Matthew 16:18–19
I’ve seen again and again how powerful corporate supplies of the Spirit can be. I’ve been in prayer groups with individuals who brought forth a very specific kind of anointing when they got together. The merging of their spiritual supplies created a flow of the spirit that was absolutely unique. It had never existed before in quite that way and would never be duplicated again.
Often in such groups, I noticed that when even one member of the prayer group was missing, the anointing wasn’t quite the same.
Once when I was in a prayer meeting with Patsy Camenti in Singapore, the Lord showed us that praying assemblies are like keys … keys that unlock new places in God … keys that unlock mysteries … keys that open doors of utterance and of power that advance the kingdom of God.
One person alone, however, is not a key. Just as natural keys are made up of a collection of ridges of varied heights and shapes, spiritual keys are formed when believers with varied anointings assemble together and each one gives his spiritual supply. Separately, the supplies those believers carry would have limited effect. But combined, they open doors no man can shut.
Dear praying friend, if you haven’t already found your place in the corporate house of prayer, ask the Lord to help you do so quickly. Once you’re there, treasure the spiritual gifting of those around you. Determine by faith to be a part of a spiritual body that is closely joined and firmly knitted together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, a body where each part with power adapted to its need is working properly in all its functions.
I believe with all my heart that these are the days when impossible victories will be won. These are the days when we will draw near not only to God but to each other—days when the power of corporate prayer will be released, the Devil’s forces will be routed, and the Church will go forth rejoicing gathering the spoils.
Scripture Reading: Re-read 2 Chronicles 20:1–27
Excerpt permission granted by Lynne Hammond Ministries
On the chilly March night in 1972 when Lynne Hammond took her first step into a life of Spirit-led prayer, she had no idea what was about to happen. All she knew was the hunger in her heart for God wouldn’t let her sleep. In the few short months she’d been born again, her desire to fellowship with Him had grown so strong she could hardly contain it. “Help me, God!” she cried. “I want to know you. I want to be able to talk to you. Please, teach me to pray!”
Suddenly, a heavenly presence flooded the room. Lynne sensed waves of spiritual fire sweeping over her and a beautiful language began to flow like a river from within her. Although she’d never heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, she knew instantly, without a doubt—this was God!
What began that night soon blossomed into a life of prayer that ultimately became a ministry of prayer when, in 1980, Lynne and her husband, Mac, founded Living Word Christian Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Under Lynne’s leadership, the prayer ministry at Living Word has become an internationally recognized model for developing effective pray-ers in the local church.
A teacher and an author, Lynne publishes a newsletter called Prayer Notes, has written numerous books, and currently serves as the national prayer director for Daughters for Zion. Her passion for inspiring and leading others into the life of Spirit-led prayer continues to take her around the world to minister to believers whose heart cry, like hers, is “Lord, teach me to pray!”