The "1-2-3" Morning Ritual
Three great ways to start your day... everyday…
On Wednesday morning I spoke with Jesse (name changed for obvious reasons). His return flight to Turkey had been delayed again.
When I first arrived here two weeks ago, I was only slated to stay in Izmir for a couple of days. It seemed clear that I was en route to meet up with Jesse, a friend of a friend who is working on similar projects that will transform our world.
When his flight was delayed the first time, my gracious host in Izmir was kind enough to extend my stay on his couch for another few nights. Providentially, my prolonged Izmir visit would prove once again that our Father’s timing is truly divine. I would eventually make it to Kuşadası (koo-shuh-DAH-see), the enchanting beach town where Jesse lives. Here, I would learn a simple 1-2-3 morning routine, but not before a weeklong dance with the prophetic in ancient Smyrna.
A Call to Worship
I know that one of the many reasons I am on Earth at this precise moment in HISstory is to help usher in a 24/7 worship movement.
There is a moment in the not-so-distant future when the entire Earth will enter a state of panic, yet those with ears to hear what the Spirit is saying will know that the “9/11 style event” that others are dreading is actually a prophetic unlocking of Amos 9:11.
That may sound odd or scary or whatever. Regardless, it’s what I hear.
And when what I see actually takes place, worship will transform into High Praise and begin to flow continuously in strategic places until Yeshua’s return. Hallelu-YAH!
I am particularly interested in this future outpouring in Austin, TX. I believe that a big part of my travels in the last two years have been preparing me for my part in the Live Worship Capitol of the World: ATX.
A House of Prayer
Around the world, there exists a network of prayer rooms with a similar call to worship. Interestingly, this close-knit network has deep roots tapping into a strong foundation. When the term “House of Prayer” is mentioned, many often think of the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. And, while I have yet to experience IHOPKC, I realize that each house has its own unique flavor and specific call.
Last year, I was delayed for two weeks in Jerusalem while waiting on the Potter. While I waited, I had the opportunity to worship in Jerusalem with the Jerusalem House of Prayer for All Nations, The Summit at King of Kings, and Succat Hallel.
This year—after spending seven months in Africa—I am delayed yet again in another ancient biblical land. Given the spiritual climate in this beautiful land, I will use discretion in sharing exact details. Said simply, I found favor yet again in a strategic house of prayer: IZHOP.
The last two Sundays, I worshipped openly at Resurrection Church (RC), a local community of believers that are not strangers to persecution. In fact, in October 2016 the founding pastor (Andrew Brunson) was arrested after serving faithfully in Turkey for more than 20 years. The debacle made international news as the pastor was held in prison without charges for more than a year before finally being found guilty (without any testimonies allowed from the defense). His eventual punishment: time served and extradition back to the United States.
His church—the one that knows the local government has no issue scooping up believers and charging them with espionage—continues to meet openly on one of the busiest streets in the popular Alsancak (all-sahn-JACK) bar-district of Izmir. Again, Izmir is Smyrna. And the book of Revelation has this to say about Smyrna…
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
—Revelation 2:10—
Turks are different
The people here know the cost of persecution.
They’ve counted the costs and worship anyways. They open their small Church for evangelism throughout the week. Anytime the doors are open, free books are placed in the windowsill for any passerby to take.
On Friday evening, in the short time I stood outside the Freddy Kruger themed bar next door, I watched numerous people stop by, peer in and take some literature. Each week a few curious souls step inside and, one-by-one, lives are transformed.
During my first week in Izmir, I had the honor of spending extra time with the English interpreter at RC. Not only was I learning from someone who knew the history of the church, the region and the language, it was his couch and hospitality that made my first week in Turkey so grand!
Horses, Camels and Elephants
Last year when worshipping in Israel at Succat Hallel, I took notice of a prophecy on the wall. It was strange, yet filled with heavenly language. Horses first, then camels, then elephants. This vision given to Rick Ridings shows a Wave of Missions from the Far East into the Middle East.
Horses [Koreans] brought the first wave of revival fire.
Camels [Chinese] followed with provision, perseverance and living water.
Elephants [Indonesians] ushered in the final move of the Spirit bringing with them other Asian countries as they blew their trunks like Shofars. They moved slowly and built bridges throughout the Middle East.
Horses First
I spent Shabbat at IZHOP—the Izmir House of Prayer—worshipping with the Korean “Horses” who faithfully run this governmental location of heavenly authority. IZHOP is, in fact, declaring and decreeing from a historical building overlooking the harbor that once served the British Embassy after the Ottoman Empire. During that time, this building was the governmental authority over the land we now know as Israel.
Needless to say, this House of Prayer carries weight in the Kingdom.
Camels Second
Jesse’s plane was delayed again. This time, until Tuesday.
I trust my Father with my plans, so when oddities like this take place I take note. Why was he delayed again? What else awaited me in Izmir?
On Sunday after service at RC, I was asked by a visiting group of intercessors from a Norwegian House of Prayer to join them on Tuesday as we prayed over the local leadership at Resurrection Church. What an honor! And, since my time was graciously extended, I accepted.
The service on Tuesday began with worship, followed by a brief message by the visiting pastor. We were then divided into two groups. I was paired with the pastor’s son, David, who—of course—lives up to his name as an epic worship leader.
David and I prayed together over all the men, one-by-one. I am continually amazed when the Father speaks through me. To receive coherent, real-time data about an individual’s life and calling is fascinating and incredibly humbling.
