Start Your Own Intercessory Prayer Ministry Online
Consider starting an intercessory prayer ministry as you surf the internet!
Technological advances have drastically transformed the way we interact with others, gather and process information, and socialize.
Never before in history have we been as technologically advanced and connected to all parts of the world!
The immediacy of the vast information at our instant disposal after a few clicks on a keyboard or touchscreen is remarkable.
I don’t know about you, but the volume of negative information online can be overwhelming to me at times.
We can progress from overwhelmed to depressed and even despair if we don’t closely monitor the type of information we allow into our minds and our attitude towards it.
While it’s true that there are many negative things associated with technological advances to connect people globally, there are also many positives.
The biggest positive is the ability to have a global audience to share the salvation message of Jesus Christ at our fingertips!
Consider just a few examples of how God’s truth is being proclaimed and shared with technological advances:
- An online worship service is offered by many churches. These live services reach many people who may have never walked into a Church building for a variety of reasons.
- Zoom calls enable individuals to unite and pray from various geographical locations. I was recently a part of such a group that met on a daily basis for 40 days. It was a powerful experience uniting with brothers and sisters in Christ from various countries for the sole purpose of calling on the name of the Lord.
- Social media platforms have groups and pages for the stated purpose of studying Scripture. Others offer online intercessions as they pray for each other’s needs and specific prayer requests.
- Online Bible-based ministries offer content that equips individuals with information regarding how to enter into a personal relationship with the Lord, discipleship programs, and sound Biblical teaching.
There are many organized groups to join and be a part of, but I want to present an opportunity each of us has every time we surf the internet.
No meetings to facilitate. No extra time commitment is required. No materials to purchase.
I want to suggest an intentional shift in your mindset when you pick up your device, open your laptop, or sit down at your console to surf the internet.
The mindset of a prayer warrior.
Calling all prayer warriors
No doubt we’re living in perilous times, but for those of us in Christ our response never needs to be fear, despair, anxiety, panic attacks, or depression!
We have a choice in how we respond to the information we consume as we spend time surfing online.
Make no mistake, there are plenty of opportunities to fret as disturbing sights and scenarios are displayed on our screens.
Scrolling through social media alone will invoke all manner of thoughts and emotions.
And don’t even get me started on political sites, news forums, or updates from the entertainment industry.
Colossians 4:2 tells us “Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful.”
What if we intentionally have this posture of prayer at the forefront of our minds as we pick up our devices, open our laptops, or sit down at our consoles?
Below are a few types of content we encounter while spending time in cyberspace along with a few suggestions regarding our frame of mind while processing its content.
Social media
We’ve already established there are positives and negatives associated with all technological advances, and social media is no exception.
Did you know there is a direct correlation between time spent on social media and mental health?
The NIH reported:
“A number of studies have been conducted on the impacts of social media, and it has been indicated that the prolonged use of social media platforms such as Facebook may be related to negative signs and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Furthermore, social media can create a lot of pressure to create the stereotype that others want to see and also being as popular as others.”
Everyone will process and respond to social media differently.
Some people may not have any of the above negative side effects from social media use, while others will struggle deeply.
Here are a few ways these struggles can manifest while interacting with social media:
- A critical or judgemental frame of mind towards others while scrolling through pictures and reaading their carefully curated captions.
- Feelings of annoyance, irritability, or even disgust at some of the posts read.
- Jealousy and envy as they flip through their feed, longing for the things, relationships, and/or experiences that appear to be so wonderful in other people’s lives.
- A strong temptation to compare themselves with other people (and/or families) as they scroll.
I think a lot of people struggle with the last point – subconsciously at times.
Here are a few ways people are tempted to compare themselves with others:
- Physical appearance
- Possessions
- Wardrobe
- Vacations
- Relationships
The list of things used as a yardstick to compare yourself to others is never-ending and would be unique to individuals, but you can count on these two things being present in those moments:
Insecurity and a struggle with contentment.
Rather than allowing our minds to go in those directions, think of how transforming it would be to have our minds intentionally looking for opportunities to serve Jesus by transforming our social scrolling time into prayer time!
One change I’ve made in regard to my mindset as I scroll on social media is to try and stop every time I read a personal prayer request and pray for them in that moment.
I usually leave a comment to let them know I’m stopping at that moment to pray for their situation and will continue to pray as the Holy Spirit brings them to mind.
