Prayer Point Press https://prayerpointpress.com Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:26:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.4 Always Christmas https://prayerpointpress.com/always-christmas/ Thu, 28 Nov 2019 17:34:51 +0000 https://prayerpointpress.com/?p=10680 The post Always Christmas appeared first on Prayer Point Press.

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Always Christmas

As we enter the most wonderful time of the year, and begin to think about the reason for the season, we may subtly mourn, in advance, the seaason of Christmas coming to an end. Seasons are temporary, they come and go like the good, but sometimes no-so-pleasant, weather that comes with them. The food that we eat changes, as well as the clothing we wear, the gatherings we attend, and the decorations around us, both at home and in our communities. 

All these things might make us wonder about what it would be like if Christmas was celebrated all year long. What if I told you it is supposed to be? 

During this season, we are reminded about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—from the time Mary had an encounter with the angel, Gabriel, the plan of Herod to eliminate any possibilities of someone taking his throne, to the moment baby Jesus came to this Earth and was placed in a manger. It is joyful to see this story being told through so many creative outlets and celebrated by so many, all over the world. After all, it is Jesus’s birthday, which is worth the festivities! 

With that being said, let’s go back to this thought: what if Christmas can be celebrated all year long:  What if we made Jesus Christ the center of all the joy, celebrations, stories, and love, exhalting Him for each of the 365 days in the year. The Bible tells us in Luke 15:7 that “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (NIV). A big celebration in Heaven occurs every single time someone joins the family. Therefore, during Christmas, Heaven celebrates the act of peoples’ hearts turning toward God—people turning their lives to God—and this is constantly happening all year long. 

In Heaven, it is always Christmastime!

I believe that it is only right to join this expression of joy and the celebration of life that comes with it. Jesus Christ’s story is written in the foundation of the love that he has for us. We should celebrate every time someone gets to experience it. After all, it is the TRUE reason for the season: Jesus Christ, our Lord, who was born and laid in a lowly manger, was crucified and resurrected all for Love. God sent Jesus to be born, die on the cross, and rise from the dead because He loves us. This entire act atones us of our sins, since sin separates us from God. This way, when God looks at us, now He sees Jesus atonement and no longer see ours sin. He did it because of His agape love. 

This season, keep those decorations up a little longer, host a gathering a couple weeks after Christmas day—let these be reminders of what happens in Heaven, and be part of those celebrations. Share the love, hope, and joy of Christmas, louder than ever before. Praying blessings and health over you and your family this season. May God bless you, now and forever more. Merry Christmas!!! 

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]]> The Presence Based Church https://prayerpointpress.com/the-presence-based-church/ Thu, 03 Oct 2019 23:20:41 +0000 https://prayerpointpress.com/?p=10300 The post The Presence Based Church appeared first on Prayer Point Press.

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The Presence Based Church

Are we, as a church, a presence-based church, or are we more focused on what we need to do or can get from God?

A famous chapter in the bible teaches about two sisters, Mary and Martha. Even though they shared the same desire to meet Jesus and receive him into their home, their hearts and plans were very different. Martha was busy and weary, trying to make everything perfect for Jesus’ visit. Meanwhile, Mary preferred to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His teachings.

“Martha, Martha you are so worried and upset about many things, Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Today, there are many different model’s churches can utilize to lead their congregations. These examples include structures that allow them to set a specific vision, deliver messages, and set principles to form small groups and connect people. But, the Presence-Based Church is not on that list, because any church can choose to be filled with His presence. No matter what their foundation looks like or what denomination they may follow, any church can be in the presence of God.

Why is the Presence of God Important?

The presence of God makes everything about a church work better. Regardless of the size of the church or its denomination, change and growth will happen if God is the focus. If a church is not focused on God, then what are they focused on? Just like Martha, many people have dedicated themselves to the “work” of the church, rather than sitting at the feet of Jesus. God has become secondary and is no longer the priority.

Dr. Terry Teykl, the author of the book The Presence-Based Church, says “being culturally relevant in a melting pot society that encompasses many generations is a complicated task,” which is the case for some churches in the 21st century. The “Martha church” has based its direction on what the consumer says they need to make them happy. Is it possible to be so busy that we do church without God?

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The Presence-Based Church

The Presence-Based Church book was written with the heart of creating awareness of where we are as a modern church. Moreover, this narrative also serves a purpose to motivate the body of Christ to step into the fullness of who God is and all that He has for us, which cannot be taken away from us, just as Mary exemplified.

Life can become busy and loud, but we always have a choice. We can either choose to stay busy, or we can simply sit at the feet of Jesus and listen like Mary so effortlessly did. When we stop worrying about our to-do lists, the future, and anything else we cannot control, and we begin to desire to sit beside the Prince of Peace himself, He will bring us into His overwhelming peaceful presence.

If you would like more information on how to encounter the presence of God, check out our companion workbook to the Presence-Based Church.

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]]> How to Talk with God https://prayerpointpress.com/how-to-talk-with-god/ Mon, 16 Sep 2019 03:41:14 +0000 https://prayerpointpress.com/?p=10258 The post How to Talk with God appeared first on Prayer Point Press.

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How To Talk To God

At some point in our lives, we have all heard someone say that they have “prayed” for something or someone. It is really common to relate that term to a religion or a church event rather than what it really is, a simple conversation with God. Google defines prayer as “a sole request for help, or expression of thanks, addressed to God.” But how can we talk to Him? How do we talk with Him? He is God, after all. Is there a certain way, a plan, or a schedule that we need to know about so we can produce an effective prayer? Well, the answer is no. Jesus said in Matthew 6:8, “The Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

You Can Talk With God At Any Time

Prayer can be done at any time and anywhere. God is always near, and He is always listening. He wants to be involved in all our circumstances and wants us to make Him part of it all—our kids’ lives, our country, jobs, schools, our families, and freedom. He wants to be a part of our grieving and our churches, our healing and our hearts, our finances and everything else. Dr. Terry Teykl, the founder of Prayer Point, encourages us with this truth, “Prayer is calling home. God always answers.”

We believe in the power of prayer, and we want everyone to experience the fullness of it all. We want to help you be equipped for your prayer life, and Prayer Point Press created this with you in mind.

Resources To Help You Pray

The “Prayer First Aid Kit” has 640 written prayers to connect with God. We have separated these cards according to different areas in our lives, in order to speak to God directly where we need Him the most. I can describe this tool as a conversation starter that will help you talk to God. Each prayer is connected to a Bible scripture, that way you aren’t just talking, but actually praying the Word of God.

Please join us in this prayer:

“Father God, we marvel at your desire to pursue us, to see us, and call us your children. You sent your Holy Spirit to wo0 us and use witnesses and events to bring us to Jesus. We praise you for your amazing Grace. Now, it is only fitting that we pursue you. By enabling grace, we will chase after you with all our hearts. We want to seek you, to know you intimately, and grow in awe of you. Grant us a seeker’s heart. Amen.”

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See our collection of Keys of the Kingdom to help you grow your prayer life

 

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]]> Acts 29 – The Never Ending Book https://prayerpointpress.com/acts-29-the-never-ending-book/ Mon, 16 Sep 2019 03:35:59 +0000 https://prayerpointpress.com/?p=10253 The post Acts 29 – The Never Ending Book appeared first on Prayer Point Press.

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Acts 29 – The Never Ending Book

In the book of Acts, there are 28 chapters written over one thousand years ago, telling stories of miracles, healing, unity, and strength, all of which were led by a gift sent by God, the Holy Spirit. “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” (New International Version, Acts 1:4)

Are We Living Out The 29th Chapter of The Book of Acts?

This last instruction given by Jesus before he ascended into heaven is the sole reason why Chapter 29 is continually being written today—waiting on and receiving the Holy Spirit—by those who have believed and still believe the good news of Jesus.

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In Dr. Terry Teykl’s book titled, Acts 29: 50 Days to Invite the Holy Spirit, he states, “if we study Acts and preach its wonderful accounts of the works of the Holy Spirit, why not pray it?” This makes me wonder. What would happen if we planned every prayer meeting with the same desire to succeed as a church event? We believe that you can create momentum by taking the time to pay attention to details. This allows you to set and exceed expectations. It also creates momentum for the people involved in the process, and for those who are a part of the outcome.

How Can You Be An Acts 29 Church?

We have the hunger and hope for every church to experience and live out the “Acts 29” kind of life. This gives them the opportunity to be moved by the same power the early church encountered. Let me give you five reasons why creating an “Acts 29” culture will change your church and your community:

1. The Word is a rich and effective prayer language
2. Corporate prayer promotes the agreement
3. Praying scripture helps us pray with a Kingdom agenda
4. Having a plan inspires us to be intentional about prayer
5. As we pray through the book of Acts, we invite the Holy Spirit

The first 28 chapters of the book of Acts are blueprints given to today’s church to follow. Therefore, we should strive to continue the legacy that we have inherited by the Apostles.

