But isn’t God is a god of surprises? Time after time He comes through right at the last minute to save us or bless us with a God-sized opportunity.

We believe our INAUGURAL “Words From Jesus: How To Hear God’s Voice” webinar launch is just such a surprise and God-sized opportunity for YOU.

We’ll be sharing what we consder our BIGGEST GOD STORY of 2009.

But don’t just take my word for it. Listen to Nancy Slocum’s excitement in her audio message. She called me out-of-the-blue yesterday bubbling over with excitement and prophetic words.

http://wordsfromjesus.net

Whether you are available to participate in the LIVE webinar at 8 am EST tomorrow (Sat Dec 5) or not, we still encourage you to register so you can watch the recorded webinar.

The topic for this inaugural and global WFJ webinar is “The Spiritual Triangle Between Virginia, the U.K. And Italy!”

The cost is only $50, $25, or $0, depending on your financial circumstances.

And all (100%) of the proceeds from this webinar will go to Renato and Patrizia Amato, Italian missionaries for more than 30 years, and the ones who started this Words From Jesus global movement. Join Team Destiny in SOWING SEEDS to bless the Amato family and God’s BILLION SOUL VISION.

http://wordsfromjesus.net

Prepare the way for the greatest Christmas ever!

Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.

“The business of the church is PRAYER!” – Holy Spirit

Blessings for ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches!

Joseph

Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy
Founder and Executive Director of Webinars777 and Seminars777
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations
Community Transformation Specialist

www.empower2000.com
540-445-1GOD (540-445-1463)

Stay connected!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thejournalguy
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thejournalguy
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/thejournalguy

P.S. Sign up TODAY for my free E-course “30 Days To Breakthrough” God wants to transform your life NOW!

P.S.S. Spiritual Journaling will transform your life!

UNCOMMON Journaling is the key
to unlock YOUR dreams!

Source: http://www.alexmandossian.com/2009/11/24/the-7-most-important-tele-interview-questions/

See also http://teleseminarsecrets.com/faculty

When preparing your presentation, make sure you have specific answers to these seven critical teleseminar interview questions.

1) WHY is [TOPIC] so important for our listeners to achieve greater success?

2) WHAT is [TOPIC] by definition?

3) HOW do your students typically get started with [TOPIC] on a step-by-step basis? [If you are going to give steps on how to get started, Alex recommends using 5-9 steps (7 +- 2)]

4) WHAT IF any of our listeners got started today with [TOPIC] – what would their life look like in say, 30 days? 90 days? 1 year? How about 3 years?

5) What are the specific ROADBLOCKS that typically prevent your students from getting started? [What are the roadblocks getting the way? Every door has a lock. Every lock has a key. Mention 3]

6) What are the specific STRATEGIES that are like keys to unlock “roadblock doors” to achieve WILD success? [Not just any success, but wild success. Each roadblock has a strategy to it.]

7) What’s the first PHYSICAL ACTION STEP you’d want a listener to take to get started with [TOPIC]? [Alex likes to call continuing education is education]

The first 4 questions come from David Colb, the next 2 from Dan Sullivan, and the last one from David Allen.

You have the WHY learner, the WHAT learner, the HOW learner, and the What IF learner. Be sure to ask and answer these questions in this order.

The Great Commission is a TEACHING as well as PREACHING commission!

Mt 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NAS) Teach them all I commanded you.

Did you know that Jesus gave us 50 commandments to take to the nations?

The 50 commandments of Christ will change a nation. Notice how Jesus commands us to both preach repentance and TEACH THEM TO “OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I COMMANDED YOU”. We tend to focus on getting people saved, or born again. That is certainly the start. This however is called the “Gospel of Salvation.”

The “Gospel of the Kingdom” on the other hand is the Gospel we are called to preach. It includes the call to repentance but goes much further. It 7 Mountains of Culture reaches into the world system and threatens Satan’s control over the nations. It is a teaching commission along side a preaching commission. It has been neglected too long.

To disciple a nation you need a philosophy that governs all aspects of behavior yet is flexible enough to apply to all sectors of society. What are the sectors of society the gospel must penetrate in order to disciple nations?

There are in fact seven mountains or world kingdoms that make up the matrix in which the culture of every nation exists. These mountains are also called “mind molders”, because the person who controls the tops of these mountains has leverage over the minds and lives of those beneath in every other mountain. The church has a message for each of these mountains. We need to both demonstrate the power of God and recover our confidence in the practical, life changing dynamic that is unleashed when society is built on non optional universal life principles- the commandments of Christ! It is the absence of this moral foundation that explains why it is easier to liberate a country from dictatorship than it is to bring it into order and prosperity once the dictator is out of power.

