Our church is entering a season where we intend to ‘up’ our prayer game – except, it’s not a game. Prayer is the lifeblood of every follower of Jesus. It is our desire that, at our church, God will see that, “my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” (Isaiah 56:7)
Jesus’ death not only restored us to God but also gave us direct access to God through prayer. Before that, only the high priest was permitted to enter the temple once a year. He went into the holy of holies, where God’s Presence dwelt. On that one day, the priest made atonement for the sins of all the people. (Hebrews 9:1-7) Jesus’ death and resurrection gave each of us direct access to God through prayer.
Prayer is how we communicate with the Creator of heaven and earth. Prayer is how we worship God. Prayer is how we make our troubles, requests and the desires of our heart known to our Father in heaven. Prayer is how we support and stand in the gap for our family, friends, our church, our community, our country and our world.
If God’s people don’t pray, then heaven’s power does not connect to earth. If we don’t pray for ourselves and others, who will? If we are followers of Christ, prayer is our duty and our delight.
Here are a few questions to consider:
- Are you worshiping God in prayer? Do you express your love and thankfulness to Him?
- In your times of trouble, are you wallowing in the pit or crying out to God in prayer?
- Are you expecting someone else to intercede for our world against sin and evil – or will you?
- Are you praying for your children and grandchildren and for the next generation to know God and reject the temptations of Satan and of this world?
- Do you know someone, or several ‘someones’, who need to know God in a personal way?
People NEED for us to pray:
- for hearts to be softened
- for people to have a humble heart to ask God for forgiveness
- for God to provide an open door for an encounter with Him
- for protection
- for our families and communities to follow God’s plans
- against the devil having have his way in our world and in our lives
- Are you praying enough?
I know I’m not. Sometimes, it seems that it can never be enough. I can do more, however. So, I’m upping my prayer game because I strongly believe that God can do ANYTHING and that there is so much POWER IN PRAYER.
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer.” (1 Peter 3:12)
Sylvia Gaston is Family Ministry Pastor at Koinonia Church in Hanford, CA. She can be reached at sylvia@kchanford.com or 559-582-1528.