Every Christian entity is always in need of prayer. The believing world is in need of prayer. It is the same for the those who do not choose to believe God. Prayer is essential; yet one of the most difficult disciplines to develop. The latter, to me, is verification of the importance and impact in our relationship with Father.
Jim Cymbala makes two strong arguments when he notes, Am I the only one who gets embarrassed when religious leaders in America talk about having prayer in public schools? We don't even have that much prayer in many churches. And then he urges, Let's not play games with ourselves. Let's not divert attention away from the weak prayer life of our own churches.
It seems consistent that church members can do many things except pray. Why? Why is it that even the most outgoing among us have little or no prayer life? This, I believe, simply points to the necessity that communication with God is to be the backbone to the body of Christ.
Our small group of 24 which meets in a house church on Sunday nights just recently sent a group of 8 off to form a new prayer group. While many of us shed tears at the separation, a new family has already connected with this new group. The remaining 16 will eventually want to form yet another group that others may be added to the prayer dynamic.
I look forward to the day when Memorial Drive has 5 and then 12 and then 25 small groups which are devoted to prayer. When we add such to the number who already pray individually, we will see great fruit from the Spirit.
I would urge any who feel led at the moment to transfer your group that gathers for study and fellowship to begin a period of maybe three months devoted to simply praying. It will be a major blessing; even to those who are intimidated by the thought.
May He choose to expand our vision to be a praying people.
No comments:
Post a Comment