At the Altar: A Guide to Evangelistic Ministry at the Altar

A Guide to Evangelistic Ministry at the Altar

2025 © Kareem Flowers All rights reserved.

Mary Banks Ministries & Bible Teachers International PO Box 11563, Spring, TX 77391

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Lord, I Feel You Drawing Me

Lord, I feel You drawing me, I know You deeply care, And in the quiet moments, change is becoming clear.

The powerful force of darkness shows I am no match as a fighting soul Yet I’m encouraged by Your Spirit, and pressing to reach the goal. They say I fight alone, they mock, they will not relent, Reminding me of my past, the sins of which I must repent.

A past so full of pain, of dirt, and endless strife, A messiness I know has grieved Your heart throughout my life.

Yet still, I feel You pulling, through Your people shining bright, A blazing flame of faith that pierces through my doubts that are as night. They seem to hold more hope than I, that I am not yet lost, Their tears reveal my anguish, as they bear my heavy cross.

I hear the prayers they ascend for me, they come on my behalf Piercing through my doubts and pains with whisper of faith’s refrain. I crave your strength and mercy Lord to keep them at the cross And trust that they remain as your love, and guide me to your light. I will not fight with arms of fist and mindless rituals.

But hold on to your promise that you will remove this thirst.

I know not how you will come through, but You said I must believe. So I will thank You with all my heart until You bring that change.

- A Poem by Pastor Clover Flowers

An Overview Of Salvation

Before we begin to tarry at the altar, it is necessary to comprehend God’s mind as it relates to those who do not have His Spirit. I will not be presumptuous and assume you know spiritual history. An understanding of spiritual history serves as a solid foundation in ministry. It causes you to understand what you are dealing with and how to deal. Therefore, let us go right ahead into certain questions that we must answer before heading to the altar.

How did we get here?

First, let’s establish the fact that God made all things perfect and holy. However, to man, He gave choice. Choice refers to the opportunity to decide. Man could choose to obey God or not. He gave man a paradise (Eden) and righteous commandments that should have been passed on to every generation. Adam was told not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Contrary to instruction, he did.

The effect of this sin was far greater than Adam had anticipated. In fact, only the Holy Ghost can cause you to understand its true effect. Adam was warned that the day He ate of the forbidden fruit he would die. Though He did not die physically that day, He died spiritually, by the infilling of a foreign spirit – spirit of iniquity. (See Ephesians 2:2)

Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

The spirit of iniquity forces men to sin, and sin produces death. Therefore, if one is possessed by it, they will be bound by sin and death. This is exactly what happened to Adam. Adam’s spiritual essence was defiled by iniquity. Therefore, when Adam had children, they were all born in sin and shaped (fashioned) in iniquity (the spirit of iniquity). (Psalm 51:5).

Almost 6000 years later, people are still being born defiled. However, God paved a way so that man could be rescued from this damned state. By sending His sinless son Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world, God has given the world the opportunity to be saved from sin. All they have to do to be saved is; believe in Jesus as the Scripture says, desiring to turn from sin and call upon His name.

The Effect of Sin

1. Sin blinds the heart from being able to truly know God or understand His heart or thinking (His Word). Those who do not have His spirit will never be able to fully understand the perspective God is coming from when He speaks. To them, it will be foolishness.
2. Sin possesses the body, soul, and spirit making a righteous (sinless) life totally impossible. It feeds the soul with unquenchable emotionally sinful cravings. (N.B. this includes inhumane, inhuman and immoral acts.)
3. The presence of the spirit of iniquity in an individual makes the person accessible to demonic possession and influence. Demonic spirits can manifest in different ways. The agenda of a demon is to send the soul to hell.

What is Salvation?

The word “salvation” in a literal sense refers to being preserved, restored to health, rescued or delivered. Salvation is total deliverance from sin as the spirit of iniquity is removed and no longer has power over the individual. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross was a trade so that we wouldn’t have to be punished for our sins. However, Jesus rose from the dead and became accessible to all men in the form of the Holy Ghost.

Salvation is when the Holy Ghost enters the body of an individual. It is called salvation, because the Holy Spirit saves the soul from the captivity that the enemy had them in, and if they continue in holiness, from the fate of hell. When the Holy Spirit enters, He evicts the spirit of iniquity, and replaces sin with righteousness. He leaves no trace of ungodliness in that individual by sanctifying the person’s body, soul and spirit. His Spirit remains in them so that the spirit of iniquity can never return.

Instead of sin and death, The Holy Spirit produces righteousness and life in the flesh. This is a nature change, which makes it hard for that individual to sin. However, like Adam before he sinned, this individual has the ability to choose to live righteously or not.

How is One Brought to Salvation?

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

It is important to note that God cannot be surprised. He has already experienced all time and every heart before the world even began. His experience of these things was in His heart by His foreknowledge.

Ecclesiastes 3:15

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

This Scripture can appear to be confusing, but is very clear when revealed to you. That which has been in the foreknowledge of God is happening now, and that which is our future has already happened in the foreknowledge of God. This is what the word “world” in verse 11 is teaching . The interpretation of the word “world” here refers to “time out of mind” (past and future); the ancient time, or everlasting or eternity. Eternity refers to the time beyond time, the pondering of God’s heart - His imagination. The place where He devised His plan for the redemption of man, as well as experienced every creature. This is what allowed God to despise Esau and love Jacob before their birth. This is because they had already lived out their lives in His heart and hence …that which hath been is now. Let us revisit, verse 11:

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

God has set eternity in the heart of all men in the form of the conscience. Note well, that God’s foreknowledge includes His plan of salvation and the true way to Him. However, the Scripture also notes that no man can find out the work that God has done throughout eternity. Why is this so? It is the doing of God! He embedded this knowledge within us in such a way that it remains hidden—not only from us, but also from the devil, who once held us captive. Furthermore, the basic function of the conscience is to guide the soul in distinguishing between right and wrong, godliness and sin. However, the presence of iniquity defiles the conscience, and limits its ability to perceive rightly. This defilement corrupts the conscience, rendering it evil and causing it to produce dead works. Simply put, a defiled conscience allows the unsaved to sin without conviction.

Nevertheless, the truth is already buried in the heart of every person. It is eternity in our hearts that is able to navigate between a lie and the truth, especially when one hears the truth. Though the conscience has the knowledge of evil, it also has the knowledge of good.

