ENI World Shapers Club FAQ

The Children’s Global Prayer Movement!

Where did the idea of children intercessors come from?

It’s a God idea! In the Old Testament, it wasn’t unusual for a call to be made for ALL of Israel to join in fasting and prayer – this often included the women and children; infants and livestock as well. In the New Testament, Jesus rebuked the disciples for hindering the children and told them to allow the children to come to Him. Prayer is the way we come to Him.

Why coach and liberate children to intercede?

First of all, to cooperate with God. Prayer is in their spiritual DNA! Think about this: If youth and children are now making up half of the world’s population, then I believe that half the Christian world’s prayer warriors should be youth and children, say one quarter each. It makes me feel responsible to coach and liberate them. How about you?
Secondly, I believe that children are the most untapped resource of prayer power in the church today.

How valid are children’s prayers?

As valid as yours and mine – perhaps even more because of their purity, trust and blatant faith. They expect miracles! Also, the Holy Spirit in them is the same Holy Spirit in adult believers. There is no “junior” Holy Spirit.

At what age is it appropriate for children to be introduced to the concept and practice of prayer and global intercession?

As soon as possible! If the devil can’t destroy them before they are born, he is after them as soon as they are. Our children are bombarded from an early age with a culture that is increasingly far from God. Why not prepare and equip them to use the tools God has given to believers and let them take their concerns to the Lord in prayer.

Is it Scriptural?

Matthew 19:14 and Luke 18:16  “…Jesus said, ‘let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Isaiah 11:6 “And a little child shall lead them.”

Matthew 11:25 and Luke 10:21 “ I thank you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and the prudent and revealed them to babes.”

Matthew 21:16 “Have you never read, ‘out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?”
I Samuel 2:11 “…the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.”

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ENI’s Do & Teach Workshops

Intercessory Prayer & Spiritual Warfare

Section A. Do & Teach – Church-Wide

Where did the idea of children intercessors come from?

Webster’s Dictionary describes intercession as pleading or petitioning on behalf of another in trouble or difficulty. An act of intervention or mediation.

The Bible tells us that intercession is standing in the gap or stepping into the breach for someone else Ez. 22:30

What is spiritual warfare?

Webster’s Dictionary describes warfare as a conflict between hostile entities. The Bible teaches us that our warfare is not carnal – not against flesh and blood or with manmade weapons– but that it is SPIRITUAL warfare between hostile enemies. Specifically, Ephesians 6:10 says that we wrestle against principalities and powers.

Who is an intercessor/warrior?

Every believer should be! Jesus is our prime example. Not only is He ever interceding for us, but His was the ultimate intervention – giving His life – in the gap, for us.

How are we to intercede for others and wage war against the devil?

The Bible is full of strategies for the believer who is obeying God to exercise his God-given authority over ALL the power of the devil. This workshop teaches myriad principles of strategic intercession and warfare.

What should we expect the end results of intercession/warfare to be?

Intercession and warfare have both global and eternal consequences! Prayer changes things. The Lord hears and answers.

Divine intervention intercepts Satan’s strategies and the prayers of the believer reconciles man to his God.

Lives change, families change, cities and nations change. Revival, harvest, miraculous signs and wonders follow. Strongholds are demolished and great victories are won in the heavenlies.

Section B. Do & Teach – Leadership

Why specific emphasis on the prayer life of those in leadership?

Luke 12:48 tells us that to whom much is given, much is required.  John 15:5 reminds us that without  God we can do nothing.  For one in (any) leadership position to fulfill his or her God-given mandate, that individual must abide in the vine and actively pursue and maintain their personal relationship with God. Otherwise, the plans and strategies of the enemy – against the work and Kingdom of God – will prevail and that ministry will fail. Even worse, the leader may fall into sin bringing censure to the cause of Christ and becoming a stumbling block to both sheep and sinners.

How does a leader maintain balance in his/her life while working to do all that he/she believes God is asking of them?

The leader’s personal relationship with the Lord must always remain stronger than his/her callings, giftings or knowledge. The leader’s life then, will not flow out of their ministry, but their ministry will flow out of their life. One hid with Christ in God for, “…apart from God I can do nothing.”

What are some of the things that can undermine the prayer life of a person in Leadership?