So many exciting things are happening from a transformation standpoint in Virginia. If time permitted, I could write all day long with what I see God doing around the Commonwealth.

God’s people are rising up and responding to the call of God on their lives. People are stepping into their destinies. Prayer is on the increase – BIG TIME.

If you live locally near Culpeper, you are invited to join our PRAY CULPEPER team for our weekly Wednesday prayer gathering at Noon today at Reformation Lutheran Church.

If you don’t live locally, I encourage you to set aside a one hour block at Noon EST on Wednesday to pray with at least one fellow co-worker for the seven mountains that shape culture – business, education, government, family, church, media, and arts/entertainment.

Blessings to come experience God in extraordinary ways for extraordinary fruit!

Randy Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy

Dear [first name],

When we officially stopped the weekly Pray Culpeper gatherings in the summer of 2007 after meeting consistently for two years, I asked the LORD to have at least three pastors commit to come together to pray weekly.

Well, yesterday (Nov 4) at our Pray Culpeper gathering, we had three pastors for the first time in several years. I’d like to say a special thank you to pastors Baker Rigg, Brad Hales, and GW Dameron for coming and for your commitment to praying with others for Jesus to be LORD of Culpeper.

“Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

I’d also like to say thank you to Virginia Morton and Dewey McDonnell for coming and for your faithful support of Pray Culpeper over the past four years. You both have been such an encouragement to me.

We were also blessed yesterday with the presence and prayers of Sheran Rigg, Baker’s wife. Sheran normally works on Wednesdays, but happened to be off yesterday. Sheran and Baker have seven children, all of whom were homeschooled by Sheran. Baker and Sheran are hosting a weekly community prayer gathering on Monday evenings starting at 7 pm at Church on the Rise (1136 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA 22701). I have found that very rewarding. If you’re available, you’re invited to come to that.

Another breakthrough happened yesterday. Dewey hung our large Pray Culpeper banner for the very first time outside of Reformation Luther Church facing Main Street for several hours before, during, and after we prayed. By doing that, everyone driving down Main Street could see God’s call for people to pray. Thank you Dewey.

One last thing. I just received an email from Chauncey Hutter, Jr this afternoon announcing “Awake! Arise!” in Charlottesville, VA on Sat Nov 21. This is a one-day retreat of worship, prayer and practical teaching on drawing close to the presence of the Lord and encountering Jesus in a way which awakens the soul! I definitely plan to come. If you’d like to learn more, see http://bit.ly/3gOFix  

Hope to see you soon!

Blessings to pray, pray, pray!

Randy Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy

P.S. If are interested in Joining our World-Wide Prayer Community, please subscribe to the Pray Culpeper blog at http://prayculpeper.org. We are now posting regularly to share what’s happening locally and regionally regarding prayer and transformation. You also will be exposed to special opportunities to invest in yourself and the Kingdom of God. Be sure to let your friends know too. Thanks.

Dear Friends of The Business of Prayer,

(living in the Central Virginia area)

Joan and I would like to invite you to our home for 1 day prayer retreat. (See details below)

Our heart is to join with other Christians who desire to pray and seek God as THE answer in this hour.

Young and old, mature or new … if your heart wants to go deeper in Christ, please clear out some time in your schedule and come.

God Bless You!

Chauncey & Joan Hutter, Jr

P.S. Please bring a friend, but make sure you RSVP … Thanks!

—————————————

The time is now … Let the church arise … Calling all believers, everywhere. Calling students and marketplace Christians … from the business world to the home The time is now … To take your place on the wall … The time is now To Pray …

Awake, sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you! (Eph. 5:14)

Awake! Arise!

A one-day retreat of worship, prayer and practical teaching on drawing close to the presence of the Lord and encountering Jesus in a way which awakens the soul!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

All Day and Evening

Retreat, worship, seminars, food, fellowship, renewal

Guest Speaker: Benjamin Atkinson
Richmond International House of Prayer

Location: The Home of Chauncey and Joan Hutter
60 Blue Springs Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22903

Please Invite Your Friends, Neighbors & Co-Workers – ALL Are Welcome!