Acts 2:36-37

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? As Peter preached His first message, the Scripture says that those listening were pricked in their hearts. But why? Why would they, considering they were the generation that had crucified Jesus Christ without any remorse? They were pricked in their hearts, because that is the place where eternity was. Their hearts bore witness to the truth and the message they were hearing. Their consciences ensured that they knew the Word they were hearing was irrefutable. They were so convicted, that they begged for clarity on how to be saved. It is the preaching of the gospel that awakens the dormancy of eternity in the hearts of men. When this is awakened, it causes them to perceive their sinfulness, and it compels them to repent.

Therefore, a minister does not have to fear false religious beliefs, denominational barriers, or mental blocks. The Word of God is designed to connect with a place in the heart that no other speech can reach. The Word of God will bypass the philosophy of the mind and attach itself to eternity in the heart. Eternity will then make it known to that individual that they are entertaining, not only the truth, but God Himself.

Romans 10:14

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Here we see the strategy of God revealed. Preaching is the tool He uses to draw the lost. Please note here that preaching is not only screaming and shouting the Word of God, but it refers to any form of speaking of the Word of God or any method used to give clarity to it. Preaching will spark belief in the heart, which will in turn encourage repentance.

John 6:44

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: This is a verse taken out of the mouth of Jesus Christ, the Lord. It is God the Father that draws, or leads by inward compelling, men unto Himself. Note well the following script. This drawing allows the individual to seriously consider the Word of God:

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Facts to Consider

1. IT’S NOT THEIR FAULT. - The sinful state of human beings is not their fault. They were born in sin, contrary to their will. They inherited it from their ancestor Adam. Therefore, learn how to separate the individual from the sin itself. The sin is caused by a foreign spirit, but if that foreign spirit were to be eradicated, the true beauty (innocence) within would be easily noticed.
2. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him” (John 6:44). While it is not God’s will for anyone to perish, His drawing depends on the heart’s disposition toward Him. God uses situations, circumstances, and relationships, along with His Word, to lead people to consider Him.

The Altar Call

The Sermon & The Preacher

The anointing is the only force powerful enough to break Satan’s yoke of bondage. Therefore, let your sermons be Spirit-led and focused. The Word of God carries its own anointing—preach it faithfully. Stay rooted in the teachings of Christ and the apostles, using the Old Testament only to illustrate New Testament principles or lay a foundation that points to Christ. Let the Spirit guide you to address the spiritual needs of those you are ministering to.

If you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, He will guide you on when to stop preaching and make the altar call. By this point, the Lord would already have been ministering to the hearts of the listeners, convicting them and drawing them to repentance. Learn to discern when the anointing is ripe, and avoid extending the sermon unnecessarily. Prolonging it can cause the conviction in their hearts to diminish as they try to keep up with your words, potentially distracting them from the message God was using to confront them. If the Lord encourages an altar call, then He is saying that someone in the congregation needs to repent, or bring an issue to the Lord. Facilitate an altar call by encouraging those who heard the message to come to the altar, but do it in the spirit of meekness. The Lord may show you specific people or have you point the altar call toward a specific sin. If this happens, you must be sure to allow the love of God to shine through you. If people think they are being judged, they will not feel encouraged to come forward. They will think that flesh is making the altar call rather than God.

Be sensitive. You may not be the one God wants to use to pray at the altar. Remember to use the assets you have. If you have musicians, encourage them to play; psalmists, encourage them to sing; intercessors, encourage them to pray. You may have other ministers, so call them to assist.

Ushers & Deacons

It is important that all ushers and deacons be focused and ready. Many things can happen at the altar, so the ushers should always be prepared to facilitate the Holy Spirit in whatever He desires to do. Watch the leader. The Lord might be using the leader in such a way that his/her movements become unpredictable. Follow him/her, and watch with focus and prayerfulness. Keep a keen ear to whatever request is made. Keep altar items such as napkins, lap cloths, face cloths, olive oil, etc close at hand.

Ushers and Deacons need to also be apt to teach. There are cases where an usher may need to pray for someone at the altar. Be ready and holy. Be mindful also of the congregation. There are times when people may have made their seat an altar or are repenting in their hearts. Be ready to supply the individual with whatever need they have.

Be mindful that the devil remains active during an altar call. He may attempt to create distractions to disrupt the altar call and the flow of the service. Stay alert for any signs of demonic manifestation, and be prepared to respond with spiritual authority, and ensure the individual is covered and protected if needed.

Psalmists And Musicians

Music is powerful. It was anointed music that delivered King Saul from the spirit that had bothered him. Therefore, it is imperative for both the singers and the musicians to be holy and anointed. Those with the psalmist ministry (this includes musicians) need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Your sensitivity will allow you to know when to start your sound, and even which song to choose. However, always be subject to the leader of the service (God leads them too. He is a God of order).

Just as the sound of music drove away the evil spirit troubling Saul, your music can also drive out the evil spirits afflicting those who hear it. Remember, God inhabits the praises of His people. Music has the power to invite the presence of the Holy Spirit, who acts as a drawing agent, able to convict any soul of their need for Him. Therefore, choose songs that invite His presence—songs and hymns that serve as prayers for what you desire God to do in that moment or as expressions of what someone’s heart might be feeling at that time. Here is a song that serves both as a prayer, petitioning God to act, and as an expression of the heart of someone moved by the sermon.

“Pass me not Oh gentle Savior.

Hear my humble cry.

While on others thou art calling, do not pass me by.”

Note that the music does not need to be so loud that the ministers at the altar cannot communicate with the people who have approached it for prayer. Remember, even as your music can have an impact on their soul, so can the words of prayer.

Steps To The Altar

You’re at church or a revival, and the Holy Spirit is moving. An altar call is made, and you notice someone heading forward. As a leader or a fellow believer, you feel prompted to go and pray for that individual, or perhaps someone has asked you to do so. But what should you do in this situation? Before addressing what actions you should take, let us first explore some key requirements to ensure you can be effective in ministering at the altar.

The Holy Ghost

If you are intending on leading someone to the Lord, it is imperative that you have the Holy Spirit. Ministry is when the Holy Ghost operates through our bodies. He uses our hands, our mouths, and our minds to effect ministry in the earth. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is able to …heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:18). We must be aware that these are the things that might be necessary at the altar. Without the Holy Ghost, it is impossible to break the bondage of the enemy.

