So what's next?

My internship at the International House of Prayer in Cartersville has wrecked my life for mediocre, everyday living. I think about the times I would come home from Corporate America or school and just want to veg out in front of a television as a way of escape. Although I had purpose I wasn't really living purposefully. That's easy to do when someone doesn't realize what the Lord really and truly designed them for.

Three years ago the Lord made it clear that I was called to the nations. Two years ago He had me quit my corporate job, and just when I was mentally packing to be launched into the nations the Lord pulled out a big comfy recliner and said, "Sit." For all those who know my multi-tasking nature you probably know I gave God the "what-you-talking-about-Willis" look. It was time to go, not time to sit...or so I thought. Why do we argue with God? :)

So let’s fast forward to the present. I'm wrapping up an intensely life changing three-month internship at the International House of Prayer and now I have a much better grid for what I, Cassandra, was created by God to do. It's a very different concept to the Western World. I'll admit, I didn't even get it when the Lord told me in June:

"You’re gonna begin to even see that there’s going to be a tapping in and the equipping/training to be a watchman/intercessor and one that begins to even intertwine that with worship. ..'Decrees through song'..."

It's not a role that's discussed much in the Church but I am asking God to go before me even in this blog and bring revelation and understanding. I am called to be a watchman/intercessor that stands my watch through prayer and fasting locally, and then go to the nations. One of the biggest lessons the Lord has taught me during this internship was that King David, in the Bible, was anointed to be king years before he ever attained that position. In the same way, I was not prepared or equipped yet to GO to the nations full-time when I received the call. However, by partnering with Him through intercession for the nations, He would equip and train me. He has, and still is confirming it in various ways. He started showing me in June and the most recent confirmation being two spontaneous Song's of the Lord (prophetic songs) that He set me up at the right place/right time to hear just a couple weeks ago (see "The God of Acuras" blog). So I believe the Lord's next step for me is to become and intercessory missionary.


What is an Intercessory Missionary?

Intercessory missionaries are those who have committed to prayer and fasting as the first work of the ministry. Their primary function is to maintain 24/hour prayer, making outreach more anointed and effective for churches in their city, surrounding areas and the nations. Intercessory missionaries raise their own support through partner development and are the modern day equivalent of Levites and Gatekeepers in the Tabernacle of David.

What does that look like in the Prayer Room?

Here at the Missions Base, every two hours worship teams or devotional teams change. During a set someone leads the room to engage in intimate worship then a prayer leader helps bring the room together for corporate prayer while reading the word. Singers then relate the prayer and scripture in spontaneous song and intercession. This model is based out of the scripture that talks about the Tabernacle of David - "The Fire on the alter must be kept burning, it must no go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it." Leviticus 6:12

I am committed and feel God calling me to be a part of this movement and I encourage those locally to come join us at IHOP Cartersville or go to IHOP Atlanta (in Lawrenceville) and experience the power of this type of worship and prayer.

What about GOING to the nations?

When the Lord releases me, I will go and often lead short term mission trips through e3 Partners and IHOP. I CAN'T WAIT!!! When I'm not traveling and home, IHOP Cartersville will become my Missions Base. The Lord has made it clear to me that He is raising up people, families and businesses that will come along side of me and partner with me to fulfill this calling He's placed on my life. Here is a prophetic word I received recently:

It is time to incorporate others in what I have called you to do. It is now time to speak forth and act. I will continue revealing My plan to you as you go, but this is the time of calling forth others. You have sought wisdom from Me. You have sought counsel from those involved. You have thought it through yourself. Now it is time to act. I have been preparing other hearts to come along side you to carry out My purposes. You need them as much as they need you. A bond of love and respect has been established. Stay in close contact, but go for it NOW.

2 Timothy 4:1-2 “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” -end of prophetic word

The precision and intimacy of the Father's Words leave me absolutely speechless. The day I received this word was definitely one of those speechless moments. So friends, please be in prayer for me. I’m taking the next step of faith with abundant peace and excitement in my heart. These are exciting days ahead of us!!

If you feel led came along side me into my next phase of obedience, you can give through the International House of Prayer. Put a sticky note on your check that says "support Cassandra Reich" and send it to:

International House of Prayer
416 Grassdale Road Suite E
Cartersville, GA 30121

You will receive a tax deductible donation letter for the next tax season.

More detailed information is on our website http://www.ihopcartersville.com and Kansas City has done a great job of explaining what we do. Feel free to read more about it at http://www.ihop.org.