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The Elijah Task: A Call to Today's Prophets and Intercessors
It illumines the Bible like a searchlight, pointing out the mysteries of God. There still is much confusion and misuse of the office and the responsibilities of the prophet and the intercessor in the Christian arena. John and Paula Sandford explain how prophets are called and trained. With a great passion and urgency, they challenge all intercessors to realize and understand their vital role in the world today and how closely they must work with the prophets. John and Paula Sandford clearly What it means to be called and trained as a prophet or intercessor
How to understand dreams and visions and hear directly from God
Why it is important for the body to work in unity This book is filled with spiritual discoveries that will effect dynamic changes in every reader. About the Authors
John and Paula Sandford have applied the principles of this book with great success in their parenting of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The founders of Elijah House, the Sandfords are well known around the world for their contributions of teaching, counseling, writing, and leading in the fields of family living, inner healing, prophecy, social concerns, human behavior, and theology. They have written thirteen books.
How to understand dreams and visions and hear directly from God
Why it is important for the body to work in unity This book is filled with spiritual discoveries that will effect dynamic changes in every reader. About the Authors
John and Paula Sandford have applied the principles of this book with great success in their parenting of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The founders of Elijah House, the Sandfords are well known around the world for their contributions of teaching, counseling, writing, and leading in the fields of family living, inner healing, prophecy, social concerns, human behavior, and theology. They have written thirteen books.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1977
125 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
John Loren Sandford
48 books33 followersJohn Sandford and and his wife Paula are co-founders of Elijah House, Inc., an international ministry established in 1975 in response to the Lord's calling in Malachi 4:5-6 and Matthew 17:11
They have traveled extensively, teaching the biblical principles of repentance and forgiveness, highlighting the transforming power of Jesus' death and resurrection. They are considered pioneers in the prophetic and inner healing movements. Their vision has been to reveal that which keeps believers bound in repetitive sin; by, as John says, "evangelizing the unbelieving areas of the believer's heart."
John and Paula have sown a deeper understanding of the Word into the Body of Christ, especially regarding the four spiritual laws, illuminating the biblical truth that these laws are just as certain as the law of gravity in how they affect our lives. Their work in the Kingdom has brought transformation of individuals and reconciliation of relationships to countless thousands, from individuals and families to denominations and people groups,and most ultimately, reconciliation with The Father.
John graduated from seminary with an M. Div. in Religion and Personality. He pastored churches in Illinois, Kansas, and Idaho for 21 years before founding Elijah House. Paula was active in these churches in music and Christian education, and also taught English and Spanish in public high school for several years. She joined her husband in the team ministry of Elijah House from its beginning and was ordained in 1995.
John and his wife Paula experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit in 1958, which has enriched their ministry ever since. They have been married since 1951, have 6 children, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
They have traveled extensively, teaching the biblical principles of repentance and forgiveness, highlighting the transforming power of Jesus' death and resurrection. They are considered pioneers in the prophetic and inner healing movements. Their vision has been to reveal that which keeps believers bound in repetitive sin; by, as John says, "evangelizing the unbelieving areas of the believer's heart."
John and Paula have sown a deeper understanding of the Word into the Body of Christ, especially regarding the four spiritual laws, illuminating the biblical truth that these laws are just as certain as the law of gravity in how they affect our lives. Their work in the Kingdom has brought transformation of individuals and reconciliation of relationships to countless thousands, from individuals and families to denominations and people groups,and most ultimately, reconciliation with The Father.
John graduated from seminary with an M. Div. in Religion and Personality. He pastored churches in Illinois, Kansas, and Idaho for 21 years before founding Elijah House. Paula was active in these churches in music and Christian education, and also taught English and Spanish in public high school for several years. She joined her husband in the team ministry of Elijah House from its beginning and was ordained in 1995.
John and his wife Paula experienced the infilling of the Holy Spirit in 1958, which has enriched their ministry ever since. They have been married since 1951, have 6 children, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 26, 2014
Written in 1977, this classic is as relevant and profound today as it was then. John and Paula write on the prophetic like few others. This book continues to remind me of the role of the prophetic on the earth. They do a wonderful job of contrasting the OT prophet model to the NT model and reminds the reader that the foundational role of the prophetic is to make a way for Christ. I dare say this book was written ahead of it’s time and it’s insight and teaching are deeply needed in this hour.