Matthew 12:26 & 28

26 Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?

28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

It is evident that Satan cannot cast out himself; only the power of God can accomplish this. Therefore, it is futile for someone who does not know the way to God to attempt to lead others to Him. If you are not saved, you are also dealing with sin, making it hypocritical to participate in altar ministry when you yourself are in need of deliverance.

This is also true for those who are unsure whether they have the Holy Spirit or not. The only tell-tale sign that one has the Holy Spirit is the power to stop sinning. Love is the opposite of sin. If you are able to love as God loves, you are saved. However, if you cannot overcome sin, and you know in your heart that you cannot, you do not have the Holy Ghost.

Holiness

1 John 1:5-6

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

Even though you may have the Holy Ghost, if you are not living holy, your ministry at the altar will not be effective. God does not fellowship with darkness. Fellowship also includes God’s ability to use you. If He is not fellowshipping with you, it also means that He prefers not to use you.

You must ask yourself, “Why would I go to the altar and pray for another when I know that I am not right with God?” The answer to this question will always lead to pride. The urge to go pray for someone at the altar should be replaced with an urge to repent and regain right standing with the Father.

A Knowledge Of The Word

If you were called to counsel someone at the altar, would you know what to say? A knowledge of the Word is invaluable in any ministry, as the Word reveals the mind of God. It equips you to take the right actions and avoid unnecessary ones. Additionally, understanding the impact the Word has on the heart is a vital asset when ministering at the altar. This wisdom often stems from personal experiences of how the Word has affected your own heart.

Your knowledge of the Word also shapes your approach to ministry. You can only minister based on what you know and believe. It is essential to understand that you are one with God and are simply an instrument for His purpose. Your confidence must rest in the Word—what it says about you, the person you are ministering to, and the situations involving both.

Prayer & Fellowship

A lifestyle of prayer and fellowship allows you to learn how to discern God and also gives you confidence. Prayer allows you to offer words of thanksgiving as well as make your petitions known unto God. It is also the place you will receive instruction and revelation from God. Reading your Bible allows you to learn the principles of God and to be reminded of His immutable ways.

Before church begins, pray that the Holy Spirit anoints every aspect of the service, especially the preacher. At the time of the altar call, as you approach individuals, be humble and prayerful in your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you and to give you the words that the individuals need to hear. Expect the Lord to lead you. Keep an open ear to Him. There are times when the Holy Spirit will tell you not to go to that individual, or in cases of a massive altar call, He might lead you to someone specific. So be keen to Him. Follow His leading ALWAYS.

Maturity

At the altar, you may sometimes learn sensitive information about a person or witness unexpected occurrences, such as a spirit manifesting in unusual ways (e.g., unclothing someone). This is why character, integrity, and maturity are essential for anyone serving in altar ministry. Always remember, these are real people, not actors in a drama. Your responses and actions can significantly impact them, either helping or hindering their journey toward healing and deliverance.

Authority

Though we are all called to reconcile the lost, do not be resistant to righteous spiritual leadership. Yes, you are led by God, but so are your leaders. Obey your Spirit-led leaders, because they watch for your soul and know what is best for you. They are also seeking the Lord for what is best for the individual at the altar. If a leader tells you not to minister at the altar, trust that it is for the good of all parties involved.

If you are not an individual that the leader expects to be working the altar, go to your leader and make a request to go pray for someone at the altar. Then honor their answer.

So you are on your way to the altar, having cleared all the necessary requirements above. Here are some things that are important to consider.

Sensitivity

We must ensure that our approach to that individual is for no selfish reason at all. There are many selfish reasons one may approach the altar. Here is a list of possible reasons:

1. Many approach the altar simply to appear spiritual or God-led to those around them.
2. Some approach individuals and act as if they are praying for them, when actually they are praying for themselves.
3. Some approach the altar because they want to prove to people or themselves that they can perform spiritual acts.
4. Some approach the altar with a mind to fight the devil, without the humility of the Spirit.

We must discern that if someone approaches the altar, it is the Holy Spirit that has encouraged them to make a decision to approach Him. He has compelled that individual for His purpose, not your own. Do not allow pride or lust to get in the way and motivate you to approach the altar. When you are praying for an individual, the most important thing to you should be how you can reach the individual and lead them to the Lord. To do that, we must be sensitive to them and the Holy Ghost.

Before approaching the altar, there must be a genuine sensitivity in your heart. Do you truly care about this individual? Are you responding simply because you were instructed to, or are you genuinely expecting to see God move and bless that person?

To minister effectively, you must “make yourself one” with them. This means empathizing with their situation—feeling what they feel—and preparing to intercede on their behalf. Be ready to articulate the prayers they may struggle to express. Put yourself in their shoes and pray for them as fervently as you would for yourself or a loved one. Maintain a deep sensitivity to their concerns, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your intercession.

Sensitivity also allows you to be free of judgmentalism. When you are judgmental, you seek to condemn before the time. It causes their wrong doings to become an offense to you personally. However, sin is against God, not you. See the purity of the soul that you are approaching. Compare spiritual with spiritual, by recognizing what the devil is trying to do with the individual, and what God is doing in their hearts or His plan for their life. That is why it is necessary to understand that all sin has some devilish influence.

Be Wise

Depending on the individual and their specific situation, it may not be advisable for you to be the one to pray for them at the altar, or for you to be the only person praying for them.

For example, if you are Suzie’s ex-boyfriend that she is currently struggling to get over, you are not the best one to minister to her at the altar. Or, if you are the individual that Mickey has intense hatred for, it may not be best (or safe) for you to lead him to the Lord.

It is also good to let females pray with females and males with males (depending on the situation) to lessen distractions. If this cannot be avoided, avoid unnecessary touching and tight embraces. Eschew not just evil, but the appearance of it also.

Are You Altar Ready? Clothing & Jewelry

As ministers, we must remember that our attire is important. The way we present ourselves reflects our respect for the temple of the Lord—our bodies. While there is nothing wrong with looking your best for the Lord, it is crucial to ensure that your clothing does not become a distraction to those at the altar. Your goal should always be to draw people closer to God, not to inadvertently create an image of lust or distraction in their minds.

Keep in mind that individuals at the altar come with various struggles and challenges, and no one is exempt from potentially being a distraction. Be mindful of your appearance: cover what needs to be covered, adjust what needs to be adjusted, and secure what needs to be secured. Modesty and appropriateness should guide your choices, ensuring that your focus remains on ministering effectively and glorifying God.

