Calling God's people to pray our hearts out!
Prayer could be defined in many ways. As I thought of how I might define prayer, I tried to personalize my understanding, so I write...
Prayer for me is the deep expressions of my heart communicated to the One who holds my very life in the palm of His hand and my silent openness to hear God's voice in return.
I believe that prayer for the Christ-follower is the power source that keeps us on the narrow path of his calling upon our lives. I believe that the one thing that the modern day church needs is not necessarily more programs or even more outreach, although these are wonderful. I do believe God is calling His church to humble themselves and pray. God is calling His people to pray their hearts out for a world that we mistakenly think is ours, but ultimately belongs to Him. Jesus is coming soon. When He comes, what will He find our churches doing. What will He find me doing. I hope he finds us fully engaged with Him in prayer and being led by His Spirit to do our part in bringing Christ and His gospel to those He puts in our daily path.
Listen to the prayerful request of King Solomon at the dedication of the temple from ~2 Chronicles 6:40 (NIV)
“Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place."
And God said,
"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." ~2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (NIV)
I suggest that we make these verses our own personal prayer. Here is my prayer hoping it inspires you to offer your own.
Gracious, holy Father in heaven, in humility I offer myself fully to you. I seek You with all my heart. I confess and turn from those things, my sin, that separate me from you. Thank You Jesus, for your sacrifice on the cross for my sin. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for healing my sin-plagued soul and cleansing me with your love and grace. I praise you and honour you. Keep me alert to your leading and guiding, so that when you return, you shall find me faithfully and prayerfully at work in your kingdom. Amen!
May you who now reads this message, be encouraged, as you consider how much God loves you and wants you to know his plan for your life.
Turn to Jesus and live. Pastor Don
