Dave’s Monday Blast – June 13, 2016
I am excited about what the Lord is going to do around Auburn Grace Community Church this summer with our all-church small group study, “War Room”. Prayer is the greater work. Prayer is transforming. Prayer impacts. Sometimes I feel as if all the rest of our “labor” is just busy work. Prayer is the lifeblood of an intimate relationship with the Father. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 to “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Man…if that doesn’t clearly communicate how God feels about prayer and that He is in control of every aspect of our lives…nothing will!
But believers often have questions about its power and effectiveness. In Touch Ministries comments, “Don’t hesitate to take your queries to the Lord, dig into Scripture for answers, and seek the counsel of a trusted spiritual mentor. Prayer is too important to neglect.”
Here are two poignant questions about prayer from In Touch:
- Will God’s plans fail if I don’t pray? God is not subservient to believers or dependent upon their prayers. The time we invest INTENTIONALLY speaking with Him involves us in the work that He is doing in our lives and in the world, but He will carry on without us. Laboring alongside the Lord is our privilege.
- Does my prayer (or lack thereof) impact God’s work? I believe that Scripture indicates the answer to this question is both yes and no, depending upon the situation. There are times when God’s purpose is set. He is in control and has determined the best course. In the Old Testament, the Lord often prophesied what He would do and then brought those events to pass. In other cases, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). There are some good things that He holds back until we put out prayerful hands to receive them. But because God is a loving Father, He also pours out blessings that we wouldn’t even think to request.
Believer’s prayers have tremendous impact, particularly on their own faith and life. Men of Intention fully understand what an awesome privilege it is to kneel before the all-powerful Father and know that He listens and will respond. God loves to be good to His children and answer their prayers. Please consider engaging this summer in War Room! Stop by the registration table in the Courtyard this Sunday.