Bear in mind that the ministers who pray at the altar should have on comfortable clothing. The altar is a very unpredictable place. You do not know what you will be doing. There are times you will need to kneel or to keep a person from falling. You do not want your own clothes to be a distraction to you and hence an impediment to your ministry.

Do the Stretch/Mirror Test

If you are aware that you might be at the altar at your service, go to the mirror and do some stretches in whatever you are wearing, to see whether you will be exposed and where. Then, make adjustments to amend those issues. Ensure that your clothes are fixed upon your body appropriately - that they will not fall off during the events that may happen at the altar.

Just as clothing can become dislodged, so can jewelry. At times, the altar can resemble a spiritual battleground, with intense activity taking place. To avoid distractions or potential hazards, it’s wise to remove as much jewelry as possible before approaching the altar, especially in settings beyond your regular church services.

If you are evangelizing on the streets or participating in a revival where you may be praying for strangers, it is best to refrain from wearing any jewelry altogether. This ensures that your focus remains on ministering effectively and prevents anything from interfering with the spiritual atmosphere or the safety of those involved.

Hygiene & Health

If you are preparing to speak with someone, ensure that your hygiene does not become a distraction. Take steps to prevent unpleasant odors by using deodorant, mints, or perfume/cologne in moderation. Additionally, if you are dealing with a contagious illness, it is best to refrain from approaching the altar unless you are absolutely certain that God is leading you to do so and intends to protect the individual from being exposed to your illness. Always prioritize the well-being of others while remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

At The Altar

So you have made it to the altar. Hopefully, by the time you are close enough to the individual to speak with them, you have already communicated with the Holy Spirit in your heart, having asked Him to lead you. What are your first steps?

It is important for you to understand that the Lord leads in multiple ways. He may lead you by speaking to your spirit; He might remind you of prior knowledge of a situation; He might give you a spiritual revelation; or He might lead you through what the individual says to you. So do not feel pressured or inadequate if you did not necessarily hear anything from the Lord before you approached the individual. Know, however, that God has heard your prayer and is already leading you.

Be Friendly

Be mindful that when you are a minister at the altar, you are an example of Christ. So show forth the love of Christ. Be cordial and friendly. If the situation allows, do not be afraid to smile. However, keep physical contact to a minimum. Usually, individuals do not have a problem with you laying your hands on their shoulder and praying. However, do not be presumptuous. There may be times that the Holy Spirit leads you to touch a specific area on the body. If He truly is leading you, it does you no harm to ask the individual permission to touch them in that area. However, at no point should you touch private areas! (Especially if you are praying with someone of the opposite sex).

Speak to the Individual

Sometimes when individuals approach the altar to pray for someone there, they simply start to pray in the person’s ear. This is not always the best thing to do. Do not be afraid to speak to the individual. Be sure to remember that the altar is a sacred place. It is not an area for lollygagging.

A good question to begin the conversation with is, “Why have you come to the altar?” I remember once, I was approaching the altar to pray for an individual after an awesome sermon on the Holy Spirit. I was prayerful in my heart, asking the Lord to save the individual, who I believe did not have the Holy Spirit. As I got to the altar, I felt prompted to ask the individual his purpose for being at the altar. His response was “I really want God to help me to pass my exams”. As you can tell, this was both a humorous and teachable moment for me. It caused me to never assume that I know why an individual has approached the altar. Without disregarding his request, I used his prayer request as an opportunity to teach him of the need for the Holy Spirit. At the end of my ministry to him, I was able to pray for God to help him to retain what he had studied, as well as pray that the Lord endow him with the Holy Spirit; neither prayers were off kilter. Asking that individual their reason for being at the altar will allow you to be guided in your ministry to them. Listen to their reason, and distinguish whether their reason stems from a spiritual need or non-spiritual need. Ask yourself, “Is this an issue that can only be solved by the power of the anointing, or can this be dealt with by other means or knowledge? Have they approached the altar out of concern for the safety of their souls or for some other reason?” If it is not an issue that only prayer can heal, then do not be disrespectful, angry, or impatient with that individual. They are operating according to their understanding of the altar. In your response, do not take the approach as if you know better what they need than they do, even though that may be true. Instead, allow yourself to feel compassion for their issue, and as best as you can, help them. This may be to speak to them, and say a prayer for that situation, or you may need to lead them from the altar and refer them to another individual. However, at the end of it all, they should have felt your love. If the person expresses a non-spiritual issue, it does not mean you cannot incorporate spiritual ministry. Be sensitive to what matters to them, but allow the Lord to guide you in showing how their non-spiritual issue may relate to a spiritual matter. One effective approach is to first acknowledge their concern and then follow up by asking, “What do you think God wants from you?” This question often opens the door to share with them how they can give their hearts to God.

Note also, that sometimes an individual approaches the altar for healing in their bodies. Even in these cases one must be led by God, because sickness can be caused by spiritual reasons. Always be sure to point the individual to God and to encourage them in holiness. This will ensure that God has no ought with them, when they approach Him. Educate them that the purpose of healing is not only for them to be alleviated of their deficiency, but so that they can believe God and serve Him. Pray for them to be healed according to the leading of the Spirit. On the other hand, if after investigation you have discovered that this individual has approached the altar out of concern for their soul, this does not mean that it is necessarily time to pray. Here are some of the things that you have to consider and probably further investigate before praying.

Does this Individual have the Holy Spirit?

Whether or not the person has the Holy Spirit is the defining factor on how you will minister to them from henceforth. Therefore, investigate; and as you go along, keep discerning and listening to God. A good question to ask is, “Do you feel like you have the power to stop sinning if you truly wanted to?” If you discern that this question was answered honestly then you can proceed with ministry.

The Holy Ghost-Filled

If someone has the Holy Ghost, they do not need deliverance as a captive does. However, consider what the Scripture says concerning sin and the saint.

