March. 2000 men gathered, heard powerful speakers, had amazing worship, connected with the Lord, and experienced transformation in their lives.

- Praise God for a successful MissionFest ’08 in Toronto, ON in March. Give thanks for the student volunteers who willingly served, for the speakers, leaders and coordinators, and for the lives that were impacted and commissioned through this event. Give glory to God for the intercessors who prayed faithfully throughout, and for the word He gave them from 2 Kings 4:1. Praise the Lord for pouring out His Spirit and filling empty vessels through this event so that they can go out and make a difference with their lives. Continue to pray for transformed lives and lasting fruit.

- Praise God for a powerful time of prayer as young people gathered for “TheCRY Edmonton”, which took place in March. Coordinators have been overwhelmed by the powerful testimonies they have been hearing, and are thanking Almighty God for His faithfulness in answering prayer so tangibly. Please continue to agree with them that this event will be the catalyst to launch a new move of passion and prayer that will ripple through the nation.

PRAYER-DRIVEN EVANGELISM

- Please intercede for the city of Winnipeg, MB, as they have been cited as having the third highest crime rate for homicides, sexual crimes, break-ins, and car thefts. Agree with them as they continue to persevere in prayer, repentance and submission, that the Lord will bring transformation in the city. Pray God’s word that as His people, who are called by His name, humble themselves and pray and seek His face, He will hear from Heaven and heal their land. (2 Chron. 7:14).

- Pray also for the issue of inner city poverty that is so significant in Winnipeg. Intercede for believers working in local inner city churches as they reach out to the people of their neighborhoods with the love of God.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Prince Edward Island:

- Intercede for believers throughout PEI, that their love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that they may approve the things that are excellent, that they may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

Nova Scotia:

- Pray for “Weekend of Grace”, an Annual Regional Women’s Conference, being held on April 18 – 20 in Halifax. Pray that the women who participate will grow in their faith, and that they will be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that they may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:9-10). Pray that they will discover their unique vocation as women and the divine mission that God has called them to, and that they will be renewed by the love of Jesus and strengthened by the Holy Spirit during this time.

- Please intercede for the “Metro Keswick Convention” in Lower Sackville (Halifax) on April 5 – 9. Pray for unity (Gal. 3:28) and that the Holy Spirit will be poured out as local believers gather together to seek the Lord and learn from Him as they focus on the theme of ‘Transformation’. Pray that they will know and experience the resurrection power of Jesus and leave transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2)!

New Brunswick:

- Continue to lift up the Renovare Conference taking place on April 11 – 12 in Moncton. Agree with coordinators for 800 participants, and pray that this conference will help them to come into a greater place of abiding in Christ so that they can bear much fruit, fruit that will last (John 15:4). Pray for the speakers, that they will speak boldly, as they ought to speak, and make known the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 6:19-20). Continue to cry out for the Holy Spirit to be poured out all across Atlantic Canada, and for an awakening of hunger for Jesus Christ.

Newfoundland & Labrador:

- Please pray for “After Happily Ever After: The Adventure Of A Lasting Marriage” in St. John’s on April 29. Pray for the couples who participate, that this evening will be an encouragement and will provide them with a fresh perspective on what it means to enjoy the adventure of marriage. Agree with coordinators that the Holy Spirit will give them greater revelation of romance, intimacy and their role in marriage so that their marriages can reflect Jesus Christ and bring Him glory.

Quebec:

- Cry out to Almighty God to raise up intercessors and those who are committed to pray for their cities and province throughout Quebec. Pray that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving will be made for all men in this region. Pray for all who are in authority, that believers in the province may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Nunavut:

- Pray for the people living in Nunavut, that they may live. Intercede that they will have a revelation of their sin and will repent and turn from it, that they will call on the name of the Lord and be saved. (Genesis 20:6-7; Acts 2:21)

Northwest Territories:

- Labor fervently in prayer for all believers throughout the Northwest Territories, that they may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12)

Yukon Territory:

- Please pray for the Church in the Yukon, that their love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that they may approve the things that are excellent, that they may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

Manitoba:

- Pray for the intercessors and pastors meeting in Winnipeg on April 1. Agree with them as they persevere in pressing in to the Lord, and as they excitedly prepare for the “Love Winnipeg” event happening in May. Pray that will know the Lord in a deeper way, and that His love will spread out to all areas of their province.

