(By Lilian Schmid)
Who was Kjell Sjöberg?
Kjell Sjöberg, a Swedish minister, was a deeply influential figure in the global prayer and intercession movement during the late 20th century. Born in 1933 and passing in 1997, he was known for his prophetic insight, spiritual authority, and tireless dedication to mobilising prayer across nations.
Spiritual Legacy
- Pentecostal Roots: Raised in a Pentecostal preacher’s home, Kjell experienced a profound spiritual awakening in his youth that shaped his lifelong mission.
- Global Ministry: He travelled extensively across five continents, training intercessors and leading prayer initiatives in cities and nations. His work was especially impactful in places like Australia, where he helped prepare prayer teams in 1987, before the opening of the new Parliament House in Canberra in 1988.
- Spiritual Warfare & Intercession: Kjell was a pioneer in teaching about spiritual warfare, city-wide prayer strategies, and prophetic intercession. His teachings emphasised the power of united prayer to shift spiritual atmospheres and influence societal change.
- Author & Teacher: He wrote several books and manuals on prayer, including Winning the Battle of the Air, which became a foundational text for many prayer movements worldwide.
Influence and Core Teaching
Kjell’s ministry helped shape the modern understanding of intercessory prayer as a strategic and prophetic act. He believed that prayer could transform governments, cities, and even global events when believers united in faith and obedience under the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Here are some of Kjell’s most powerful teaching and quotes that shaped the global prayer movement:
1. Prayer as Strategic Warfare
Kjell emphasised that prayer isn’t just devotional—it’s tactical. He taught believers to:
- Discern spiritual strongholds over cities and nations.
- Engage in prophetic intercession to dismantle those strongholds.
- Use prayer as a weapon to shift atmospheres and influence governments.
“Prayer is not a last resort—it is the first strike.”
2. The Role of the Watchman
Kjell believed intercessors were like Biblical watchmen on the walls:
- Alert to spiritual danger.
- Positioned to warn, protect, and intercede.
- Called to stand in the gap for their communities and nations.
“A watchman sees what others miss and prays what others fear.”
3. Unity in Intercession
Kjell taught that corporate prayer—united believers praying in agreement—was exponentially more powerful than isolated prayer:
- He organised city-wide prayer networks.
- Encouraged cross-denominational unity.
- Believed that revival begins with united hearts.
“When the Church prays as one, heaven responds with fire.”
4. Prophetic Intercession
Kjell believed prayer should be guided by revelation, not just routine:
- Listening to God’s voice before speaking.
- Praying God’s will into existence.
- Declaring prophetic truths over situations.
“Intercession is not begging—it is declaring heaven’s verdict.”
Winning the Battle of the Air – A Summary
Kjell Sjöberg’s legacy lives on in prayer movements across the globe. His book Winning the Battle of the Air remains a foundational text and a cornerstone for spiritual warfare and prophetic intercession. Below is a summary of this influential book.
Central Theme
Kjell taught that spiritual warfare takes place in the “heavenly realms”—the unseen battleground between good and evil. He likened prayer to air combat, where believers must take control of the spiritual atmosphere over cities, nations, and institutions.
Key Concepts
- Spiritual Atmospheres: Every place has a spiritual climate. Through prayer, believers can cleanse and reclaim these atmospheres for God’s purposes.
- Prophetic Intercession: Prayer must be guided by revelation. Intercessors are called to listen to God’s voice and pray His will into reality.
- Authority in Christ: Believers have authority to bind and loose spiritual forces. Kjell emphasises using Scripture and the name of Jesus as weapons.
- Strategic Prayer: He outlines how to organise prayer teams, map spiritual strongholds, and target specific areas of influence (e.g. government, media, education).
The “Air War” Analogy
Kjell compares intercessors to fighter pilots:
- They must be trained, disciplined, and alert.
- They operate in high altitudes—above the distractions of daily life.
- Their mission is to clear the skies so that God’s purposes can land safely on earth.
“The battle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers in the air. We must win the air war before we see victory on the ground.”
Kjell Sjöberg’s 5-Step Prayer Strategy
Below are five practical steps based on Kjell’s strategic prayer model from Winning the Battle of the Air.
1. Spiritual Mapping
- Identify the spiritual strongholds in your area—these could be fear, addiction, division, corruption, or apathy.
- Research the history of your city or region to uncover patterns of spiritual resistance or breakthrough.
“To win the battle in the air, you must first know what you’re fighting.”
2. Prophetic Listening
- Spend time in silence, asking God to reveal His heart for your city or situation.
- Write down any impressions, scriptures, or visions you receive.
- Share these with trusted intercessors for confirmation and clarity.
3. Strategic Intercession
- Form a small team of committed intercessors.
- Pray on-site when possible—at government buildings, schools, or neighbourhoods.
- Use Scripture as your weapon: declare promises, break curses, and release blessings.
4. Atmosphere Shifting
- Worship is key. Kjell taught that praise clears the air and invites God’s presence.