2 Timothy 2:24-26

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The Scripture starts off by warning us to stay away from frustrations and quarreling (strife), but instead we should be gentle, ready and able to teach, and patient. This is also true for altar work. Do not be frustrated because a saint is in sin. They have not fallen away from you but away from their God. If they are at the altar, they are seeking to rectify that. The Scripture says that we should instruct them in meekness (though we have the power to rebuke, we choose not to, but rather to show gentleness), because they oppose themselves. This is at the core of what we must understand regarding sin and the Saint – they oppose themselves.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not natural for a son of God to sin. Many have used Scriptures outside of proper context, and they have deemed the sons of God to have dual natures. This is far from the truth. The Scripture states that God has given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Pet 1:4). We have but one nature – divine. This divine nature has allowed us to escape the lusts and pride of this world. Therefore, when a son of God sins, they are actually opposing their nature, or as the Scripture above puts it, they are opposing themselves.

To add to this, a son of God only sins by choice. Consider the Scripture below:

James 1:12-15

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Apostle James makes it very clear that God does not tempt any man to sin. Here, James makes a comparison to the operation of the spirit of iniquity in the flesh (body) and the operation of God in the flesh. While the spirit of iniquity tempts the unsaved to sin, God does not do that in His sons. He cannot sin, and cannot be tempted to, so He tempts (or encourages) no man to do evil. The point of it all, is the fact that if God is in you, you are a son of God, and if you are a son of God, the devil cannot tempt you from within. However, verse 14 clarifies how evil is found in a saint. Evil is found when, having been tempted (encouraged by the devil, by some external means) they agree with the suggestion of the enemy and create their own lust in their heart.

Simply put, one must fight against their own nature and create lust in the heart. However, this does not have the power to change their nature. They will simply have to continue fighting what is natural to them (holiness) until they get to the point of searing their conscience or being given over to a reprobate mind. Therefore Paul lets us know that our ministry at the altar should be to teach them how to deliver their own souls from the snare of the enemy to whom they have yielded themselves.

Note also that in the Scripture in Timothy it says the enemy takes them captive at his will. This does not mean that the enemy can control a saint. It simply means that when a saint has yielded himself to the devil, he has given the devil permission to do whatever he wants. The saint will allow himself to be led into what the devil desires. However, the only deliverance a saint needs is true repentance, which is an acted-out decision to turn from their sins. Another important note is that a son of God cannot be possessed by a devil. If the individual at the altar begins to manifest spirits, then they DO NOT have the Holy Spirit.

When speaking to a son of God who has come to the altar for prayer, your primary role is to encourage them in righteousness. Discern the issues they are facing and assess their knowledge of the Word. Do they understand that they can live holy? Do they know that they are not truly captive? Perhaps they simply need a reminder of who they are in Christ. Allow the Lord to guide you in giving the right response.

However, it is absolutely essential that you never make them feel as though they are bound to their sin or incapable of recovering themselves.

Many have made themselves the standard, by stating that it is only if they lay their hands that a saint can be delivered. However, this is not the truth. The God that has anointed you is the same in the person you are praying for. He is able to loose that individual from within the moment that their heart comes into agreement with His will for their life.

The saint being able to deliver themselves does not mean, however, that you should not pray for them. Pray for them to show your love and mindfulness of them. Ask God to strengthen them, and to teach them His Word. Ask God to help them to agree with His Spirit and to embrace/believe His word. Ask Him to create situations, circumstances, and relationships that will cause them to comprehend Him and obey Him. God will honor your prayer and will bless them.

The Unsaved

If upon questioning or discerning, you have found out that the individual does not have the Holy Ghost, and they have expressed a desire to receive the Holy Ghost, prepare to lead them to the Lord. You may have to minister to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which speaks of Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of the world; this affords them the opportunity for their sins to be forgiven. However, He also rose from the dead, which allows them the opportunity to receive His life, i.e., the Holy Spirit. The reception of His life will enable the unsaved to be freed completely of their sins and become sons of God. As you minister, it is important that they understand what they need to believe, because it is written, How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Rom 10:14).

Note well that the unsaved are held captive by the devil – the spirit of iniquity. Therefore, they will need to be delivered from his spirit. It is therefore important to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit (see following chapters for more info.)

MISCELLANEOUS Lies

There are times when people will tell you something that may not be true. The Holy Spirit will enable you to discern whether the words they are saying are lies or not. There are times when it may not be expedient to let them know that what they are saying is not the truth, especially when it was not their intention to lie. However, you can pray for them in a way that covers the things they have said but simultaneously praying in your heart the truth of the issue.

Praying for Children

If a case arises where you have been asked by a parent to pray for a young child, do not feel the need to get the child to like you first. The reason the child was brought to you was a spiritual reason that is independent of the child’s affection toward you. Listen to what the parent has requested and discern, because the issue may be deeper than what the parent has stated. Remember spirits affect children too. If the child is old enough to speak, ask them questions. Minister the gospel to them in the simplest terms possible, and encourage them to believe on Jesus.

Do not feel the need to take the child from their parent. That is not necessary. Lay your hands, on the child’s forehead or shoulder and pray for them. If dealing with the child directly, get on their level if possible.

Demonic Possession

Always remember when casting out a spirit, that he will look for an empty house. By empty house, I mean an unsaved individual, whose mind is not on Jesus at that moment. Therefore, when casting out a spirit, encourage individuals around to keep their minds on Jesus. Do not forget the children too.

At the Altar Pt. 2

Are You Altar-Ready? How Does One Receive The Holy Ghost?

It is not difficult for one to receive the Holy Ghost. In my experience, many who received the Spirit have been surprised at how easy it was. What is imperative is that the hearts of the seekers meet the requirement that God is looking for. What is that requirement?

Want Nothing But God

Luke 14:26

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Jesus starts off by letting us know that if we desire to follow Him, we must hate all relatives, and even our own lives. Not only this, but we must be prepared to suffer unto death, if necessary, (meaning to take up our cross), and follow Him. Please note here that Jesus does not mean that we should literally hate our loved ones. He is a minister of love, not of hate. However, he means that we should hate any influence that seeks to take precedence over His. Consider Matthew’s take on the principle:

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. At the root of it all, the individual must love no one and nothing more than Jesus. This becomes especially significant in cases where individuals have loyalties, soul ties, or relationships that hinder their hearts from being fully submitted to the Word of God. Such individuals must be willing to let go—from the heart—of all relationships founded on sin and held together by iniquity. They must choose to be holy.

Not only is this the case, but Jesus said that they must also hate their own lives. What is it that makes them who they are? What has their ego been built on? Their perception of themselves? They must be willing to lay down all lust and pride, and be willing to take up the holy life of Christ.

When an individual is willing to surrender their life to Jesus, they are found worthy of receiving the Holy Ghost. But how does one reach that point? Let us break this down even further.

