The Wake-Up Call – "Do This in Church Today!"

Host: Andrew Forrest (Seedbed)
Date: February 8, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode, hosted by Andrew Forrest, centers on the importance of intercessory prayer within church worship, drawing on the symbolism and instructions from Exodus 28 in the Old Testament. Andrew shares personal reflections on post-pandemic gratitude for communal worship, encourages listeners to actively lift others in prayer during church, and highlights the enduring privilege of gathering for worship with fellow believers. The episode culminates in the singing of the hymn “I Need Thee Every Hour,” reinforcing the theme of dependence on God.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Privilege of Church Gathering [00:00–02:01]

• Andrew opens by emphasizing the blessing of being able to gather for worship, especially after pandemic restrictions:

  "I resolved that ... I would never again take Sundays for granted. So be grateful we get to go to church today." [00:28]

• Personal update: Andrew will preach three services at Asbury Church in Tulsa, which broadcasts some services online.

Memorable Quote

"It is Sunday, the best day of the week, the Lord's Day. And I hope you're looking forward to church today."
— Andrew Forrest [00:07]

2. Scripture Focus: Intercessory Role of the High Priest [02:02–03:25]

• Scripture for the day: Exodus 28:29

  “So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment on his heart when he goes into the holy place to bring them to regular remembrance before the Lord.”

• Andrew contrasts the two halves of Exodus:

  • The first part: God brings the Israelites out of Egypt.
  • The second part: God seeks to get "Egypt out of the people" (meaning to transform their hearts and ways).

• The high priest interceded for the people by physically carrying their names into God's presence, a model for our own worship.

Notable Quote

"In the first part of Exodus, God gets the people out of Egypt. In the second part, the Lord is working to get Egypt out of the people."
— Andrew Forrest [01:15]

3. Intercession in Christian Worship Today [03:26–05:18]

• While Christian worship differs from ancient Israelite practice, intercession remains central.

• Listeners are encouraged to think of specific people to pray for at church:

  "At some point during today's church service, I'd like to challenge you to lift up to God a name or two through intercessory prayer." [04:32]

• He calls intercessory prayer “something pure and beautiful” and a privilege.

Memorable Quote

"What a privilege it is to worship the Lord and to intercede for the world."
— Andrew Forrest [05:02]

4. Prayer for the World [05:19–05:34]

• Andrew offers a pastoral prayer:

  "So Lord, have mercy on us, hear our prayers, give mercy to the world, tend the sick, comfort the afflicted, give hope to the hopeless. Let your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. All this we ask through Jesus' name. Amen." [05:19]

5. Journal Prompts for Reflection [05:35–05:56]

Andrew provides reflective questions for listeners:

• Why did the Lord want the high priest to carry the names of the tribes on his chest?
• For whom do you need to intercede before God today?
• Are you approaching worship with gratitude and joy?

"Man, oh man, oh man. Let us never, ever, ever take church for granted. It's such a privilege, and I'm privileged to be with you this morning."
— Andrew Forrest [05:50]

6. Hymn: "I Need Thee Every Hour" [05:57–07:46]

• Andrew introduces the hymn (“I Need Thee Every Hour,” hymn 340 from the Seedbed hymnal “Our Great Redeemer’s Praise”) as an expression of honest dependence on God.
• The hymn is sung, reinforcing the theme of the day.

"It's a gorgeous hymn of just complete honesty before God. I need you in my life, O Lord."
— Andrew Forrest [05:55]

7. Closing Blessing and Encouragement [07:47–end]

• Andrew expresses his spiritual need:

  "Lord, we need you today." [07:46] "Be close to us, encourage us." [07:48]

• He closes by encouraging listeners to carry the day's message and participate fully in worship, then humorously notes his own busy morning:

  "For the awakening, I'm Andrew Forrest, and I'll see you on the field. And now I gotta go preach. See you later." [07:49]

Suggested Structure for Personal Engagement

• During Church: Set aside a moment to name someone for intercessory prayer, echoing the high priest's role.
• Reflection: Use Andrew's journal prompts to deepen your worship and relationship with God.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Never again take Sundays for granted." — Andrew Forrest [00:30]
• "In the first part of Exodus, God gets the people out of Egypt. In the second part, the Lord is working to get Egypt out of the people." — Andrew Forrest [01:15]
• "One of the things that a priest does is he intercedes to God on behalf of others." — Andrew Forrest [03:12]
• "Let us never, ever, ever take church for granted. It's such a privilege." — Andrew Forrest [05:50]

This episode is a practical and heartfelt call to awaken gratitude for worship, to intercede prayerfully for others during church, and to never lose sight of the privilege of Christian community.