The Four Harp and Bowl Methods

If you are familiar with Mike Bickle's ministry or Harp and Bowl intercessory prayer, you may have noticed that there are variations on the models that are used for the prayer services. Mike Bickle's IHOP Kansas City uses four distinct methods of Harp and Bowl Intercessory prayer. They are as follows:

1. Devotional
2. Intercessory Worship
3. Prophetic Worship
4. Worship with the Word

When Mike Bickle left his thriving church to start a revolutionary prayer initiative that focused on 24-7 nonstop prayer and worship, no one could have imagined how large the movement would become. Today, Mike Bickle has been honored as the prayer leader for God TV (channel 365 on the Direct TV network). Since cameras have shown the world an inside look on the IHOP model of prayer, many people have begun to wonder why the specified methods of prayer are used at IHOP KC.

With the Devotional Harp and Bowl Method or Model, you will observe that the worship team leads the congregation with anointed praise and worship, but not for the purpose of congregational singing, but to provide an atmosphere where God's Spirit reigns and is conducive for studying and reading the Scriptures. This is seen in Psalms 27:4 One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

During these times you will notice that the congregation members are reading and studying while the worship teams are seeking God's face through His Word. Now that you can join in with Mike Bickle and the International House of Prayer via the Internet, you can join in with this awesome devotional worship and prayer.

The second model is Intercessory Worship. Jesus Christ is the greatest intercessor of all. Intercession means mediation or to seek or petition upon the behalf of another. In prayer, intercession is the act of petitioning God for behalf of another. In IHOP or the Harp and Bowl model of Intercessory Worship, the worship teams will play anointed music, creating an atmosphere that invites God's Spirit to flow while intercessors will pray and petition God in a corporate environment. You can join in with IHOP's Prayer Room and intercede corporately via the Internet.

The third model is Prophetic Worship. As the worship teams minister, everyone is in tune to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His guidance upon areas to pray and focus attentions. It may seem amazing to learn that God wants to be included in church services, but He does. In fact, revivals are birthed when man stops trying to control the environment, the people, and the service, and decides to listen to what God is doing and saying to His people. There is no difference when it comes to Prophetic Worship. As everyone flows in the Holy Spirit, He will lead, guide, and move. Different themes will become clear and prophetic words may be given, ministry may take forth, and God will be glorified as lives are touched and transformed.

The last model is Worship with the Word. Worship with the Word is singing antiphonally with the Scriptures. The worship team leads the congregation and sings a verse of Scripture. The congregation devotes themselves to study and expound upon the verse, as the Scripture is revealed deeper through the exchange.

The Harp and Bowl method has become a staple in a many congregations worldwide. It is gaining in popularity because it is a very effective model to use that will bring you into God's presence and help develop your devotional time and prayer time.