Culture, simply defined, is the sum total of the lifestyles of a particular group of people. It involves not only our actions, but those unspoken ways that we communicate and interact with one another. It involves those things that we grow up with, and become “second nature” to us without our even thinking about them. The Islamic world, and even the Hindus and Buddhists, pray as a lifestyle. I would dare to say, many Christians pray as a custom or when in need. This mustn’t be so any longer! Prayer must become a lifestyle. It must be a part of our culture. We cannot wait for “Life” to happen before we actually begin to pray.
Prayer should be the arena where “life” takes place; where the gateways which influence our lives are revealed. A gate is an opening or an entrance. In Scripture, the gates were a very important place because it was where . . . people assembled; the laws were read; proclamations were made; priests and prophets delivered their discourses, admonitions and prophecies; business was conducted. In each of these areas, people assemble and important decisions are handed down to us. Those who are leading in these arenas have great influence over us. What are we supposed to do? I believe we are to go in by prayer and possess these gates.
God's promise to Abraham was that He would bless Him, multiply his seed, and that this seed would possess the gate of his enemies. At the gate, Believers are supposed to open their mouths for the poor and needy (Proverbs 24:7). "Wise" believers do this (Proverbs 30:9). God will reward those who turn back the battle at the gate (Isaiah 28:5-6). God desires judgment at the gate (Amos 5:15). Wisdom and understanding cry out at the gate (Proverbs 8:1-3). Gatekeepers were assigned to watch and protect the city at the gate (Nehemiah 13:19).
We strongly believe as adults, we are to contend for nations, however, there seems to be, a true, prayer resurgence among children and teens in many countries as well. A move of prayer in an Indian children's home came after the girls there were challenged to read and memorize Bible verses, and God showed them the truth and reality of his Word. Children see remarkable answers to prayer, as God 'chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong' (1 Corinthians 1:27), and He values children's humility, openness, eagerness and faith.
If many of us will commit to prayer as a lifestyle, we will create a Prayer Culture that will possess the gates of nations!
