JP: Corporate Intercessory Worship

JP Writes:

In my role of heading up Weekends @ IHOP, I have the privilege of teaching the Orientation to IHOP-KC segment of WE@I. Part of my teaching involves breaking down exactly what Corporate Intercessory Worship looks like. I tell them that at this time of the year in the South, we have Corporate Intercessory Worship meetings every Saturday. We call them college football games. On college campuses, 80,000 - 100,000 people gather dressed in similar colors and of one mind set. They come from every economic background, ethnic group, financial status, and some from great distances. United in cause, they are ready to celebrate, party, worship, and cheer on their teams. Rain, sleet, sun, drunk, hungover. Very little will keep them from coming if they have purchased a ticket. They are oblivious and uncaring to what those who don't share their passion think. Before every kickoff, they rise as one body with arms and voices raised ready to carry out their paricular kick off ritual - Go Dawgs and bark; Woo Pig, Sooey; Go Jackets, Sting 'em; Roll Tide; the Gator Chomp.

This is Corporate Intercessory Worship. This what God desires from us. Stadiums full of willing worshipers who are wholeheartedly pursuing one thing. Worshipers whose eyes aren't focused on the activities going on down here on the platforms of our churches, but on Him. People coming whether rain, sleet, sun, or not physically feeling well. Those who will not allow anything to keep them from coming because He has purchased their ticket. He is looking for people, who if He asks, that are willing to stand and look ridiculous in the eyes of those who don't share the same love for the King of kings.

It's kickoff time. Are you ready? Are you at the 50 yard line seat that He purchased for you, ready to go? Or are you roaming the stands looking to purchase nachos and drink to satisfy the hunger inside you?

Jeff