Understanding Kingdom Stewardship through Prayer
Kingdom stewardship involves managing the resources and opportunities God has given us for His glory, and prayer is a key part of this.
Kingdom Advancement Prayer is a crucial discipline for advancing God's kingdom here on earth.
2. Key Scriptures on Kingdom Stewardship & Prayer
Luke 2:37: "And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day."
Anna's Example: A model of continuous prayer and intercession. Her life of prayer contributed to the spiritual advancement of God’s kingdom. Kingdom stewardship through prayer.
Matthew 6:9-10:
"Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Essence of Kingdom Stewardship in Prayer: The Lord's Prayer centers on God's sovereignty and the advancement of His kingdom.
3. The Labour Room of Prayer: Birthplace of Multitudes
Isaiah 66:7-8:
"Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child."
Prayer as Labor: Just like physical childbirth, prayer is the spiritual labor before visible breakthroughs. This passage shows that prayer births spiritual life and the advancement of God's kingdom.
Acts 6:4-7:
"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."
Prayer was prioritized for kingdom advancement, which led to the spreading of the word and the multiplication of believers.
4. Revival & The Power of Prayer in Kingdom Advancement
Historical Revivals:
The Great Awakening (1730s-1740s) – North America: Key figures like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield stirred spiritual urgency through prayer and preaching.
The Welsh Revival (1904-1905): A revival centered around prayer and the Holy Spirit, leading to spontaneous conversions and deep encounters with God.
The Azusa Street Revival (1906-1915) – Los Angeles: Birth of the Pentecostal movement; prayer and unity led to a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Revival Today:
The Azusa Now Movement (2016): A gathering of believers committed to prayer for revival and spiritual breakthrough in the U.S.
5. The Role of Prayer in Harvest: Isaiah 66:7-8
Prayer as a Sharp Sickle:
Isaiah 66:7-8 depicts prayer as the sharp sickle in God’s hand that causes the harvest of souls.
Prayer brings forth harvests in one day. Just like a sickle gathers the harvest, prayer gathers souls for God's Kingdom.
Biblical Example: Pentecost (Acts 2:41)
The Holy Spirit’s work in one day: The disciples’ ten days of prayer birthed a spiritual harvest of 3,000 souls in one day. Prayer was the key to the breakthrough.
6. Key Principles for Revival & Kingdom Advancement
For Revival to Occur:
Deep, Unyielding Prayer: Persistent prayer is the key to revival and spiritual breakthroughs (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Repentance and Turning from Sin: Repentance prepares the way for God to move.
Hunger for God: A deep spiritual hunger is necessary for a revival.
Unity and Humility: Humble hearts and unity among believers are essential for revival.
Preaching the Word: The Word of God and prayer must work together in revival movements.
7. The Church’s Role in Advancing God’s Kingdom
Acts 2:46-47:
"So continuing daily with one accord in the temple... the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
A Praying Church: A church that is committed to Kingdom Advancement Prayer can take any territory for Christ. Prayer and unity led to the growth of the early church.
Galatians 4:19:
"My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you."
Labor in Prayer: The apostle Paul likened his intercession to labor pains until Christ is formed in believers.
Colossians 4:12:
"Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers."
Sustaining Multitudes by Prayer: Prayer doesn't just birth growth but sustains it as well. Intercession is ongoing.
8. Prayer as the Key to Noiseless Breakthroughs in Church Growth
Acts 6:4-7:
The apostles’ focus on prayer and the Word resulted in Kingdom growth.
Noiseless breakthroughs are often the work of the Holy Spirit behind the scenes, driving supernatural growth that is not always visible but deeply impactful.
9. Kingdom Advancement Prayer Sustains Believers
Jeremiah 30:19-21:
"And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving... and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small."
What Cannot Stop Prayer, Cannot Stop Progress: Prayer keeps the believer advancing in life and faith.
10. Conclusion: The Power of Prayer in Kingdom Stewardship
Prayer as the Foundation: The effectual, fervent prayer of the believer is the gateway to breakthroughs in church growth and kingdom advancement.
Call to Action:
Commit to Kingdom Advancement Prayer: Prioritize prayer in all areas of ministry.
Pray for Souls: Focus your prayers on souls and the expansion of God’s kingdom.
Trust in God’s Timing: Believe that God will bring a harvest, even if the breakthrough is not immediate.
11. Final Scripture
2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face... then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."