A Tree of Life Community
A quiet place
– The Prayer Chapel
Small quiet room converted into a sanctuary
- Small stained glass upper window
- Simple cross on far wall to left of window
- Small wooden table with open Bible
- Monroe County, Holy Land maps on wall
- Simple decoration, indirect lighting
- Kneeling bench, old pew, 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
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
- Like RPO orchestral concerts
- Goal: Rochester fulfills its ordained destiny
“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
An active network
– The Shadow Government
- 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 (designated from within each 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 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
“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.
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 praying for and loving neighbors
- The people who live right nearby
- Our coworkers, bosses, and employees
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; how can we be praying for you?”
- Let relationships grow, shared prayer concerns
- Specific, focused object:
- Similar to Shadow Government but everywhere
- Non-threatening, no ulterior motives/advice
- 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
“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.