A Commitment To Pray

One of our favorite stories to share is about a woman who became a prayer warrior from a church in College Station, Texas. She was part of a group that was praying “Acts 29.” While doing so, she noticed some questionable activity occurring at a particular bar close to her community. Feeling concerned, she immediately began to pray, very specifically, for that place. She believed that if she released the Spirit’s work, He would show up and somehow transform that bar into a place that would glorify Jesus. By the Glory of God, the bar was not only completely shut down, but came back from the ashes and rose as a new business named ‘Praise the Lord’ Beauty Salon.

All of us are part of the “Acts 29” story. We want to invite you to pray individually and together in faith, as a body of Christ. Let us see the miracles and wonders that the apostles experienced many years ago. We are committed to seeing this change happen and have created a guide to help you see “Acts 29” happen in your church and community. Acts 29: 50 Days to Invite the Holy Spirit, is a practical tool that will give you guidance for how to move toward your “Acts 29” goal. For more information on how to find “Acts 29” and other Dr. Teykl resources, go to prayerpointpress.com.

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]]> Who is in charge here? https://prayerpointpress.com/who-is-in-charge-here/ Thu, 04 Apr 2019 20:16:00 +0000 https://www.bgtesting1.com/?p=9769 Carnal strongholds like religion, pride, sedition, parochialism, judgment, and fear can drain and distract a church from its vision and purpose.

I believe we can resolve these control issues with patterns of His Presence. My thesis is to invite the Presence of God in as many ways as possible to undo the carnal and establish His Presence as a Divine Stronghold.

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Who Is In Charge?

Control can be a major issue in the local church. One of the major sources of conflict in the church is “Who is in charge here?”. Sometimes we pastors can be control freaks. Or it can be the big donors in the church. Sometimes it is the established members. I was told one time, “Preacher, we were here before you came, and we will be here when you are gone!” I saw a pastor disappear one time for moving the UMW table without permission.

Carnal strongholds like religion, pride, sedition, parochialism, judgment, and fear can drain and distract a church from its vision and purpose.

I believe we can resolve these control issues with patterns of His Presence. My thesis is to invite the Presence of God in as many ways as possible to undo the carnal and establish His Presence as a Divine Stronghold. Simply put, the church functions better when God is in charge.

Dr. Terry Teykl

—- Divine Strongholds Book —-

The companion book to the Divine Strongholds is the Presence Based Church. The theme of this book is to contrast the people-based church with the Presence Based Church. Or taking an illustration from Luke 10 you can have the Martha (Stewart) Church or the Mary Church. Martha is busy with the work of the Lord and Mary is concerned for the Lord of the work.

For some churches, the question is “How can we attract more people?” whereas the crucial question is “How can we attract more of His Presence?”. The dilemma, worship attracts more of His Presence but 20 minutes of worship on Sunday morning every seven days leave us Presence deprived.

Therefore, God is raising up a generation of Levites to bring better, more passionate and creative worship to remedy the paltriness of our worship. Who are they in the Bible? What are their duties? How are they stationed in the church to have the most impact?

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]]> Pray For Our Schools and Our Children https://prayerpointpress.com/pray-for-our-schools-and-our-children/ Thu, 10 Jan 2019 20:12:52 +0000 https://www.bgtesting1.com/?p=9766 The post Pray For Our Schools and Our Children appeared first on Prayer Point Press.

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Pray For Our Schools and Our Children

As a part of my lifetime spiritual disciplines, I go to a school once a week and pray for that school. And with the rash of school shootings, I think it would be good if we brought such prayer for schools to the church more often. So let me give you a prayer of protection for a school near you that you can pray and put on that school.

“Oh God, we declare that Yours is the majesty and power. Cover this school with your Presence so that no evil may enter. Mark this school with your Name so that violence will pass over and around this school. Set your angels on the four corners of this school to keep harm away. Fulfill Your promises to protect this school. Let Godliness flourish among all who work here. And grant the well-being that is Yours to give to each student. All this we ask in the powerful name of Jesus who is alive and able! Amen” 

Here are some good additional promises:

2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Psalm 121:7, 121:8
The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going.

Psalm 91:9-11
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Highest your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Our desire is to maximize protection and minimize tragedies.