How Does One Receive The Holy Ghost?

Romans 10:6-8

6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

The only righteousness an unsaved individual can come forth with is the righteousness of belief. However, look at the Scriptures break down the operation of faith in the unsaved heart.

Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven (that is to bring Christ down from above). When the unsaved heart has come to faith (belief) the person will no longer see God as afar off and uninvolved with them. The person will also believe that God has already paved the way for them to be saved. They will comprehend that although Christ died to save the whole world, He was also very mindful of them as an individual. They will believe that God will meet them where they are.

Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) They will also believe all that concerns the gospel of Jesus Christ. They will believe that He is the son of God who was risen from the dead, having paid for their sins. They will comprehend that they will not need another to pray to God for them, but that they themselves have an audience with God. He hears their heart.

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: The Word does not need to be taken from heaven in tables of stone, or from over the seas, from other countries. The words of the preacher have been heard, and eternity in the heart has borne witness to it. Their conscience allows them to confess that the Word of God is true and that it relates to them. This truth that has borne witness in the heart simply needs to be acknowledged by the soul.

Confession here stems from the soul agreeing with the truth that their spirit has borne witness to. It is because of the acknowledgement of this truth that confession is made with the mouth. The unsaved will begin to speak the Word of faith, which is to simply testify that the Word of God is true. This can be done by asking God to move on their behalf, save them, and such like. This will attest to their belief in God (out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks). However, belief is the limit of the extent to which they can go. It is God that must do the act of saving, which He calls the workmanship of His hands.

Romans 10:10

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Here is where the mystery is unveiled: the heart must believe unto righteousness. This means that when the heart believes, it must believe until the righteousness of God is imparted to them.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” (John 1:12). When the unsaved believe in Jesus, He gives them the power to become the sons of God. In simple terms, He gives them what is necessary to become the sons of God—the Holy Ghost.

Therefore, the righteousness of the unsaved (belief) causes God to respond with His righteousness (the Holy Ghost).

This is important because many believe in what is commonly referred to as the “Sinner’s Prayer.” This practice involves quoting the above scripture and encouraging the unsaved to repeat after them, declaring that Jesus is Lord, that He died for their sins, and rose again on the third day. While it is not impossible for someone to be saved through this method, it is not a reliable or safe approach to evangelism.

Confession is meaningful only when it reflects the true disposition of the heart. Therefore, while we may lead someone in prayer, is that prayer genuinely expressing what is in their heart? Is it their most sincere desire? If not, their confession is not authentic. Therefore, they must fulfill righteous belief, which will be manifest by God saving them.

With that said, what does belief entail?

• Confidence that the gospel of Jesus Christ is truth.
• A yearning in the heart for God.
• A willingness to let go of sin and to live for Christ.

How then does one come to belief?

Romans 10:13-14, 17

13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

...

17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Faith is developed in the heart when the individual hears the Word of God. When the Word that is preached connects with eternity in the heart, eternity will cause that individual to know that the gospel is true. It will bring its own belief. However, the soul will have to totally agree with what his spirit is saying before it can be accounted righteous.

The word is a drawing and washing agent. It can bring someone to salvation as long as they keep hearing it. Therefore, have confidence in the word of God, and do not compromise the truth!

And they shall know the truth, and the truth shall make them free. (John 8:32)

The Word of God

Note well that the Gospel (Word of God) includes:

• The love of God for the individual. This includes a general love or admiration for that soul, genuine care about the situations they face, but also sharp rebukes where needed, condemnation of sin, and warnings of judgement.
• The Mystery of Christ. It teaches that Jesus died for the sins of the world, rose the 3rd day, and has made Himself available to all who call upon His name to be saved. He will then possess those who believe on Him, and remain in them, preserving their souls unto salvation.
• The truth about suffering for Christ (take up your cross and follow Him).
• Purpose (God’s eternal purpose for that soul, His experiential knowledge of the soul before the foundation of the world through His foreknowledge, His passion to save them, and His righteous design for their lives.
• The Gospel of Faith – which points to believing in God.
• Knowing, without hesitations or doubt, that God is able to totally deliver them from all/any sin, and able to change their preferences to righteousness as well as keep them from ever returning to sin.

At the Altar Pt. 3

Ok, so you have studied the previous chapter, and you understand how an unsaved individual receives the Holy Spirit. Now it is time to pray for them. They have come to the altar, expressing a desire to be saved. You begin ministering to them, what should you look out for?

Follow the Trail of the Holy Ghost

As you minister, open your eyes and discern what the Holy Ghost is doing with that individual. Watch whether they are convicted of their sins, even unto a hatred of them.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Ps. 51:17). Look for brokenness and contrition. Be sensitive to what you are feeling in your heart. Keep a keen ear and eye to the Holy Spirit. God will be speaking to you in various ways (gifts of the Spirit) so be sensitive to Him. He may cause you to feel what the individual is feeling. He may say it expressly, or He will even give you questions to ask the individual. No matter what He says or does, obey Him.

If you follow the trail of the anointing and how it is impacting the individual, the Lord will allow you to discern if there are any cracks and crevices in the heart that would hinder the person from receiving the Holy Spirit at that moment. He will cause you to know whether they are ready or not. Allow Him to minister to those areas, and keep watching for conviction and repentance. Pray in your heart as you minister.

Pay close attention to what the Holy Spirit is telling you. There are times when He will reveal negative reasons for the individual being at the altar, even though they have confessed a desire to be saved. Some come to the altar to be prayed for by particular people or to get special attention. Some will copy what they see others do, because they did not want to be left out. So watch as well as pray in your heart.

When you feel as if the Holy Ghost is prompting you to pray for the individual, go ahead and let them know that you will pray, and then, do so.

What You Should Know Be Led of the Spirit

As I said earlier, it is imperative that you be aware that the Holy Spirit is going to lead you as you pray for the individual. Stay focused on what He is saying to you, as opposed to what the individual is saying or portraying. As the minister of the altar, you are the one who God will use as His mouthpiece in the ear of the individual you are praying for. So say what He tells you to say, and don’t doubt. Praying in the Spirit (tongues) is always an asset when praying for people. When you pray in the Spirit, the Holy Ghost will pray to God in your stead. This will cause Him to pray for the situation you are praying about according to the will of God. He knows everything that is a hindrance to the individual receiving the Holy Ghost and will know what to say to God.

Be mindful that this person is held captive by the spirit of the devil – the devil is a deceiver. He will not only seek to deceive the individual you are praying for, but you too. Many times he will try to deceive you by thinking that the individual is ready and willing to be saved, when, in fact, they are not. God will save them only when their heart comes to the place where there is nothing more important to them than receiving God. They must love Him more than life itself. Note well that if someone does not have the Holy Ghost, you are not just dealing with them, but also the devil in them. The devil will not simply sit back and allow you to deliver his child. He will put up a fight. That fight will not necessarily be against you but against the deliverance.

While you are praying, the devil will seek to distract or discourage the individual from receiving the Holy Spirit. He can do various things. He manifests by causing their bodies to convulse (demonic possession). He can speak to their hearts or give them thoughts that will seek to negate the gospel and the ease of receiving the Holy Spirit. However, as God’s ambassador on the scene, God will reveal the thoughts of their heart to you, and the things that are hindrances to them. You may need to explain to the person how to overcome those hindrances. Here are some typical examples of hindrances Voices: “You can seek God at a later date; God will never save you; You have done too much sin.” Sometimes individuals will even hear cursing and demonic suggestions of suicide, fornication, etc. This is the devil warring against their salvation. As you pray, the Lord will lead the words of your prayer and show you things concerning the individual that you are praying about. He will give you words to counteract what the devil is saying to the heart. So it is important that you encourage them to listen to you, as opposed to simply crying and ignoring your words. In extreme cases, you may have to cast a spirit out. Memories and Mental Images: Often individuals may get memories of past sins or experiences. They can also get mental images of the things they are holding onto. This can be an individual, a situation, an aspiration in the heart (secret hope), or even an offense. As these come to the mind, they can often be distracting to the one praying to receive the Holy Ghost because of a lack of understanding. At times, this can simply be the devil trying to discourage them from believing God. However, it can also be God, opening a sore wound or a secret area, showing them what they need to sacrifice to receive His Spirit. Encourage them to bring these thoughts to the Lord. They will know in their hearts when God is talking to them. Let us not forget that God was the one who brought them to the altar. Their conscience will be able to distinguish between the voice of God and the voice of the enemy. So do not be fearful. As you pray, request that the Lord silence the voice of the enemy to the mind of the individual, that He allow only godly counsel to enter their heart. When this happens you can be confident that God is influencing them (without touching their will) to help their heart choose Him.

If they can agree with God in their hearts, and are willing to give up what they need to, there would be nothing preventing them from receiving the Holy Spirit. Unbelief: Some simply do not believe that God will save them. They are desperate for God to do something for them, but they have not believed that God will intervene. In cases like these, minister to the soul on the Gospel of the Kingdom. Have them know that God has His eye on them personally. Minister truth to them, and guide their heart to belief. Have them know that belief is a decision of the heart, as opposed to something they can beg God for. They must decide to trust Him. To believe God is to acknowledge that He cannot lie. Their Environment: Sometimes individuals get self-conscious as they are brought to such a vulnerable state of seeking the Lord. In these times, pride may set in out of fear of what the Lord might do in the presence of others. Also, in the case of a full altar, some may be affected by what is going on beside them or who is beside them, so be a watcher and give counsel or make adjustments where necessary.

Secrets: There are times when an individual may need to confess their sins as an act of humility before the Lord. This is why it is important to be mature and not a gossiper. The Lord will lead you in letting you know if this is the hindrance to the individual’s salvation. Counsel them to confess whatever they are hiding. At that moment, it is not important that you hear exactly what they are saying, but it does matter that they say it.

There are some who receive the Holy Ghost easily, while others are not so easy because of the hindrances mentioned. That is why is it so important that you be a support to the individual seeking the Lord. It can be a very stressful time for them, so you in no way want to be a deterrent or any form of discouragement to them. Be an example of how God feels about them.

How to Pray Pray According to the Will of God

Note that God knows what you are going to pray for, before you even pray for it. Hence, do not feel the need to pray long prayers. It is not the length of the prayer that gets God to move, but whether it is according to His will or not. This is why it is important to be sensitive to hear His voice. The Lord will reveal to you His will as you pray. He will guide you on what to pray for. If you do not allow yourself to be led by the Spirit as you pray, you will be left confused as to what God is doing. This will also cause you to be just as clueless as to whether God will save them or not. This cluelessness can lead you to desperation, causing you to beg God to move. This can cause the person you are praying for to become very discouraged because not only do they not understand why God isn’t saving them, but you don’t have the answer either.

Focus on the Soul

As you lay your hands, ask God to reveal to you what the individual needs. Do not feel the need to start out praying immediately. Remember, that prayer is not a competition or a show case, it is communication with God. There are times that people feel the need to appear as if God is working with them by praying and shouting as soon as they get to an individual. This is to fit in with fellow altar workers or stand out among them. God will not work with that heart. The focus must be on the soul and its needs.

In the case of demonic possession, there are times when individuals become intimidated by the manifestation of a spirit in the individual. However, know that we empower the devil when we give him our attention. He is worth being ignored, so your focus can be on the captivity of the soul. Let love fill your heart for the person that is being controlled by the devil. Tell the devil to leave the individual in the name of Jesus Christ.

Have Compassion

For most of the works that Jesus did, the Scripture describes Him as first being moved with compassion. This is an operation of the Holy Ghost. When you allow compassion to fill your heart for the individual you are praying for, you will feel their burden. This will cause a spirit of boldness to come upon you, and you will be empowered to make decisions in the stead of Christ. For example, you will be able to determine that their sins are forgiven, or that they should receive healing, or you will see that they are not yet fit for the Holy Ghost.

Make Requests and Give Commands

As you pray, make your petitions known unto God. Say to Him what you would have Him do, and listen and watch for His response. As you are led by the Spirit, walk in the authority you have in Christ and give commands in the name of Jesus. For example, “Be healed”, “Be set free”, or “Satan, loose this individual.” NB. As you pray, do not be afraid to communicate with the individual. (see chapter 4.)

Things to Consider

You Can’t Force Someone to be Saved

Luke 18:1

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

The context of this Scripture allows us to know that Jesus was referring to praying in the time and tribulation of the antichrist. However, the principle can be applied to life in general. This is where the principle of “tarrying “was taken from. Tarry in a literal sense means to stay longer than intended; to delay leaving a place.

