On April 22, 2007, members and clergy from area churches met at ten designated locations where the roads enter the city of Winchester to pray.
Proverbs 11:11a says, Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted..." Our goal was to invite the blessings of God to visit our city and the surrounding areas at each "entry point."
An area pastor met and led our intercessory prayer time. We first read scripture together
(Isaiah 62) and then lifted up spontaneous prayers to our LORD.
ISAIAH 62 (NIV)
(Adapted text for purpose of a blessing prayer
over Winchester and surrounding areas)
FOR WINCHESTER'S SAKE I WILL NOT KEEP SILENT, for Winchester's sake I will not remain quiet, 'til her righteousness shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a blazing torch. Until the nations will see your righteousness, and all kings GOD's glory; Until Winchester will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow. Winchester will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of our GOD. No longer will they call Winchester Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But Winchester will be called Hephzibah (my delight), and your land Beulah (married);
WE ASK FOR THE LORD TO TAKE DELIGHT IN WINCHESTER, and our land will be married to HIM. ...as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will GOD rejoice over Winchester! We stand as posted watchment on your roads, O Winchester, may these entry points not be silent day or night... of those who call on the LORD, we give ourselves no rest, and give GOD no rest till he establishes Winchester and makes her the praise of the earth!
MAY THE LORD BE SWORN BY HIS RIGHT HAND AND BY HIS MIGHTY ARM: "To never again give GOD's provision as food for Winchester's enemies, and never again allow those who pass through to steal the fruit from which we have labored... but allow those who harvest to eat their fruit and praise the LORD, and those who gather the goods, share together in the courts of GOD's sanctuary." Now we as the Church of Winchester/Frederick County say to the LORD JESUS CHRIST... Pass through, pass through the gates! We are prepared as your people to make a way for other people. We will build up, the highway! And remove the stones. And raise a banner for the nations. The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth.
"WE SAY TO THE CITY OF WINCHESTER, 'SEE , YOUR SAVIOUR COMES! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.'" We declare the city of Winchester to become a HOLY PEOPLE, the REDEEMED OF THE LORD; and that Winchester will be called SOUGHT AFTER, THE CITY NO LONGER DESERTED.
Heavenly Father, We come to you in the Name of our LORD and SAVIOR CHRIST JESUS.
We come, two or more in agreement touching heaven and earth.
You said it will be done, so according to Matthew 18:19, we ask you to do these things in the NAME of JESUS.
Forgive us our sins, transgressions and any unknown sins.
Help us not to be caught up in the things of this world, but be caught up in SPIRIT with you.
Help us to be more effectual in our prayers and to be obedient to you. We want to serve your divine purpose.
Allow us, LORD, to live in your light and love . Show us how to be helpful to your KINGDOM. Show us how to live a life of constant praise to you. Bless JESUS CHRIST's Holy Name.
Now, LORD, we pray that you hear us. We pray for the families in our communities. We pray that ears will hear and eyes will see spiritual truths that once were hidden.
We pray that our bondages to evil be released that we may be free from that evil. We pray that everyone everywhere open themselves to you and your glory.
We don't pray these things to lift us up, LORD, but to bring glory only to you.
Help us to be ministers for you.
Save the lost and turn around the back-slidden.
Teach us, LORD!
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
In JESUS name.
Amen.
I will open up rivers for them on the high plateaus.
I will give them fountains of water in the valleys. I will fill the desert with pools of water.
Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground.
