*Breastplate Prayer in Michigan*
Pastor Weldon Townsend and Shield of Faith Church, along with other churches in Saginaw have initiated what is being called “breastplate prayer.” The Old Testament priest wore a breastplate with 12 precious stones. There were four rows of three stones and the priests would stand in the gap for a nation of Israel before God. Each stone represented a tribe in Israel. Why not place 12 people on your spiritual breastplate and pray for these 12 individuals on a daily basis.
We, at Shield of Faith Church, made a “double” breastplate (3”x 3½”) to hand out to those who chose to pray for 12. Both portions were to be filled out the same. The upper half was cut off, and then placed on the cross we brought into our sanctuary. The lower portion was for them to keep as a reminder of who they are praying for.
Top row of three stones: For unsaved family members.
Second row of three stones: For friends and acquaintances.
Third row of three stones: For those in the workplace or neighborhood where you live.
Fourth row of three stones: For strangers who don’t know you.
All believers are Priests ~ the role of a New Testament Priest is to take the sins of the world to the High Priest (Jesus). We do this by first realizing that the only sin the world is guilty of is unbelief (John 16:8-9). As we believers (priests) forgive them for not believing in Jesus (John 20:23), through prayer, we bind the god of this world who has them bound (2 Corinthians 4:1-4), knowing that this will loose them on earth and in heaven (Matthew 16:19). We will do this by boldly going to His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:14-16) with their names regularly. We are planting and watering while our Lord is giving the increase (Acts 2:47), adding to the church daily those being saved.
This could revolutionize a church if all attending would take up this practice as you are a priest of the Lord (I Peter 2:4-5). This would revolutionize a church, city, county, or a state. A church of 50 would now be a church of 550, as you stand individually for the 12 on your breastplate. You are bringing them to church with you.
“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 2:4-5)
As you praise and worship the Lord on a Sunday morning, visualize these people’s faces in your mind and lift them up to the Lord to be saved. Pastor will take time for breastplate prayer during the service. This prayer strategy will activate the church into a meaningful purpose that all can engage in. If churches across America could adopt this, every soul in the nation would be covered in prayer.
NOTE: Transformation Michigan is incorporating this prayer strategy throughout our State. We have been made priests and kings (Revelation 1:5-6).
To learn more – visit:
Bishop Larry Jackson
www.breastplateprayer.com
Bishop Larry Jackson of Oak Initiative
www.theoakinitiative.org