George Otis, Jr. has documented the transformation of communities in cities and nations around the world. His organization, The Sentinel Group, has researched the effects of transformation and produced documentaries featuring such places as Fiji, Uganda, and Cali, Colombia. In his observations of places where remarkable transformation has taken place, he summarizes:
Finding success in the place of prayer is critical—particularly in those situations where time is of the essence and much is at stake. This is when intercessors must become difference-makers—replacing generalized petitions with transformational prayer.
In the simplest of terms this means praying with specificity . . . within an urgent time frame . . . with an expectation of results.
There is a difference between religious chatter and prayer that changes history. If you want your intercession to be effective, act upon these truths:
- God’s hardest task is to get our undivided attention. Give it to Him.
- What counts is not how many are praying but who is doing the praying.
- Pray until God speaks to you. If He hasn’t spoken, you’re not finished.
- Ask specific things of God so you can determine if He has answered.
- Pray expectantly. Put yourself “on the clock” with God. If the need is urgent, ask God to respond quickly.
