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Intention

To strengthen ourselves in the Lord through worship to see our worship change atmospheres.

Scripture

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

– James 5:16b

“The battle is not yours, but God’s.”

– 2 Chronicles 20:15

Reflection

As I sat down at the piano one day to worship, a spontaneous line poured out of me. The line was simple: “Can my worship change a nation?” It was a legitimate question. Perhaps my query was even stemming from feeling insignificant in the grand scheme of the kingdom.

Don’t get me wrong. It has never been about the stage lights, fame, or attention. It’s been a deep-held desire to see God move miraculously in our worship, just as we read in Scripture.

Looking through the Bible, we find numerous stories where worship had profound effects, impacting communities, societies, cultures, and even shifting nations. Just consider Jehoshaphat’s battle, where worship and prayer were fundamental to the outcome (2 Chron 20:22). In 2 Chron 20:17, God promises that Judah and Jerusalem “do not have to fight this battle”.

The next morning, “the moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites turned against the inhabitants of Mount Seir and completely annihilated them. When they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, they helped destroy each other.” Incredible! The victory was won “the moment they began their shouts and praises”.

We can also think of Paul and Silas worshipping in jail. As they sang to God, “Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose.” Paul and Silas’ worship led to chains falling off everyone (Acts 16:25–26)! I’ve longed to witness that same power.

So, as I continued to worship, the same question surfaced again: “Can my worship change the nation?” It was then that I heard the Holy Spirit sing back to me, “Yes, it can, and it does.”

You see it does make a difference. Our worship and prayer, and what we do in the spiritual realm, is actually powerful in shifting atmospheres. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. Our prayer and worship are warfare that yields a powerful outcome, whether we realise it or not.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father, “Lord, God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven, and do you not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in your hand, and no one can stand against you” (2 Chron 20:6).

We thank You for Your promise that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” You tell us to “not be afraid or discouraged… for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chron 20:15).

Strengthen us so that we pray, worship and never lose heart. Fortify us, so that we “Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.” Bolster us “to not be afraid or discouraged” because You are always with us (2 Chron 20:17).

Amen.

Author Bio

Joshua is a worship leader, songwriter, teacher and designer from the NSW Central Coast, Australia. Joshua desires that through his worship, people would encounter the love of the Father, experience His goodness and that Heaven’s atmosphere would be released on the Earth. He founded the Australian Worship Network to encourage, equip and empower the Australian worship community.

Prayer Points and Purpose for GO Month 2024

1. To worship Jesus and give extravagant praise to God. 1 Chron 16:23–31.
2. To pray for revival, repentance and deliverance for Australia and for millions to find Christ. Acts 2:1–41.
3. To pray for five people by name to find Christ and share the gospel with those five in May. Matt 28:18–20.

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