July 25, 2012
A clear, biblical and practical look at the prophetic ministry. Not for the faint-hearted.
The author tackles many myths about the roles of the prophet.
My favourite quote:
"A true prophet must stand mute and meek before the will of another"
The author tackles many myths about the roles of the prophet.
My favourite quote:
"A true prophet must stand mute and meek before the will of another"
Currently reading
July 31, 2012This book grooms the christian prophet. It smooths out the ruff edges
July 6, 2010
this is a non fiction book that John and Paula teach from experience how to grow in Intercession, understand dreams and visions, leading others in intercession, working in unity and the huge importance of this. And many other very important strategies from one who is experienced and seasoned.
April 23, 2012
I wouldn't just recommend this book to anyone, but God definitely used several sections of this book to affirm things He was already to speaking to me.
April 30, 2020
There are some nuggets in this book, but I do not agree with everything he says.
July 9, 2010
My favorite book of all time on bible prophecy.
February 18, 2020
Older text, but still resonates today. Emphasizes the critical role of the prophet in the body of Christ in helping to expose sin and deal with it so that people can live truly free. Provides practical helps to those who seek to move in the gift of prophecy. Encourages the church and the prophets among them to carefully work together to ensure that what is heard is truly of God and that the church is responding properly to God's direction.
May 22, 2023
The novelty of this book for me was that with less than nine months of my being called into a real Christian faith under the fear of the living God I received this book from where the Kansas City prophetic conferences were ongoing! What the world needs nearly fifty years later on is for the pulpits to be used to bring a real Scriptural - especially Old Testament - understanding of the motions of the Holy Spirit in the Ascension gifts.
April 20, 2021
This one is good!!
This book was recommended to me by an Apostle Stevenson and it's a game changer. I learned so many principles and tools for prophecy and intercession that will last me a lifetime. This is a must read for any one who plans to Intercede or speak on behalf of Father God.
This book was recommended to me by an Apostle Stevenson and it's a game changer. I learned so many principles and tools for prophecy and intercession that will last me a lifetime. This is a must read for any one who plans to Intercede or speak on behalf of Father God.
September 16, 2021
All I can say is Wow!!!
This book has highs and super highs. It keeps you intrigued. I slept with it opened to me at nights. Sometimes I was overwhelmed because it packs so much. It hits you to the core but excites you at the same time to see what The Lord is truly doing. I have so many highlights and I ended the book with a Wow!!! I’m sure I’ll read it again sometime soon.
This book has highs and super highs. It keeps you intrigued. I slept with it opened to me at nights. Sometimes I was overwhelmed because it packs so much. It hits you to the core but excites you at the same time to see what The Lord is truly doing. I have so many highlights and I ended the book with a Wow!!! I’m sure I’ll read it again sometime soon.
October 5, 2023
I really liked this book. I found it challenging and thorough. Many of the books on the prophetic that I have read lack the depth and theological insight that this book contains. The author often reminds the reader that this is not for everyone. It was great. I learned a lot.
January 6, 2015
I have difficulty assigning The Elijah Task: A Call to Today’s Prophets and Intercessors by John Loren and Paula Sandford an Amazon-style rating, or even reviewing it the way I normally review books. This book came highly recommended when I was looking for a different perspective on prophecy than that which I grew up (predominantly cessationist and quasi-cessationist), in order to learn more about and grow in this particular gift. In spite of a few doctrinal differences, this book accomplished was helpful in all of the ways I hoped it would be.
Whatever my differences of opinion, God used this book to challenge and grow me. I had to discern through prayer what I was resisting because of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and what I was resisting because of my stubborn self. I’m still wrestling with some of the concepts, but the point is that it has been a good and healthy experience being exposed to a new point of view.