Dr. Terry Teykl

Kick Off The 40 Day Challenge:
Praying For Finances

Early in my ministry, I needed 128.00 for car insurance and I did not have it so I knelt at the church altar and said, “God if you want me to go to seminary I need to ensure my car. I need 128.00. Amen”

Just then a knock came at the door of the church which was unusual because we never locked it. There Jim Morford holding a check. Preacher God told me to give this to you. He handed me a check for 128.00.

Then and there I learned that God does not mind if you ask for money as a part of “daily bread”.

So have a kickoff Sunday to the forty-day challenge. Encourage the congregation to buy this devotional for 5 dollars and pray together in agreement for financial miracles, credit card sensibility, money for increased giving to the cause of Christ. I have seen this work in 100’s churches.

Invite me for that Sunday and I will kick it off.

Dr. Terry Teykl

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]]> Are You Prayed For, Or Preyed On? https://prayerpointpress.com/pastor-are-you-prayed-for-or-preyed-on/ Sun, 04 Nov 2018 20:10:22 +0000 https://www.bgtesting1.com/?p=9763 The post Are You Prayed For, Or Preyed On? appeared first on Prayer Point Press.

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Are You Prayed For, Or Preyed On?

Sometimes Pastors have targets on their backs. When they preach against sin people might get mad about the message, or if they change the order of worship people might get upset. Change can be hard for some people, and instead of going to the throne in prayer, they go to the phone and complain about their Shepherd.

Then too, the devil does not like pastors. He knows to strike him is to scatter the sheep. So, he targets the church leader with his fiery darts. And sometimes the Pastor can shoot themselves in the back by not dealing with anger or lust or simply not taking care of themselves.

It is essential and of most importance that a Pastor says often WILL YOU PLEASE PRAY FOR ME AND COVER MY BACK!

Please click here for resources and guides to stay prayed for rather than preyed on.

Dr. Terry Teykl

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]]> Keys to the Kingdom https://prayerpointpress.com/personal-prayers-keys-to-the-kingdom/ Sun, 14 Oct 2018 20:04:23 +0000 https://www.bgtesting1.com/?p=9757 The post Keys to the Kingdom appeared first on Prayer Point Press.

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Keys to the Kingdom

Years ago, I wrote the Keys to the Kingdom as crafted personal prayers based on addressing things that are important in our lives. There are 40 prayers per ring. I’ve written prayers for husbands, wives, children, workplace, schools, Who I am in Christ, Pastor, and Healing.

Over the past 20 years, I have received various testimonies from people using these Keys. Read on and grab yours today!

Prayers For My Husband 

A woman in Abilene, KA told me her husband was a Highway Patrolman. He was in a police chase and killed someone in the accident. At his hearing, she sat in the waiting room and prayed for her husband using these scripture prayers. The court acquitted him! She called it a miracle.

Prayers For My Wife

Gary Herman of Lafayette, LA kept a set of Wife keys in his car and would pray one every time he started his car. His wife heard the car start and knew her husband had just prayed for her.

Prayers For Healing 

Keith of Waco, TX told me he had stomach cancer and began praying a personal prayer for his healing. He was healed of cancer!

Personal Prayers – Who I Am In Christ

Sally of Birmingham, AL, gave these keys to her grandsons and saw their self-esteem and God affirming worth in growing in these boys!

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]]> Practical Prayer: Knowing What To Pray https://prayerpointpress.com/practicals-in-prayer-knowing-what-to-pray/ Mon, 30 Jul 2018 20:03:09 +0000 https://www.bgtesting1.com/?p=9754 The post Practical Prayer: Knowing What To Pray appeared first on Prayer Point Press.

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Practical Prayer: Knowing What To Pray

“I don’t pray because I don’t know what to say.”

“When I do pray, it seems like I say the same things over and over to Him.”

As I do prayer encounters around the church these responses are the most common things that people tell me. People tell me they don’t know what to pray. I automatically hand them my Bible and say “Pray the words in this Bible, it is our prayer language.” The bible helps us to come up with a practical prayer for our lives and others.

Someone called it truth-praying. The Bible says, “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth”. (Ps. 145:16)

I call it prayer crafting — taking the need we are praying about and finding a promise in the Bible that addresses it and crafting a prayer with the help of the Holy Spirit — offering our prayers up to the Father.

Practical prayer doesn’t have to be hard. When you pray the Bible, you will never run out of what to pray.

Dr. Terry Teykl

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