Applied to the altar, to tarry at the altar means to stay at the altar until the individual receives the Holy Spirit, no matter how long it takes. This can be effective; however, one must bear in mind, that it is the heart of the individual seeking the Holy Ghost that must come into agreement with God. You cannot force the individual to be saved if they do not believe or want to be. There are times when you may be able to sense the judgement of the Lord or how close an individual is to being saved, but this does not negate the fact that it is still their choice to be. They must come all the way to the righteousness of belief and yearn for God in their hearts. That is not something you can force. Your ministry and prayers can inspire it, however, you cannot force their will to choose. With that said, know when to stop. The Lord will lift His anointing from you or tell you plainly to stop. He will lead you and guide you in every aspect of working the altar. Do not let your heart interfere with a decision that God has made. His decision to stop does not mean that they will never get saved. It simply means that they might not get saved at that moment, because their heart isn’t ready.

Understanding

Sometimes, individuals simply do not understand how to receive the Holy Spirit. They think that they have to cry and shout, because that is what they have seen others do at the altar. This is why it is imperative that you keep discerning. Once a friend of mine was praying for another at the altar, and the individual was crying profusely. Initially, my friend thought that the conviction of the Lord had pricked the soul of the young man, and he started to pray with him. It wasn’t long before he was led of God to ask the young man why he was crying. His response: “I don’t know, I thought that was what I was supposed to do, and I like to cry.” Not All will be Saved Always be mindful of God’s eternal plan. It is a sad truth that some are wheat and others tares. All will not be saved, no matter how badly you want them to be. Even God expressed that it is not His will that any perish, however, He refuses to force people to choose Him. Therefore, it is imperative for you to be led by the Spirit. God will draw His elect unto Himself. He will save the elect and those who are not, He warns. So do only what the Spirit tells you to do and say only what the Spirit tells you to say. Go to the individuals He leads you to, and do not feel pressured to go to someone the Spirit is not leading you to go to.

God is Not Difficult

Keenness to the Holy Spirit has been a theme in this book primarily because it is so essential to effective prayer. Many times people who pray for God to do things often get frustrated or flustered when He does not. Always remember that God is not difficult. He is ready to respond to you as soon as you ask Him to do something. So, if you are asking Him to do something and He is not doing it, it is because it is not His current will for whatever reason. When you realize this, do not get angry or upset. Simply ask God to reveal His will to you, and how you should pray. Then, pray accordingly.

MISCONCEPTIONS THE UNSAVED MAY HAVE REGARDING THE INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Crying & Screaming (Bodily Exercise): Sometimes, individuals think they have to do things to make God feel sympathy for them and their state. They may jump, kick, roll, scream, and even cry. Be sure to discern when this is happening, and do not be naive into thinking that bodily exercise equates a move of God. People may also say things repeatedly, thinking that is what God wants to hear, or as a way of convincing Him that that is their heart, when it is not. While others simply move about to mock the Holy Ghost. Be sure to discern if this is happening and stop them from doing it. Let them know that God is reading the heart, as opposed to what the mouth says, or the body does. For those who mock, give a warning. Get Right First: Some believe that before coming to God they have to “get right first”, or in plain terms, get holy first. This is actually impossible. Though an unsaved individual may stop certain sins, sin for them is more than a decision, it is a living presence (spirit) within them. Therefore, if one were to try and get right before coming to the Lord, they would never come to Him.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18). Encourage the individual to come as they are. However, come with a heart that is willing to change. If they ask God to save them, He will, as long as they truly desire to be.

I Can Never Stop Sinning: Some individuals believe they can never truly overcome the specific sin they are trapped in. For those who have struggled with addiction— whether to drugs, sexual desires, or emotional dependencies—they often feel hopeless due to repeated failures in trying to break free. This mindset can carry over into their approach to God, hindering their faith.

Be quick to recognize this belief, as faith is essential for God to move in their lives. Encourage them with the truth of God’s Word. Share your testimony of how God delivered you from sin and how He has done the same for countless others. Remind them that Jesus came to set them free from sin, and they are not an exception to His power. Help them to believe in the power of the blood of Jesus, which not only washes away sin but also removes the very desire for it.

Let them know that the responsibility to stop is not on them, but it is God who will empower them to stop when His Holy Spirit comes inside of them. All they need is a desire to be free.

I am too Evil: When an individual has lived a lifestyle of sin, they often feel intimidated to approach God. They think that God wants nothing to do with them because of all that they have done. Minister to them, and let them know that God can and will save them if they give Him their heart. They have not done too much that He cannot handle.

After the Altar

So you have come from the altar. You followed the leading of the Spirit to the best of your ability, and the results were according to the will of God. What next?

Be Prayerful

Be in prayer concerning the issues you heard at the altar. Confess those things to the Father that the individual at the altar might not have been able to hear or bear at that time. Water the individual(s) with prayer and supplication. For those who still have issues, pray specifically for those issues. Badger the Lord that He moves on their behalf.

Be Integrous

Often, people will share personal and sensitive information with you in confidence at the altar. In most cases, this information is meant to remain solely between you, the individual, and God. Avoid sharing what you’ve heard unless it is absolutely necessary for the safety or spiritual well-being of the individual. Always remember that it is God who entrusted you with this information. Gossiping about matters that were shared in confidence dishonors God and betrays the trust placed in you. Such behavior can lead God to view you as unworthy or immature in handling ministry responsibilities. This could result in Him limiting your opportunities for ministerial work that involves confidentiality or even bringing judgment upon you. Handle what you hear with care, integrity, and reverence. There are instances when individuals may share highly confidential information. Depending on the nature of the information, there may be situations where involving the police is necessary. However, always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern the righteous course of action, ensuring that your response aligns with both God’s will and the well-being of the individual involved.

Connect

If possible, follow up with the individual you prayed for. With their permission, gather their contact information and reach out to them through a call, text, or email. Stay connected and offer continued support as they progress on their journey. Visit them when appropriate, and remind them that you are praying for them and their family.

Prepare for your next altar visit.

You can get ready for your next altar experience by revisiting the principles we discussed in Chapter 3. Reflect on these insights to ensure you are spiritually and mentally prepared to minister effectively.

God has truly blessed us with the light of His knowledge, shining in our hearts. Let’s use it to expand and strengthen His Kingdom. See you soon—at the altar!