I had the chance to participate in a two day pastoral retreat this week. Among the many things we talked about was prayer. Imagine that, pastors talking about prayer. Why, we even did a little ourselves!
It started me thinking. I am presenting a message Sunday on The Winning Church: A Praying Church. The emphasis is on prayer and its impact on winning the lost. Incidentally, I can’t find one command to pray for the lost! Not saying we shouldn’t, just that the specific command isn’t there! Oh well….I digress.
What is prayer? Isn’t it conversing with God? And, like all other conversations in our lives, isn’t there a time to just hang and talk, a time to really get intense, a time to just pour out your heart, a time to engage in light banter? In other words, no “formulas,” no “ten step plans.” Just talking with God…and listening in return.
Here’s the point…hot prayer with God still has a powerful effect. Just ask James, who happened to write something along those lines….hint: it’s James 5.16! So, let’s get off the snide and start chatting with God. He’s been waiting a long time for some of us to get started!
I really have enjoyed the corporate prayer time on Fridays! Thanks for leaving the church open, and thanks to the staff for the great worship music!!! Wish more could find time to come out!
Comment by Pam Reeves — October 19, 2009 @ 5:33 pm |