Saskatchewan:

- Pray for the Body of Christ throughout Saskatchewan, that God will count them worthy of his calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in them, and they in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Alberta:

- Please pray that God’s people in Alberta will cry out to Him to grant them wisdom, that He will give it to them liberally and without reproach. Pray that they will have singleness of mind and ask in faith, with no doubting, so that they can receive what they ask for. (James 1:5-8)

British Columbia:

- Pray for the “World Impact ’08” Conference being held on April 20 - 23 in Prince George. Intercede in agreement with coordinators that Almighty God will raise up leaders in every generation who will stand strong in moments of challenge and controversy, and who are ready to influence their generation. Pray for the speakers and worship leaders, that they will hear from the Holy Spirit and be His vessels to speak and impart His word into the hearts of the Christian leaders who attend from the region and beyond. Pray that many will be encouraged and equipped through this time.

- Please pray for the “No Apologies” Conference on April 3 in Coquitlam. Agree with facilitators that, through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, those who attend will recognize the weapons they have been given to defend their Christian Faith to those around them and in the public square. Pray that the truth will set them free to share Christ with love and boldness, and be the aroma of Christ to those who are perishing (2 Cor. 2:15).

Ontario:

- Please pray for prayer meeting being held on April 5 in preparation for the Global Day of Prayer 2008 event in Toronto. Agree with the leadership as they continue to listen to God’s voice and seek His wisdom, direction and favour. Pray according to 2 Chron. 7:14, that “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.”

- Intercede for this month’s “24 Hour Worship and Prayer” gathering in Toronto from April 18 – 19. Pray that those who participate will come before God in submission, with pure and humble hearts, and be able to enter His throne room and petition Him for His will to be done in their city and region. Pray that they will be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Colossians 1:9), and be heard because of their reverent submission (Hebrews 5:7).

- Pray for several Messianic Passover Seders taking place in the Toronto area on April 23 and 26. Pray that Jews and non-Jews, believers and unbelievers alike, will attend and come to a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ the Messiah and His resurrection power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1:17-23). Pray for God’s Spirit of adoption to be released, that those who do not yet know Christ will believe and receive Him. Pray that for believers these events will be joyful celebrations and help to bring greater cultural and biblical understanding of the significance of the Passover.

- Intercede for the Greater Hamilton Prayer Summit 2008, being held on April 21 – 23 in Puslinch (near Guelph). Agree with them as local ministry leaders join together for a time of refreshing, relationship-building, prayer, and seeking the Lord for His vision, direction, favour and covering for the season ahead.

CANADA:

- Pray for the field of media throughout Canada, that those in authority and those reporting will hear, believe and receive God’s truth, and be saved. Cry out that the news will be reported fairly and completely, and that God’s acts of mercy in society – even through the Church – will be seen and He will be glorified. Pray that godly and God-fearing people will rise to positions of influence in this industry. Pray that reporters will have God’s perspective into their stories, and will exemplify integrity, high morals, and the courage to pursue and report the truth. Ask the Lord to give them boldness to stand in the face of pressure and lobby groups.

- Please intercede for the “40 Day Prayer Ramp: Helping Canada take off for Evangelism”, which will be taking place across Canada from April 23 to June 1. Various ministries and individuals from coast to coast to coast will be joining together in prayer-driven evangelism through daily prayer devotionals, weekly prayer conference calls, resources on the website, and encouragement from facilitators. Pray that as the Body of Christ humbles ourselves, and prays and seeks God’s face, and turns from our wicked ways, God will hear from heaven, and will forgive our sin and heal our land (2 Chron. 7:14). Pray that the Church will step out with a new love and boldness to share the gospel, and that revival will be the result.