January 15th, 2012

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Power

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

Two quotes to get you started out right this week.  (Okay so maybe they won’t change a thing about your week, but they will get you to think about this post).  🙂

There has never been a spiritual awakening in any country or locality (me: or church) that did not begin with united prayer.  A.T.Pierson

Following on the heels of that quote is this one  by  Bill Hybels:

When we work, we work; but when we pray, God works.

Those two quotes got me to thinking: could that be one of the reasons why we are not seeing a “move of God” in our churches today?  I realize there are exceptions to that, so if you know of one or are a part of one, then great!  Perhaps you can add to this discussion at the end.  However, many of us (myself included) often wonder why God’s Spirit is not moving in our churches.  Why do things seem humdrum?  Why are we not experiencing real changed lives?  Why are we not making a difference in our communities, in our churches, in our school?

Could it be…and I am thinking out loud here…that we have been trying to do too much of it on our own and in our own power?  Have we become so enamored by the “bigger is better” mentality (and I am not against large churches), that we have sacrificed passion for position or prestige?   Have we sacrificed prayer for programs?  I can remember once hearing a pastor tell about his visit to another country known for its packed prayer meetings.  He was so overwhelmed he asked the other pastor, “What’s your secret?  If we call a prayer meeting in America, we can meet in a phone booth.”

Maybe prayer will take on a whole new meaning if we realize anew that it is the most intimate time we can have with God.  Prayer is a channel for God’s power.  His power can change lives. His power can change circumstances and relationships.  His power can heal marriages.  His power can help us face daily struggles.  His power can heal psychological and physical problems.   His power can meet financial needs.  The skeptics will say, “Oh, those answers are only coincidences.”  It is amazing how many coincidences occur when a person begins to pray.

I don’t know about you, but if Jesus thought it was important enough to pray (Mark 1:35-39), how in the world can I think differently? 

So, here are some thoughts you can consider for your comments.  Do you agree with what I have said?  Why or why not?  Do you think we have substituted programs for prayer?  Does your church have a prayer ministry?  Do you take part in it?  ‘Course if you want to comment on some other idea this post drudged up, please feel free to do so.  Meanwhile, I am going to close this post and go do what I need to do…pray.  🙂