- Host regular worship gatherings focused on spiritual breakthrough.
- Declare God’s truth over your region: “This is a place of peace, not fear. A place of healing, not division.”
5. Watchman Activation
- Assign intercessors to “watch” over specific areas—like media, education, or politics.
- Encourage daily prayer and monthly gatherings to share updates and pray corporately.
- Stay alert to spiritual changes and respond quickly with targeted prayer.
Personalised Prayer Strategy – Kjell Sjöberg Style
Here’s a practical way to apply Kjell’s teaching to your own life, city, or church.
Choose Your Focus
Pick one area to target in prayer. Examples:
- Your local community (e.g., our town of Broke and the surrounding Hunter Valley)
- A national issue (e.g., youth mental health, government integrity)
- A global concern (e.g., revival in the Church, peace in conflict zones)
Let’s say you choose “spiritual awakening in your region.”
1. Spiritual Mapping
- Research the spiritual history of your local community and the surrounding region (i.e. for us, Broke and the Hunter Valley): are there old revivals, indigenous spiritual roots, or past divisions?
- Identify any visible strongholds: addiction, isolation, apathy, broken families, etc.
2. Prophetic Listening
- Spend time in quiet prayer. Ask God: “What do You see here? What do You want to do?”
- Write down any scriptures, images, or impressions you receive.
- Share with trusted believers for confirmation.
3. Strategic Intercession
- Form a small prayer team (even 2–3 people is powerful).
- Choose key locations to pray over: schools, council buildings, vineyards, shops, churches, parks, major road intersection.
- Use Scripture declarations like:
- “The land will yield its harvest, and God will bless us.” (Psalm 67:6)
- “Arise, shine, for your light has come.” (Isaiah 60:1)
4. Atmosphere Shifting
- Host worship nights or prayer walks.
- Play worship music in your home or car as a way to “clear the air.”
- Declare blessings over your region: peace, unity, healing, and hope.
5. Watchman Activation
- Assign areas of responsibility: one person prays for schools, another for families, another for local leaders.
- Meet monthly to share insights and pray together.
- Stay alert to changes—spiritual, social, or political—and respond in prayer.
Prayer Strategy for the City of Sydney – Winning the Battle of the Air
Consider the steps below to apply the Kjell Sjöberg prayer strategy above to our capital city of Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia, as an example.
1. Spiritual Mapping of Sydney
Begin by discerning Sydney’s spiritual landscape:
- Blessings: A global city with cultural richness, economic strength, and vibrant churches.
- Challenges: Spiritual apathy, secularism, rising mental health issues, and cultural fragmentation.
- History: Revival movements, Indigenous spiritual heritage, and key political decisions have shaped its atmosphere.
“To win the battle in the air, you must first know what you’re fighting.”
2. Prophetic Listening for Sydney
Ask God:
- “What is Your heart for Sydney?”
- “What spiritual gates need to be opened or closed?”
Record any scriptures, visions, or impressions. You may hear themes like; harvest, reconciliation, awakening, or justice.
3. Strategic Intercession for Sydney
- Form prayer teams focused on Sydney’s seven spheres of influence: government, education, media, business, arts, family, and religion.
- Pray over key locations: Parliament House, universities, media hubs, and spiritual centres.
- Declare scriptures like:
- “Sydney will be called the City of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 60:14)
- “Righteousness exalts a nation.” (Proverbs 14:34)
4. Atmosphere Shifting of Sydney
- Host worship gatherings in public spaces—parks, beaches, or rooftops.
- Organise prayer walks through neighbourhoods, business districts, and cultural centres.
- Speak blessings over Sydney’s people: unity, healing, creativity, and revival.
5. Watchman Activation in Sydney
- Assign intercessors to “watch” over specific boroughs or sectors (e.g., youth, politics, media).
- Create a monthly rhythm of prayer and reporting.
- Stay alert to spiritual shifts—legislation, cultural trends, or crises—and respond with targeted prayer.
A Prayer Declaration for Sydney
Heavenly Father,
We lift up the city of Sydney before You—its people, its leaders, its streets, and its spiritual gates.
We declare that Sydney belongs to You. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done here as it is in heaven.
We speak light into every place of darkness.
We declare that Sydney will be a city of righteousness, justice, and peace.
We break the power of apathy, division, and confusion.
We release unity, clarity, and revival across every borough and neighbourhood.
Let the Church in Sydney rise with boldness and purity.
Let worship fill the air and prayer saturate the ground.
We call forth the watchmen to stand on the walls—alert, faithful, and fearless.
We declare that the spiritual atmosphere over Sydney is shifting now.
Sydney, you will be a city of refuge and restoration.
Your youth will dream again.
Your families will heal.
Your leaders will walk in wisdom and truth.
We proclaim Isaiah 60:1 over Sydney:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Bjorn and Lilian Schmid
Prayer Coordinators
Spheres of Influence
www.prayerstrategy.org
https://prayerstrategy.org/books/
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