Prayer for The Gates

Start with 2-5 minutes of silence to focus ourselves on God

Scripture Focus

Psalm 24:7–10 (ESV)

7 Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!

9 Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.

10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah

Background:

Dictionary of Biblical Imagery (Gate)

Most of the nearly 350 references to gates in the Bible involve city gates. Passages describing the layout of the tabernacle and temple (including Ezekiel’s vision of a restored temple) are likewise replete with references to various gates, some of which bear specific names. In all instances the image of the gate is that of an entryway into something. Because entryways are public places, there is also an emphasis on communal activities that occur at gates.

Observations From Scripture for Meditation

What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impresses on you? In silence meditate on that.

Protection

Jeremiah 49:31 “31 “Rise up, advance against a nation at ease, that dwells securely, declares the Lord, that has no gates or bars, that dwells alone.”

Social/Legal (i.e. public square)

2 Samuel 15:2 “2 And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,””

Spiritual

Tabernacle in Exodus 27:14–16“14 The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and three bases. 15 On the other side the hangings shall be fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and three bases. 16 For the gate of the court there shall be a screen twenty cubits long, of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, embroidered with needlework. It shall have four pillars and with them four bases.”

Heaven’s Gate in Genesis 28:17 “17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.””

Temple Gates in Acts 3:2 “2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.”

Jesus as the Gate in John 10:9 “9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”

Evil Gate in Matthew 16:18 “18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Application & Discussion

What is God’s personal invitation to you from the Scripture? You can write down what the Lord may be saying to you.

What are the gates we need to be praying for in our geographical area?

Protection

Social/Legal

Prayer

What do you feel? What specific situation in your life today relates? Write down a prayer or pray quietly.

Prayer Activity

Prayer Requests