We finished just before the group of women and joined them as we prayed over the last individual who had been waiting patiently: a Chinese “Camel”.
LuòTuo joined us for lunch afterwards and we learned of her plight in this land for more than seven years. The stark reality sank in when we took a group photo and she politely turned her head and covered her face with her long brimmed sunhat.
“Excuse me. I hope you don’t mind, but I cannot be in a photo with you. You know, I’m from China and…”. Her voice trailed off.
The reality of life, delivered by a “Camel” who knows what it means to persevere.
Elephants Third
LuòTuo left after lunch, and I joined the team from Norway who felt they had one last assignment in Izmir before their departure the following morning.
We made our way together to IZHOP and met up with the Korean “Horses.” We just came from our lunch with the Chinese “Camel” and now, before me was a man from Indonesia who knew about Rick Ridings’ prophecy.
He laughed when I called him an “Elephant.”
We joined this lone “Elephant”, an Indonesian businessman visiting from Istanbul, for a worship session in the upper room. Led by the Norwegian Pastor’s Son—David—we took flight for a time of High Praise.
During our brief time together, I heard a few words. I wrote them down and shared as I felt led. One of those words: “From this place you will decree a thing and it will be.”
Together, we declared more than a thing or two. We prayed blessings over this land, blessings over the government and blessings over all who live here. The group from Norway carried a special message of refreshing for the workers in this land.
It’s only in retrospect that I realize the significance of being joined by an “Elephant” as we walked the premises and blew shofars in all directions.
My New Place
I called Jesse again on Tuesday and his flight was delayed … again.
He would now arrive Wednesday night and asked me to arrive in Kuşadası on Thursday, so I spent the night at a local hostel where I met Şahika (more on that later).
On Thursday morning, I enjoyed a traditional Turkish breakfast and spent a few hours practicing the language before purchasing a direct bus to Kuşadası in the afternoon.
Before I departed, I texted Jesse. No response.
On the way, I texted Jesse. No response.
When I arrived, I called Jesse. He picked up, somehow surprised that I was already in Kuşadası. There was a moment of panic in his voice as he explained that his flight had been delayed yet again. Abruptly, he hung up.
I sat down on a bench at the bus station to consider my options.
As I pulled up an app looking for accommodation, my phone buzzed. Jesse’s mom apparently lives near the Ottogar (bus station) and—after a few calls back and forth—I smiled back at a portly bundle of joy waddling towards me.
My Middle Eastern Mama
For the next few days I would be taken care of by a true Middle Eastern Mama. Once home, she insisted I have some water. Then tea. Then coffee. Then a shower.
Her son’s English is exceptional. Mama’s English, on the other hand, is non-existent. Nevertheless, she proceeded to take care of me. After my shower, another coffee. After coffee, a feast of homemade dolma, hummus and tomatoes.
I tried to leave her home multiple times to go for a walk around the neighborhood but each time was met with resistance. No! She insisted I stay. Soon, her German son-in-law arrived with his very pregnant wife. We enjoyed several bowls of soup for dinner as Mama continued back and forth from the kitchen to the living room taking care of her guests. It was clear that she loves to serve.
The German asked me to join him for a brief tour of the city while his wife rested. I agreed and we zoomed off into the night with windows down, enjoying a cool coastal breeze. Getting a tour of the town where I’m going to live for the next month was quite helpful, but the most important part of the evening was the warning.
He made certain that I know: Mama has a morning ritual.
A New Morning Ritual
After a peaceful night’s sleep, I woke to a muffled sound coming from the living room. I could tell Mama was attempting to be polite with the door closed. Even so, her worship blared through the thin walls.
I brushed my teeth, used the toilet and cracked open the living room door.
Her joy bubbled into the hallway as she invited me in. She sat me on the couch and taught me to count to three in Turkish (Bir, İki, Üç) as she explained repeatedly that she has a morning ritual and asked me to join. Who could say no?
Jesus
Coffee
Beach
Bir: Iesus
We prayed together and read from the Word. She’s a big worshiper and quickly asked me to play some music on my phone. As it turns out, I just returned from seven months in Africa where I helped produce multiple worship songs for the nations, so I knew just what to play.
We started with “For the Nations” and moved into one of my favorites “It is well”. It was the third song, however, that brought her to tears: “The Name of Jesus”.
İki: Kahve
The song finished, she wiped away her tears and smiled. “Kahve?”
She began the process of brewing a strong cup of Turkish coffee. While it brewed she disappeared to change into her bathing suit and sun dress. I followed suit (without the sun dress) and we met back in the living room to slurp down the day’s first cup.
Üç: Plaj
Every morning, Mama boards a local bus to the beach.
Within ten minutes of departing her home, we were bobbing in the gentle waves of the Mediterranean Sea. She likes to arrive before everyone else, spending a solid hour bobbing in the salty bath before boarding a bus back home.
The internet is filled with morning rituals to make you more productive. I’ve been through my fair share of routines, but I think this one is simple enough to actually follow.
Is this a routine you could follow?
I pray that the testimonies from my adventures will bless you and encourage you in your own faith walk. If you find the AL3XAND3R blog encouraging, please share with friends.
I’m Gr8ful.
I absolutely love this! How amazing to see how God aligns everything. I would love that morning ritual! The Mediterranean is the one place I’ve wanted to go since elementary school. One day I will God willing! Thank you for sharing this your life! God bless you!