I began to pray for the expressed needs of others immediately when I read them because if I’m honest, I can leave a comment saying I’ll pray for them, but then life happens… I get busy, distracted, or I just plain forget.
I don’t want that to happen, so I’ve made a deliberate effort to pray at the exact moment I read the comment – at their time of need.
Other times as I scroll, I lean into the prompting of the Holy Spirit and interceed for others as I’m led.
Watching the news
Our world appears to be spinning out of control.
- Wars and rumors of wars.
- Political, economic, and financial instability
- Rise in lawlessness
- Food supply issues
- Pestilences and pandemics
- Natural disasters occurring with increased frequency
We need to call upon the power of God as we remember that our battle takes place in the spiritual realm!
The truth of Ephesians 6:12 comes to mind, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Spiritual warfare is very real, my friend.
And it’s no joke.
You and I can engage in spiritual battle as we assume the position of a prayer warrior and intercede as we’re led.
Church leaders and Church members
We need to pray for wisdom, discernment, and strength for the Body of Christ when we encounter things online that are concerning.
A few examples may include:
- When we come across false prophets or teachers not aligning with the Word of God.
- Pastors offering watered-down versions of the Gospel that compromise Truth.
- Church leaders and/or pastors whose goal is not to offend their audience and therefore make their messages what people’s itching ears want to hear.
We need to pray for strength and courage to boldly proclaim the Truth of Scripture in an uncompromising manner.
God is sovereign over all time
As we bring our prayer requests before God, it is always with the perspective of knowing and trusting that He is in control at all times, in all places, and in all circumstances.
Even when the world appears to be in chaos, we take peace and comfort in knowing our God reigns and He cannot be moved.
Maintaining this perspective as we pray helps to ground us when we’re confronted with doom and gloom.
I love R.C. Sproul’s words on the topic of God’s sovereignty:
“If there is one molecule in the universe running loose, outside of the control of God’s sovereignty, what I like to call one maverick molecule, then the practical implication for us as Christians is that we have no guarantee whatsoever that any future promise God has made to His people will come to pass.”
Every atom. Every cell. Every grain of sand is under His sovereign rule.
The promises of God are eternal, His character never changes, and His sovereignty personifies Him.
Being mindful of God’s sovereignty as we pray is imperative as we process information from our screens into our minds.
What are your thoughts on this mindset shift?
What do you think?
Interested in starting your own online prayer ministry as you surf the internet?
You can certainly do so on your own, or if you feel inclined, you can share this idea with a small group of like-minded friends to join you in this endeavor.
I’m going to be more intentional in embracing this mindset as I spend time online.
Be sure to leave a comment below – I’d love to get your thoughts and feedback!
I want to remind you that there is an intercessory prayer team in place here at Anchored and Assured that would be honored to pray for you!
You are welcome to email me anytime.
My email address is jen @ anchoredandassured .com
Prayer is a key foundation of this ministry. I’m convinced of the power of prayer, and I consider it an absolute honor to pray for you.
Incidentally, I already do pray for you…
As I write every Bible study lesson. Every post on this blog. Before any video I create. Before I teach or speak. I pray for those whom I have the honor to serve.
To God alone be all glory for any resulting fruit.
Lord God, we come to you in recognition that you are Sovereign. Forgive me for times when surfing the internet paved the way for me to complain, be critical, and even become full of despair at times. Help me to keep my focus on you and to have the mindset of an intercessor when I’m spending time online. Help us follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to see and seize opportunities to proclaim your truth online. In Jesus Name, Amen
Very good post, thought provoking.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to comment!
Thank you for this! I have been trying to be more mindful when on social media lately. I have made adjustments to my friends list, reviewed and eliminated groups I had been a part of and have become more aware of what shows in my feed. It is so important to keep the focus of our minds and hearts on the right things. I do try to pray for others right when I see the request also, as I know I may forget if I don’t! I really enjoy praying for others. Prayer is something I hold dear and I love that I can help others in this way.
It really does take an intentional mind set – especially on social media! It’s so easy for our minds to go in many different directions… The intentional step you took to sift through the information you see your feed is a great suggestion and wise thing to do – thank you for sharing that! It seems the Lord has given you a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others, and a willingness to pray for them in the midst of their need – that’s a beautiful thing. 🙂