(To help us prepare, please give us the names of those attending by 11/19/09)

RSVP jhutter@businessofprayer.com
434-979-2829

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Schedule For The Day

Devotional prayer and worship (8-9 a.m.): This optional time invites you to come early and sit in the presence of the Lord. There will be live music for this personal devotional set. Grab a cup of coffee and Bible, and begin your retreat!

Session One (9 — 12 noon): Drawing close to the presence of the Lord — practical teachings to equip you in the secret place.

In this session, we will focus on three topics.

* Encountering Jesus

First, we will take time to learn how to encounter Jesus. We will discuss how to practice “His Presence” throughout the day. Encountering Jesus is something that we can learn to do, and it will affect our lives forever.

* How to read and pray the Bible

Did you know that while you read the Word – you can actually interact with Jesus? In this session we will learn many different practical ways to read and pray your Bible.

* Listening for His Voice

Also during this time we will practice deeper encounter with the “voice of God.” We will teach you to hear the voice of God by using the techniques that have been very successful in the 0 to 5 year old group. You will leave this session empowered to meet God daily.

** Lunch Break and free time for fellowship, a walk along the trail, or some quiet time. Lunch provided; please let us know you’ll be here! **

Session Two (2-5 p.m.): The essence of the secret place

In this session we will talk about our secret place in God, and what it means to truly abide with God. Only you have the ability to love God the way that you can. We will learn how to meet with God and minster back to Him in the secret place of our hearts… that place where you go where it’s just you and God.

** Dinner Break ** Provided! Please sign up in advance. This is a great time to get to know each other better. There will be a special gathering of prayer leaders during this time. Anyone can join in if interested in seeing what God is doing in our city! UVa students are encouraged to gather to exchange ideas about God’s move on grounds!

Session Three (7-10 p.m.): The Awakening!

In our prayer times concerning this day, several of our prayer team discerned the need for a real awakening among believers, that the Bride of Christ would be awakened to her Beloved! In this session, we will see how God awakened His people throughout history, and how He is doing that today! Don’t miss this evening session, as we will also have deep times in worship, prayer and prophetic encouragement from Benjamin.

Again, sign up in advance.

We will pray for every name on the list!

—————————————

Special Evening of Worship and Prayer
The Night Before
Friday, November 20, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Harp and Bowl Style Worship and Prayer

Join us as we pray for a great awakening in our city!

*Benjamin Atkinson is a lover and servant of Jesus, ministering to the body of Christ through 24/7 prayer and worship. He and his wife Nadia served at Kansas City International House of Prayer for over four years before moving to the Richmond House of prayer. Their praying family includes Gabriel (5), Emma (3) and Kyah (1). Benjamin and Nadia have been praying near daily, as a couple, and then as a family for 9 years. They value and schedule their lives, around Jesus and prayer. Throughout this time they have shared their experiences by inviting people deeper into the knowledge of God, prayer, and fasting.

Real Tax Business Success
525 Meade Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22902
United States
434-220-0525

LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. (Ps 15:1-5)

As a global CONNECTOR in Christ, I delight in connecting people, ideas, and resources. I realize that many of the connections shared are not meant for most of my followers. But hopefully, when the right opportunity comes your way at the right time, you will have the spiritual discernment and courage to seize that.

Over the next three days, I will be sharing what I consider three extraordinary opportunities to sow into yourself and the Kingdom of God. Each one of these requires a big step of faith and UNCOMMON obedience on the part of the sower. UNCOMMON obedience always leads to UNCOMMON blessings – always. Even if none of these apply to you directly, your prayer support will still be appreciated.

Today’s opportunity relates to sowing a $14,400 seed. This amount has a huge miracle story behind it.

In late 2002 and early 2003, the Holy Spirit worked in my life in a most peculiar way and finally instructed me to sow a $14,400 seed into Doug Barclay’s life. It turned out the amount the LORD told me to sow (12 x $1,200) was the exact amount Doug needed to begin working as “Development Director” for Operation Mobilization. Doug’s first day of work at OM was 03-03-03, a spiritually significant date. On March 8, 2007, I wrote a YDB devotional about that titled “The Doug Barclay Miracle.”

On January 1, 2007, the first day of my sabbatical year and my 21 day fast, the Holy Spirit told me to ask 12 people to sow a $14,400 seed into Empower 2000, my parent company. Later that day, a family member sowed the first seed. Then on June 12, 2009, a friend sowed the second seed. I wrote about that on September 14 in a YDB post titled “The Angel Breakthrough and the $14,400 Miracle.”

