Prayer

We are 2 weeks into our new series called Metamorphosis. God has been humbling me! I have been reading differently the last few weeks and it is wrecking me. I have decided that along with the Bible I was going to read different chapters from older books. Most of the books that I am reading from would be considered classics. There is just something about the way they were written. For instance this morning I read the chapter "Preachers and Prayer" from the book The Weapon of Prayer by E.M. Bounds. I was challenged and convicted at the same time.

The Challenge

Keep the main things the main things! Prayer is more than something that we do when we are in trouble and are in need of help from God. Prayer should be our priority. I am convinced now more than ever that much of what we do is a cover up for prayerlessness. This is not to say that the things we do have no value but we will not effect the spiritual climate around us without prayer. The more effective I am in my prayer closet the more effective I will be as a Christ follower and minister.

The Conviction

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

Jesus is our model! I only have to read scriptures like this to be convicted that I don't pray nearly enough. I also have discovered that while at times I am passionate in prayer I am not sure that those words could be said of me. Jesus the Son of God was heard because of his "reverent submission". His passion and compassion are evident. God did not pass his cries off as emotionalism. Instead the Holy Spirit recorded these words to remind is that prayer is more than a habit it is our life line. MC Hammer's 1990 song titled "Pray" says it all "We got to pray just to make it today."

Don't forget the main thing today. Blessings!

Pastor Chris