How to Get Started...
GETTING STARTED
1.ASK…the first step is to pray and ask the Lord to show you those that pray on your behalf.
2.SEEK…make a list of or make note of, those whom you feel might pray for you on a regular basis. (Notice that some people will say to you at church “I’m praying for you.” but what does that mean? It can be the Christian version of “ We should do lunch sometime!” ) Take time to ask some of them what they are hearing from the Lord when they are praying for you. Make note of the ones you get a 'sense' are really on track with you spiritually and whose hearing seems to be clear and sharp. If you are in ministry , God has already set aside some who are praying for you. Mobilizing them for effective intercession is usually a simple matter of recognizing what God has already done.
3.KNOCK….Now you can ask those who you feel God has brought to your heart, if they would be willing to be contacted to be a part of to be your personal intercessors or prayer shield OR your Prayer Shield co-coordinator will do that for you. Send thru a list of names and email addresses and they will be contacted about becoming a part of the Prayer Shield. A 'cover' email is then sent to those interested.
4.BEGIN: Some people find it overwhelming to think of being locked into an assignment indefinitely, so we suggest they try it for 6 months, and after that, see what the Lord brings. Always let your intercessors know, that an any time, if they feel the burden to pray for you lifting, they are free to tell you, and be released. They are NOT rejecting you – their assignment is done! Thank them, and release them! Again, most of this should be done thru your co-coordinator. You can determine if you want to be notified of changes in your Prayer Shield.
5.TIME,TEST &TRIALS : This is where your co-coordinator's discernment and proximity to the working prayer shield comes into play. Your co-coordinator can usually tell after the initial commitment of 6 months if someone who has been on the prayer shield is 'working'. If the relationship isn't working ( for a variety of reasons which I can explain later), then they are simply released with a thank you for helping out and praying for the assigned time. IF the relationship seems to be in sync with the team and the calling on the leader, his ministry etc, - then they will be sent an email, asking if they will now prayerfully consider being a part of the prayer Shield for a year. After that time, things are evaluated again and each person who has been on a Prayer Shield for a year, is asked if they would like to continue on, or to let us know, if they feel their assignment is done. It's at this point that most prayer Shields really begin to 'gel', as people are getting comfortable with the assignment and working with a team. I find at this stage, most prayer shields begin to step into the 'long term' phase of the assignment. sent, introducing the concept of a prayer shield, and asking if they are
6.Friends: On one hand, we make sure that 'new' people coming on a prayer shield are made aware, that this is an assignment from God, and needs to taken that way. It in no way guarantee's them a personal relationship with the Leader, or will necessarily give them personal contact with them. If the person being contacted already has a personal relationship with the Leader, the Prayer Shield doesn't interfere with that. Altho we do ask them to learn to work with the team, as a team – sharing their words/scriptures etc. with the rest of the prayer shield . This can be a challenge for those that have personal relationships/friendships and who come on board a functioning Prayer Shield.
Other articles you should read before proceeding: How to Use your prayer Shield. What is a Prayer Shield? Different Styles of Intercession. Boundaries with your Prayer Shield as a Leader.
1.ASK…the first step is to pray and ask the Lord to show you those that pray on your behalf.
2.SEEK…make a list of or make note of, those whom you feel might pray for you on a regular basis. (Notice that some people will say to you at church “I’m praying for you.” but what does that mean? It can be the Christian version of “ We should do lunch sometime!” ) Take time to ask some of them what they are hearing from the Lord when they are praying for you. Make note of the ones you get a 'sense' are really on track with you spiritually and whose hearing seems to be clear and sharp. If you are in ministry , God has already set aside some who are praying for you. Mobilizing them for effective intercession is usually a simple matter of recognizing what God has already done.
3.KNOCK….Now you can ask those who you feel God has brought to your heart, if they would be willing to be contacted to be a part of to be your personal intercessors or prayer shield OR your Prayer Shield co-coordinator will do that for you. Send thru a list of names and email addresses and they will be contacted about becoming a part of the Prayer Shield. A 'cover' email is then sent to those interested.
4.BEGIN: Some people find it overwhelming to think of being locked into an assignment indefinitely, so we suggest they try it for 6 months, and after that, see what the Lord brings. Always let your intercessors know, that an any time, if they feel the burden to pray for you lifting, they are free to tell you, and be released. They are NOT rejecting you – their assignment is done! Thank them, and release them! Again, most of this should be done thru your co-coordinator. You can determine if you want to be notified of changes in your Prayer Shield.
5.TIME,TEST &TRIALS : This is where your co-coordinator's discernment and proximity to the working prayer shield comes into play. Your co-coordinator can usually tell after the initial commitment of 6 months if someone who has been on the prayer shield is 'working'. If the relationship isn't working ( for a variety of reasons which I can explain later), then they are simply released with a thank you for helping out and praying for the assigned time. IF the relationship seems to be in sync with the team and the calling on the leader, his ministry etc, - then they will be sent an email, asking if they will now prayerfully consider being a part of the prayer Shield for a year. After that time, things are evaluated again and each person who has been on a Prayer Shield for a year, is asked if they would like to continue on, or to let us know, if they feel their assignment is done. It's at this point that most prayer Shields really begin to 'gel', as people are getting comfortable with the assignment and working with a team. I find at this stage, most prayer shields begin to step into the 'long term' phase of the assignment. sent, introducing the concept of a prayer shield, and asking if they are
6.Friends: On one hand, we make sure that 'new' people coming on a prayer shield are made aware, that this is an assignment from God, and needs to taken that way. It in no way guarantee's them a personal relationship with the Leader, or will necessarily give them personal contact with them. If the person being contacted already has a personal relationship with the Leader, the Prayer Shield doesn't interfere with that. Altho we do ask them to learn to work with the team, as a team – sharing their words/scriptures etc. with the rest of the prayer shield . This can be a challenge for those that have personal relationships/friendships and who come on board a functioning Prayer Shield.
Other articles you should read before proceeding: How to Use your prayer Shield. What is a Prayer Shield? Different Styles of Intercession. Boundaries with your Prayer Shield as a Leader.
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