A few months ago, the LORD made it crystal clear to me that I was to ask ten more people to sow a $14,400 seed into Empower 2000 and God’s billion soul vision. After dragging my feet for a while, I have finally mustered the courage and removed the distractions to do this.

So here’s the opportunity. I am allowing ten more people to sow a $14,400 seed into Empower 2000, my parent company. After the ten seeds are sown, this offer will close forever.

In exchange for sowing a $14,400 seed, each investor will receive 1% of the gross income of Empower 2000 through December 31, 2011, paid on a quarterly basis. While I can’t make any guarantees, my goal is for each investor to experience a significant return on their investment.

In addition to this, each investor will be allowed to offer $10,000 in scholarships to needy people and organizations of their choice for online courses that Jerry Graham and I teach.

If you are interested in this offer and opportunity, please call me at 540-547-4240. If I’m not available, please leave a voice message with your phone number and I’ll return your call.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for the courage to finally do what You instructed me to do. I leave the results in Your hands. May you richly bless each person who steps forward. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Blessings for spiritual discernment and courage!

Randy
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy

 
“Prayer opens the way for the Word of God to run without hindrance. It creates the atmosphere that is favorable for the Word to accomplish its purpose.” – E.M. Bounds

I am writing this email to you while in Maui Hawaii on a two week vacation with my wife Julia. Yes, I’m actually taking time off from other things I could be doing on this gorgeous island to encourage and inspire you.

For years, going to Hawaii was a pipe dream for me – something I would do some day. Finally, it became a reality. And journaling played a key role in that. I came here to support Julia, who qualified for the Xterra World Triathlon Championship that took place on Oct 25. And believe it or not, it was actually a big step of faith for me to drop most everything I was doing to come here for two weeks of R&R.

On October 12, I wrote a devotional titled “The LORD is doing a marvelous work in me to SIMPLIFY my life.” SIMPLIFY is my keyword for life. In that I wrote, “While journaling early in the morning on Sept 22, the day after my arrival in Utah for our vacation, the LORD told me to free up my Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to give me a 4 day weekend every week to allow me much more time for rest, reflection, revelation, prayer, and meditation on the Word of God. My goal is to be STRATEGIC and create MARGIN to bear much fruit for the Kingdom.”

So what? What does this have to do with YOU and Pray Culpeper?

Lots! God is raising the bar for His children to pray and intercede much more – that includes YOU as well as me. God sent me to Utah in late September to rest, reflect, and receive His revelation to free up three days each work week to ABIDE and PRAY.

Let me ask you, “What is more important in your WEEKLY ROUTINE than coming together with other believers to pray for the transformation of your community?” Do you know praying together is what initiated Pentecost and began the great revival in the book of Acts?

There is nothing – let me repeat nothing – that brings UNITY like praying together with other believers in the name of Jesus. It’s one of the fastest and most POWERFUL ways to enter what I call “the Holy Spirit zone,” where the Holy Spirit reveals God’s plans and puts feet to your prayers. It’s where miracles take place.

Prayer is the key to unlocking God’s prevailing power in your life, in your business or ministry, in your community!

So here’s the deal. I’m asking you to make the commitment through December 31, 2009 to come together with other believers in your community to pray at least once a week for the transformation of your community.

Here are 3 simple ways for YOU to GET INVOLVED and stay connected:

1) Subscribe to our World-Wide Prayer Community at www.PrayCulpeper.org

2) Refer 3 friends each week to visit www.PrayCulpeper.org

3) If you live in or near Culpeper, join us for the “HOUR OF POWER” prayer time on Wednesdays at Noon at Reformation Lutheran Church (415 S. Main Street, Culpeper, VA 22701). If you can’t come to pray on Wednesdays at noon, other community prayer opportunities include:

a) 7 pm on Mondays at Church on the Rise (1136 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA 22701) led by Pastor Baker Rigg

b) 7 pm on Fridays at Praise The LORD bookstore on Main Street, Culpeper, VA

If you live in another community, state, or nation, make the commitment to start coming together with at least 1-2 other believers to pray for the transformation of your community at least weekly starting this week or next. It’s time to stop making excuses for things we put ahead of prayer.

Blessings to successfully jump the higher bar of prayer!

Randy Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy

Twelve Great Reasons To Journal

When the “WHY” gets big enough, the “HOW” will work itself out.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. (Psalm 143:5)

What are your needs?
What are your dreams?
What is your DESTINY?

Let’s talk first about why you should journal. What are the benefits for you? Unless you are convinced that journaling is going to make a big difference in your life, you are very likely to give up on this great habit before it’s firmly established. But when the “WHY” gets big enough, the “HOW” will work itself out.

Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, says the purpose of the Bible is to change lives and the purpose of preaching is to change lives. The purpose of journaling is to change your life. It’s that simple.

Here are twelve (12) great reasons to journal that I discovered through my own extensive personal journaling experiences:

1. SLOW DOWN To MEDITATE On The Word Of God – Hear God’s Quiet Still Voice
2. Allow God To Be Your MASTER COACH
3. Build Your FAITH BY REMEMBERING What God Has Done
4. Keep Your PRIORITIES In Order
5. Great Spiritual HABIT (Discipline)
6. REST, REFLECTION, And REVELATION – The Tricord Of Leverage
7. Build Your PRAYER life
8. Learn And Apply Valuable LIFE LESSONS
9. Establish UNCOMMON Relationships
10. Live An UNCOMMON Life (Dream BIG)
11. GET ORGANIZED
12. Keep Your COMMITMENTS

Related Articles

• Twelve Great Reasons To Journal
• The Top 5 Reasons For Christians to Start and Maintain a Prayer Journal
• How Do You Journal?
• How Much Time Should You Spend Journaling?
• When Should You Journal?
• What METHOD works best for journaling?

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful heavenly Father, I thank You for my wonderful habit of journaling. Thank You for all the fruit I have experienced in my life by writing my thoughts down and reflecting on those. Thank You for the new work You are doing through this journaling blog. May You open the eyes of understanding of my visitors to the power of journaling in their own lives. In Yeshua’s name I pray. Amen and hallelujah!

Blessings to know and EXPERIENCE GOD through journaling!

Joseph

Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy
Founder and Executive Director of Webinars777 and Seminars777
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations
Community Transformation Specialist

www.empower2000.com
540-445-1GOD (540-445-1463)

Stay connected!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thejournalguy
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thejournalguy
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/thejournalguy

P.S. Sign up TODAY for my free E-course “30 Days To Breakthrough” God wants to transform your life NOW!

P.S.S. Spiritual Journaling will transform your life!

UNCOMMON Journaling is the key
to unlock YOUR dreams!

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23)

What is flowing in the Spirit?

This morning I was woken up suddenly knowing the LORD wanted to use me as His scribe to share several messages with the world. I heard Him say clearly, “Let the Spirit flow.” I started singing a song with those lyrics, not certain where it was coming from. After praying on my knees a few minutes and taking communion, I began journaling.

Very quickly, I was led to do a Google search using “Let the Spirit flow.” That led me to visit the #1 entry – “Let the Spirit Flow Concert Tours.”

I also came across a good article titled “Flowing in the Spirit.” You can read that below. [http://www.worshipworld.com/lite/flowing.htm]

From there I was led to go to Youtube and do a search using “Let the Spirit Flow,” which led me to this video:

This in turn led me to do another search using “Let the river flow” which led me to this video

Enjoy. Soak it in. Let the Spirit flow. Let the river flow.

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful heavenly Father, I thank You for the river of God that flows through me into other people’s lives. May those who read this message let your Spirit flow to be washed anew by You. May Your cleansing waters bring them life, hope, and happiness. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Blessings to let the Spirit flow!

Randy Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR & The Journal Guy

——————————————————————-

“Let the River Flow” lyrics by Darrell Evans

Let the poor man say I am rich again
Let the lost man say I am found again
Whoa, let the river flow
Let the blind man say I can see again
Let the dead man say I am born again
Whoa, let the river flow
Yeah, yeah, yeah, let the river flow.

Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Holy spirit come
Move in power
Let the river flow.

Let the poor man say I am rich again
Let the lost man said I am found again
Whoa, let the river flow
Let the blind man say I can see again
Let the dead man say I am born again
Whoa, let the river flow
Yeah, yeah, yeah, let the river flow.

Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Holy spirit come
Move in power
Let the river flow.

——————————————————————-

Source: Flowing in the Spirit

Flowing in the Spirit
Although I believe I still don’t know enough about this to write a comprehensive article, I will gladly offer what I do know on a preliminary basis, and keep improving this article as I gain more experience. I thank Rev. James Cheong for valuable advice in the preparation of this article.
You might want to read about an experience of “flowing in the spirit” that I had before.

