Roof

Written by cycleguy on January 31st, 2013

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I suspect you have heard the following illustration.  If so, I hope you will be patient and maybe jump to the post after it.

I read about a small Kentucky town that had two churches and one distillery.  Members of both churches complained that the distillery gave the community a bad image.  To make matters worse, the owner of the distillery was an outspoken atheist.

The two churches decided to hold a joint Saturday night prayer meeting for the specific purpose of asking God to intervene and settle the matter once and for all.  The church folks gathered on the designated evening and began to pray.

All through the prayer meeting, a terrible electric storm raged. To the delight of the church members, lightning struck that old distillery and burned it to the ground.  The next morning, the sermon in both churches was on the power of prayer.

Insurance adjusters promptly notified the distillery that they wouldn’t pay for the damages.  The fire was caused by an “act of God,” and that was an exclusion in their policy.  The distillery owner was furious.  He decided to sue both churches, claiming they had conspired with God to destroy his building and business.  The churches denied they had anything to do with the cause of the fire.

The judge in the case opened the trial with these words: “I find one thing in this case most perplexing.  We have a situation here where the plaintiff, an atheist, is professing his belief in the power of prayer, and the defendants, all faithful church members, are denying the very same power!” 

Ain’t that a hoot?  But the judge is showing an interesting thought here.   Praying for something and then denying it happened.  Most of  us wouldn’t deny there is power in prayer.  I won’t.  And yet, if there is a weak spot in my Christian life I will admit it is my prayer life.  I am regularly diligent in my Bible reading, study & church attendance (of course 🙂 ), even journaling.  But prayer? I even have a list, but definitely not as consistent as I want/should be.  Even as I write that it sounds strange.  A pastor with an irregular prayer life.  Hmmmm.  My sermon Sunday is on prayer-the roof over our heads.

I’m not going to beat myself up too much (at least in front of you), but I wonder: Am I alone?  If you were to put your finger on the one area of your Christian life that gives you trouble, what would it be? 

This Sunday is a big day for OVCF.  It is not only the first official day for our new Youth Pastor, Ryan, but we will also be ordaining him into the ministry.  We are even having a pitch-in afterwards.  A super big day.  Would you mind taking a moment and praying for OVCF, Ryan,  our youth program and the church?   Thanks so much.  And thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  You guys are special.

 

25 Comments so far ↓

  1. Daniel says:

    I posted some time ago about a very similar anecdote. I gave me a good smile as the church leaders went into denial of their actions and their God. As to areas where I am lacking, it is not in reading and study. Not in church attendance. Not in giving. Not in prayer. It is in the area of passion. All too often I fall into the dance step called “going through the motions”.

    • cycleguy says:

      You hit the nail on the head for me as well Daniel. While a pastor should have that passion, it is so easy to just go along with things. Thanks for being honest and open.

  2. Glad to read it, Bill. Prayer has to be the toughest part of my walk of faith.

  3. theoldadam says:

    The one area for me would be my Bible reading… and prayer… and doing good things for my neighbor…and evangelism…and not thinking about myself too much…and not loving my enemies…and not visiting those in prison…and not wanting so many things.

    Other than that… I think I’m doing pretty well.

  4. Tom Dixon says:

    I hadn’t heard that one – but does illustrate a great point. I would agree, prayer is something I struggle with too…it is encouraging to hear a pastor say the same thing – appreciate you making yourself vulnerable like that.

  5. Craig says:

    John 14.12-14 is one of the most amazing collection of verses in the Bible.

    Not only does Jesus tell us that we can do greater works than He did (on earth) – but then He says that when we ask for things in His name, He will come through.

    I don’t do enough asking. I am thankful for things that have already come to pass (no faith needed) or I find that I pray for things that are safe (again – minimal faith needed) or I pray for things that God is already doing (i.e. God, please watch over so & so).

    I know that God is calling me to pray mountain moving prayers. Prayers that have teeth. Prayers that make a difference. They are scary because my flesh doesn’t want to look like an idiot in front of others. But I know that watered down prayers are not going to have a Godly ripple effect on others. It’s not about how I look – it’s about God getting the glory.

    Praying for your services this weekend!

    • cycleguy says:

      It is sometimes hard to know what to do and then do it. Fear creeps in. But I know you will be obedient and pray those prayers and God will answer. Thanks for your prayers for this weekend.

  6. Susan says:

    Praying for you right now, Bill.

  7. floyd says:

    I’m not sure anyone could answer that they’ve arrived at a place where they have enough time in prayer, study, or reading with our Father. I strive to, but fall short. I also think the striving against the flesh in search of the heart of God is pleasing to Him as well. It is all about the heart after all.

    I’m praying for you and your entire church, Bill. The church is built on the integrity and humility of it’s people and leaders… Keep up the good work, brother. And thanks.

    • cycleguy says:

      I agree that it is doubtful anyone can say they have arrived. While I do well in some, I fall way short in prayer. That includes the heart in my praying. Thanks so much for your prayers Floyd. You have no clue how much that means. Gonna need it even more. Expecting 2-4″ of the white stuff Saturday night.

  8. I don’t know why prayer is so difficult for me. I think because deep down I feel like I’m not “doing anything.” Even though my theology would tell me that’s totally 100% incorrect.
    Paul Miller in “A Praying Life” says that the reason we don’t pray is because we’re not desperate. I think that’s a big problem in my life too.

    • cycleguy says:

      it could be that Loren. Miller may be onto something. Whenever I have been desperately seeking Him my prayer life goes up a notch.

  9. Ike says:

    I have struggled with this…I call it “prayer lock”. I don’t like it….but I know that I have One who prays for me.

  10. Betty Draper says:

    Count me in as one who struggles with having a consistant prayer life. By that I mean a set time every day that I do nothing but pray. There are days I can do that and days I can’t. The one thing I know for sure, I am no long under comdemnation for my lack. My lack does not keep God from answering prayers, even unspoken ones.

    Last night I talked for couple hours with a friend who lost her husband by cancer. She talked about how God went before them in every area, especially those they did not even pray for because they did not know their need. In her grief she was giving so much glory for unspoken prayer. She said, Betty I cannot even pray yet, but I know He is taking care of me. If our needs or even wants are only met because we pray first…then is not the God of the Bible.

    Romans 8:1 There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.

    I love the KJV version of that verse…the words, “walk after”. God knows my heart is not to walk after the flesh but after the Spirit. Prayer is one way to strive…but I do not think I am under condemnation when I don’t. I trust Him to know my heart much better then I know His. God knows your heart brother, for you own walk for the walk of those God has brought into your sphere. Thanks for letting us even pray for your church…I feel honored when people ask me to pray for them. so I am closing down my fingers and taking you and the church to the Lord.

  11. Michelle says:

    Good food for thought. I struggle with trusting God in all areas of my life, not just for the little things.

    • cycleguy says:

      I go in spurts Michelle where i am okay and then other times I struggle with doubt or with completion. Thanks for coming by again.

  12. Debbie says:

    Thanks for talking about prayer! I, too, want to pray more than I do. Thinking of the ‘pray without ceasing’ . .I want that. God bless you and praying that the Holy Spirit floods your service and lives this Sunday!