We get calls all the time, “Help, I’m on overload!” “There’s never enough time…too much pressure.” “We are ill, understaffed, burned out and overwhelmed!” Sound familiar? When our priorities get out of order, we end up carrying much more of the burden (of ministry, or family, or work) than God intended. Jesus, our example, had to regularly get away for seasons of prayer and intimacy with His Father so he could, “do the work of the ministry” without becoming overwhelmed or stressed out.

How are leaders whose ministries grow and become visible to a great number of people supposed to keep from succumbing to pride and vanity– especially in today’s globally connected world of the internet and social media?

Philippians 2:7 tells us that Jesus MADE himself of no reputation! Does that mean that he didn’t have one? Of course not. Jesus’ “fame” went from city to city, town to town. The reports of healings and deliverance from demons were widespread. However, Jesus didn’t spend time reading the morning newspapers or determine where his next assignment would be by taking a poll. He spent time with his Father to keep his head clear and get his marching orders.

How do people in ministry tell the difference between a “good idea” and a “God idea?

Nothing can take precedence over waiting on the Lord in intercession to give birth to GOD WORKS, GOD IDEAS, so that God’s plans and purposes can be accomplished. Being disconnected from Jesus, our Head, can result in wearisome, unfruitful and wasteful activities.

Use our giftings? Of course! But not without first waiting on God for His anointing on them.

Section C: Do & Teach – Intergenerational

The question WE ask most: “Pastor, is your church having corporate prayer?”

The answer is usually an immediate, “Yes, of course. We have a Tuesday morning prayer group and the men get together for prayer Friday evenings…” That or some variation thereof is the common response to which we reply, “Are your young people and the children joining you?” Almost always there is a very silent, protracted pause ended by our saying, “Then you really aren’t ‘corporate’ are you?”

What really is meant by “corporate?”

Webster’s defines it as: pertaining to a unified group, as persons; united or combined into one.  We call it “InterGenerational”.

God calls it “the whole body… fitly joined (together)… every joint…every part…” Eph 4:15-16.  The modern church seems to have forgotten how God’s calls to Israel for prayer and, yes, fasting, most often included men, women, young people AND children! The New Testament is full of examples of young people and children being present and participating in the ministry of Jesus. Can we forget the youth who “sacrificed” his lunch so thousands could be fed or the little child whom Jesus welcomed and encouraged the adults to emulate?

Why corporate?

There is power in united prayer. The more prayer…prayers…pray-ers…the more answers!! The more POWER!  In an “InterGenerational” setting, a young boy, overjoyed at being recognized as a viable, spiritual part of the Body exclaimed, “The more I get to pray, the more God gets to do!”    

If one can put a thousand, then…

If it’s just “power in numbers,” then why is it important that those “numbers” include young people and children?

“Train up a child in the way…” “Talk with your children as you walk in the way, instruct them…”  It is the God-given responsibility of every parent, Pastor, mentor of children to train and equip them to both overcome the enemy of their souls and to intercede for lost souls around the world.Pastor Ilnisky often reminds us that praying children will someday become praying adults – already learned intercessors.

What are the consequences of not including children and youth in all the spiritual aspects of the Church?

Spiritual abortions. Selah. Harsh sounding isn’t it.  The Church is, and correctly so, adamantly opposed to natural abortion. However, we either turn a blind eye – or are blinded – to the fact that our churches are hemorrhaging young people once they are old enough to decide for themselves about their attendance. Could it be that NOT including them in the spiritual life of the church and ministry from a young age leaves them feeling marginalized, unappreciated and looking for inclusion in some other venue? Just think of the aborted ministers, missionaries, praise leaders and intercessors (to name a few) that have never flourished because room wasn’t made for them. The devil has many “rooms” ready to receive them.Use our giftings? Of course! But not without first waiting on God for His anointing on them.

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Who Is Esther Ilnisky?

Founder and President

Established both Esther Network International (ENI, now Esthernet) and the Children\’s Global Prayer Movement (CGPM)

Wife, Mother, Missionary

Married to husband and Pastor William Ilnisky for over 50 years, proud mother and former missionary to Jamaica and Lebanon.

Internationally Read Author

Author of “Let the Children Pray” first published by Regal Books (and now in its third printing) as well as contributing writer for “Christian Parenting,” “Global Church Growth,” “Charisma,” “The Voice” and other Christian periodicals.

Esther Often Says...

“We’re called and dedicated to the global  and ever-growing Worldwide Prayer Movement…’for such a time as this!” “We’re committed to raise up, train and equip intercessors of all ages, everywhere, for global revival and harvest.”