I don’t know about you but there are times when I feel like my own prayer life could use a little extra boost. Like a shot of caffeine or maybe a 5 hour energy drink, prayer is seldom an easy thing. That is why it is considered a discipline – sometimes we have to work at it.
Have you ever felt like your prayer life needed that little extra oomph?
People give a lot of reasons for a lack of prayer.
I don’t know how to pray – other people are better at it
I don’t have time
I don’t know what to pray for
I try but my mind wanders or I fall asleep?
Have you ever felt like your prayer life needed that little extra oomph?
People give a lot of reasons for a lack of prayer.
I don’t know how to pray – other people are better at it
I don’t have time
I don’t know what to pray for
I try but my mind wanders or I fall asleep?
Sometimes we can feel like prayer doesn’t really matter because God is going to do what he wants anyway.
So does prayer really matter?
So does prayer really matter?
Many times we give up – prayer becomes a quick little shout out to God when we really need something. Prayer is what we do in crisis mode, usually after we have tried to do everything ourselves. Prayer is left to the really serious matters of health and salvation.
The Prophet Ezekiel had these words of condemnation given to him by God, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 22:30-31
Prayer is taking on the job of "standing in the gap". Being willing to stand in that gap between God and men.
Prayer is God’s way of allowing us to partner with him in what he is doing. I looked for someone among them who would stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land."
The Prophet Ezekiel had these words of condemnation given to him by God, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. 31 So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 22:30-31
Prayer is taking on the job of "standing in the gap". Being willing to stand in that gap between God and men.
Prayer is God’s way of allowing us to partner with him in what he is doing. I looked for someone among them who would stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land."
Prayer was never intended to be difficult, to be a chore, or just mindless words that we repeat for certain occasions. It is work, prayer is at the very heart of the work we are to do for God. God’s plan is for his people to pray and then work through those prayers. We can busy ourselves with a lot of great works…fill our church with a lot of great programs…if we are not leading in prayer…it is just busyness.
RA Torrey, The Power of Prayer, says, “Prayer is the key that unlocks all the storehouses of God’s infinite grace and power. All that God is, and has, is at the disposal of prayer. Prayer can do anything God can do.”
People everywhere desperately need what only God can do.
They need more than a great worship experience.
They need more than an awesome Middle School or High School program.
They need more than an amazing Kid's program.
They need more than an awesome Small Group Leader. (and we have several of those)
We can provide all of those things but ultimately people need what only God can provide.
And God has determined to provide through the prayers of his people.
God wants to pour out his power on your life, the lives of people in this community and he is looking for people who will partner with him in his concern and be people of prayer.
This Sunday we start our Prayer Week - but may this week simply be the start of people of Eagle establishing the discipline of a life of prayer. I believe God wants to do amazing things this next year through the people of Eagle Church and it will start as we devote ourselves to the work of prayer.
Looking for people who will stand in the Gap!
RA Torrey, The Power of Prayer, says, “Prayer is the key that unlocks all the storehouses of God’s infinite grace and power. All that God is, and has, is at the disposal of prayer. Prayer can do anything God can do.”
People everywhere desperately need what only God can do.
They need more than a great worship experience.
They need more than an awesome Middle School or High School program.
They need more than an amazing Kid's program.
They need more than an awesome Small Group Leader. (and we have several of those)
We can provide all of those things but ultimately people need what only God can provide.
And God has determined to provide through the prayers of his people.
God wants to pour out his power on your life, the lives of people in this community and he is looking for people who will partner with him in his concern and be people of prayer.
This Sunday we start our Prayer Week - but may this week simply be the start of people of Eagle establishing the discipline of a life of prayer. I believe God wants to do amazing things this next year through the people of Eagle Church and it will start as we devote ourselves to the work of prayer.
Looking for people who will stand in the Gap!
Ted Harris
Associate Pastor