The point is not that people know that prophecy is one of my spiritual gifts, the point is not that I must always share what I’ve received, the point is not to beat people into my way of thinking (or to persuade them that my way of thinking is God’s way of thinking). The point is to direct people to Christ and His riches, and to do it humbly, recognizing I’m every bit in need of Him as anyone else. The point is to intercede for people, to boldly bring them and whatever circumstances have been revealed before the throne of grace, expecting God to act, because after all, He brought them to you. The point is to present the truth lovingly and graciously and if necessary indirectly (asking questions, using metaphors/analogies/symbols/allegories). The point is to recognize that humans like to come to their own conclusions and to give them freedom to do that. The point is that neither prophecy nor intercession are about me at all, but instruments that God uses to bring about His good pleasure. Going forward, I’m focusing more on intercession, though of course, I hope to speak up when and how God calls me to.
Finally, prophecy seems to be one of those gifts that put you under a microscope, at least coming from my background. People seem to be waiting for you to be wrong, which you inevitably will be. So, I learned about grace. I learned that even if I make a mistake (either personally or in ministry), God’s grace can cover it. (Which does NOT, by the way, excuse me from repentance or consequences, but it doesn’t disqualify me either).
Overall, this book was challenging and an encouragement – an exhortation, as some might say. It was exactly what I needed. And if you’re looking to learn more about prophecy and intercession, and are willing to be challenged on some things you believe, I highly recommend this book for you.
Whatever my differences of opinion, God used this book to challenge and grow me. I had to discern through prayer what I was resisting because of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and what I was resisting because of my stubborn self. I’m still wrestling with some of the concepts, but the point is that it has been a good and healthy experience being exposed to a new point of view.
The point is not that people know that prophecy is one of my spiritual gifts, the point is not that I must always share what I’ve received, the point is not to beat people into my way of thinking (or to persuade them that my way of thinking is God’s way of thinking). The point is to direct people to Christ and His riches, and to do it humbly, recognizing I’m every bit in need of Him as anyone else. The point is to intercede for people, to boldly bring them and whatever circumstances have been revealed before the throne of grace, expecting God to act, because after all, He brought them to you. The point is to present the truth lovingly and graciously and if necessary indirectly (asking questions, using metaphors/analogies/symbols/allegories). The point is to recognize that humans like to come to their own conclusions and to give them freedom to do that. The point is that neither prophecy nor intercession are about me at all, but instruments that God uses to bring about His good pleasure. Going forward, I’m focusing more on intercession, though of course, I hope to speak up when and how God calls me to.
Finally, prophecy seems to be one of those gifts that put you under a microscope, at least coming from my background. People seem to be waiting for you to be wrong, which you inevitably will be. So, I learned about grace. I learned that even if I make a mistake (either personally or in ministry), God’s grace can cover it. (Which does NOT, by the way, excuse me from repentance or consequences, but it doesn’t disqualify me either).
Overall, this book was challenging and an encouragement – an exhortation, as some might say. It was exactly what I needed. And if you’re looking to learn more about prophecy and intercession, and are willing to be challenged on some things you believe, I highly recommend this book for you.
January 10, 2010
I've read through most of this book and I thought some of the ideas that they have about the prophetic were very helpful in understanding a prophet's call to intercession and specific ministry. I would caution folks who read this with the following: his world view is way more liberal than mine. His doctrine seems far less reformed than I'm comfortable with.
December 11, 2008
Excellent teaching on the office of Prophet in the Christian Church.
What it is, How it works, and what the issues and pitfalls of this ministry could be if not handled correctly.
Also addressed the ministry of Intercessor.
What it is, How it works, and what the issues and pitfalls of this ministry could be if not handled correctly.
Also addressed the ministry of Intercessor.
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January 30, 2018This book awakened and confirmed my person desire to God work in my life and in the lives of those around me like He did in the lives of the prophets of old - especially the prophet Elijah!
This book awakened me prophetically and gave me an understanding of my calling and peculiar search and experienced I have started experiencing in the miraculous!
This open my eyes to realize that I was called as a forerunner and also helped me to be greatly encouraged that I was not alone!
This book awakened me prophetically and gave me an understanding of my calling and peculiar search and experienced I have started experiencing in the miraculous!
This open my eyes to realize that I was called as a forerunner and also helped me to be greatly encouraged that I was not alone!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews