Pray More - Pray Differently (More)
Congregational Leadership, Congregational Life, Missional / Emerging Theology June 21st, 2008As I continue in congregational leadership, I have become convinced that there is much more that God wants to do than we ever allow him to do. God really wants to heal the sick. God really wants to cast out demons. God really wants to change lives and bring people abundant life. God really wants to pour out his Spirit - in the supernatural kinds of ways that we see in the New Testament and elsewhere. God really wants to even raise the dead.
And yet, we don’t pray anywhere near enough for this to take place. Moreover, oftentimes, the prayers that we pray are weakened by the expectations of failure or, perhaps worse yet, survival rations of God’s Spirit. Sadly, we often don’t expect God to respond. Especially not immediately.
What if the Church - and yes, our local congregation, too - were to pray 24-7 as a habit: not just in a few places, mind you, but as a habit for congregational life? What if we were to expect the miraculous? What if we were to expect God’s will to actually be done in our lives? What if we were to invite the full giftedness of the Holy Spirit to come down upon us - to give us what we need for ministry, and to form God’s character in us?
If? Then: then we would see God transforming our communities organically through the work of the Spirit-filled church. Then we would see the message of Christ connected to the lives of many people who otherwise would see this as just so much more talk. Then we would see radical revival. Are we ready for this?
Then let us pray: not just for the extravagant, but for the mundane. Let us pray expecting that God will speak to us. Let us pray, knowing that he hears us. Let us pray, knowing that he desires to grant us Abundant Life. Let us pray - knowing that God desires the church to grow as we do his work. And let us do so together, as much as possible.
God, move your Spirit upon us. Cleanse us from our sins. Heal our bodies, souls and minds. Grant us emotional healing. Provide for our needs. We want to give you glory, honor and praise. Pour out your Spirit and let your Kingdom come.
Amen!
June 22nd, 2008 at 3:08:16 (-0500)
YES, I am ready for a life-changing, radical revival to start NOW. I like that prayer!
Let’s pray some more:
Lord, we pray that everyone in our church will be eager to practice using their spiritual gifts, not only in their private prayer time but also as we enjoy corporate worship together on Sunday morning. I pray that you remove ALL fear from those who are not used to doing so, and I ask that you nudge each one of us to read our Bibles and pray more than ever before.
Jesus, thank you for my church family. Thank you for allowing me to have opportunities to minister to them. I need your guidance, wisdom, and discernment, please.
Father, I pray that you convict us when we’re on the wrong path, encourage when we’re not, and remind us that “love” is an action word. I pray that each one of us never misses an opportunity to build one another up, to pray for one another, to help ease the burdens of our brothers and sisters.
God, I thank you that you love our little church and that you want to bless us! I thank you for already blessing us! I love you, Lord, and I’m excited about the transformations that are about to take place, not only in me but my loved ones as well. In Jesus name, amen.