“The NET(WORK) of Prayer”
Finding the Altar in Our Lives!
“And thou shalt make for it a grate of network of brass; and upon the net shalt thou make four brasen rings in the four corners thereof. And thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the midst of the altar” (Exodus 27:4-5).
The word “network” is mentioned seven times in the Bible, mainly associated with furnishings in the tabernacle/temple, and in the above scripture, particularly used in association with the altar.
In this Biblical illustration, a grate was set into the middle hollow of the altar, in which the fire was kept and the sacrifice was burnt. It was made of a network like a sieve, that the fire might burn better, and that the ashes might fall through into the hollow of the altar. The altar not only represents sacrifice, repentance, and a type of Christ making atonement for our sins, but (in church vernacular) also denotes a place associated with prayer. The fire of God will not fall on an empty altar!
A network of prayer is a powerful tool! A net•work in modern terminology is defined as “An extended group of people with similar interests or concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance or support.” In a spiritual prayer analogy, there is a commonality that joins people of related awareness or involvement where the point of connection is that spiritual “altar,” which often denotes a place of prayer.
There is power in the work of the net. Although very advantageous, I am not referring to the internet, which serves as a premium social media network tool for many. The context referenced here is a social point of connection of prayer with God Himself, who has a net that is intertwined and designed to accomplish His divine purpose so His will may be done on earth as it is in Heaven. God’s successful network is our relationship in prayer with Him, and how it connects with other people and events, on a larger scale, to accomplish His perfect will!
The greatest information, insight, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, fulfillment, and above all, relationship, comes from God as He speaks to us through the power of prayer, among other avenues. A link or community with the people of God who have a kindred spirit to pray often cultivates and strengthens that relationship with God. There is strength in united prayer and the power of agreement. (See Deuteronomy 32:30; Ecclesiastes 4:12; Matthew 18:20.)
Throughout the Bible, many patriarchs had a network of prayer, some included Moses who mediated for the Israelites; Daniel who interceded for kingdoms; Nehemiah who intervened in rebuilding the temple; Esther who stood in the gap for her people; and Rhoda who prayed for Peter’s release from prison―all who connected with others to accomplish the plan of God. Throughout Acts, the Church incorporated a network of prayer. (See Acts 1:14; 2:1; 3:1; 4:31; 6:4.)
In this network, once we see the work of the prayer net, another net usually comes onto the scene: the evangelism net. Prayer and evangelism work hand in hand. This network of prayer is powerful. Matthew 13:47 says, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:” John 21:11 says, “Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, a hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.” Luke 5:10 says, “And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”
I encourage you to access the network of prayer. You will discover in the end result of finding the altar in your life that the net gain is more than you can ever imagine!
Flo Shaw
Director
World Network of Prayer
(Info from: Prayer Connect – World Network of Prayer – floshaw@wnop-upci.ccsend.com)