———————————-

What is flowing in the Spirit?
Generally defined, it means recognizing that God wants to use the worship to minister to the worshippers and being sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit to facilitate that. The broad definition implies that a worship leader, music team or congregation can be “flowing in the Spirit” throughout the entire worship – in fact, throughout the entire service. A narrower definition postulates that there is a specific time during the worship which the presence of the Spirit is especially strong and that is when God chooses to minister to his Body. Both are correct, though for the rest of this article I will use the narrower definition.

When does it occur?
It can occur anytime, though usually it may occur during the “intimate worship” (inner courts) portion of a worship. That’s the part of the worship when the worshippers are most sensitive to God. And it can occur in both small group or large group worship.

Can it be planned?
Yes and no. On one hand God cannot be made to do a “guest appearance” as one pleases. Planning the whole worship second by second will not be conducive to flowing in the Spirit. On the other hand, if during the planning for the worship, the leader remains sensitive to God’s will, it’s conceivable that he may have been guided to lead a worship conducive to flowing in the Spirit.

How important is the leader for “flowing in the spirit”?
Quite important. He is God’s chosen instrument to help lead the worshippers into God’s presence. God uses the worship leader to guide the worship during the flowing of the spirit. Whether in deciding to sing a chorus another time, to pause for prayer or ministry, to break into spontaneous song, to speak ministering words, or to have a silent moment of enjoying God’s presence, the worship leader plays the key role in discerning the timing.

Does one have to be an experienced worship leader?
No. God can use anyone; I speak from experience as a young worship leader. The only fallacy young worship leaders tend to believe is that they can “plan” for flowing in the Spirit to occur. It cannot be planned.

Does one need to have a mature congregation for flowing in the spirit to occur?
No; again, I speak from experience. No denomination is excluded per se either. But you do need worshippers who are sincere and who are expecting to meet God in the worship.

What is the good of flowing in the Spirit?
It is not a cool worship technique. It is a practical example of recognizing the Lordship of Christ in all of our worship and church activities. It is the discipline and stewardship of giving time to the Spirit to use it as He wants it to be used in the worship. It always gives adequate time for us as worshippers to feel the Father’s love and respond to it, worshipping “in spirit and in truth”.

How do I know if or when I should allow “flowing in the spirit”?
As a leader, you should be sensitive to God’s guidance throughout the worship. If you suddenly feel that something in your spirit is prompting you to say something or sing something or do something particular, and you get this sense that you know it is from God, then that is the exact time.

How do I know whether what I feel prompted to do is really from God?
The more mature you are as a child of God, the more sensitive you will be to God’s will. Generally anything that contradicts Biblical principles is not from God. As you practise doing God’s will, you will know more and more what is really from God and what is not.

What should I do when I feel prompted to let the Spirit flow?
Your human intellect may have a tendency to say all kinds of things and start waxing philosophical. Don’t. Say only what you feel is from your spirit and what is absolutely necessary. “Get out of the way” – it’s usually the time for the whole congregation to express their feelings freely. Continue as long as you feel God is directing you; end when you feel directed to end.

Does flowing in the Spirit imply a suspension of the intellect?
No. We worship God both in Spirit and in Truth. Truth means that we have to know and be directed by the word of God in our worship. Therefore it is Biblically incorrect to worship God without the use of our mental faculty. Suspension of the intellect often implies extremist views emphasizing the ecstatic and mystical nature of worship eg. trances, hysteria, rolling on the ground while shouting and screaming, etc. Flowing in the Spirit should involve both our spirit and intellect (the total inner man) responding to God’s guidance and leading in the worship.

Anything I should avoid, so that flowing in the Spirit will not be hindered?
As I mentioned above; talking too much out of our human intellect; planning a rigid worship schedule; expecting God to flow at such and such a time, singing such and such a song. Don’t think that chucking some “power songs” into your worship will make the Spirit flow either. There is one more thing, which, having heard of but never experienced, I find hard to explain. I will state it as “drifting into heaven and leaving your worshippers behind on earth”.

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I have included some illustrative examples of “spontaneous song”, one aspect of “flowing in the Spirit”. Neither imply each other, but they are often associated. You need a Realaudio® Player G2 to hear these clips. These are provided as samples only and not for redistribution. They are not indicative of the quality of the original CD releases.

Holy Spirit Rain Down by Russell Fragar*
Touching Heaven Changing Earth, © Hillsong Music Australia 1998

Jesus You Gave It All by Craig Gower*
Touching Heaven Changing Earth, © Hillsong Music Australia 1998

Spirit of God by Shannon Wexelberg
His Majesty Reigning in Me, © CFN Music 1993