Prayer is a Noun, not always a verb!

Last year, I was asked to serve as a core leader with Intro to IHOPKC.  I gladly volunteered and had one of the best times of my life in doing so.  I truly served Him with all of my heart.  I LOVED IT!!  After the internship was over, I got a seasonal job selling insurance with a wonderful company.  However, even though I thoroughly enjoyed my job, the one thing that I walked away with in my heart was a pronounced reality that man was not made to sit and sell for 10 hours a day.  It is just not what we (or more specifically I was created for).  After the sales insurance training began, I went on a 40-day fast/detox SPECIFICALLY seeking God for direction.  I was reading the Bible chronologically and at that time was reading the Book of Acts very slowly.  Here is what transpired

“These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Acts 1:14 emphasis mine).

That was the first spoken utterance from the Lord during this time concerning my calling and direction.  I AM AN INTERCESSOR!  I am devoted to prayer.  I need to be secure in my calling, no matter what other voices come and talk to me.  The next one came shortly thereafter in an early morning meditation.  Same book.  Similar revelation.  

“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4, emphasis mine)

To be devoted to means to commit one’s heart, i.e. their entire being, to someone or something.  THAT’S ME!  I am in deep. 

Also, the Lord was encouraging me a few days later through Acts 10 and 11, the story of Peter taking the gospel to the Gentiles, beginning with Cornelius.  I felt that the way that Cornelius was divinely set up by the angel to hear the gospel, and Peter was also divinely prepared to deliver it, so my support raising would share a similar reality.  God would be preparing people BEFORE I ask them to partner with me.

But the most special, personal revelation of all was the Hebraic reality behind Psalm 109:4.  In English, it says, 

“In return for my love they act as my accusers;

But I am in prayer.”

In Hebrew, the last part says, I AM prayer.  It’s a noun, not a verb.  That’s me!  I’m a prayer to the Lord.  That sealed it.  I was seeking the Lord for direction, very earnestly, and He revealed Himself to me in a profound way.

So, this next season, I will devote myself to prayer, along with others, and BE a prayer to the Lord.