A Call to Revitalize the Church through Prayer
In recent years, the church has faced unprecedented challenges. The pandemic has accelerated a transition that was already underway, stripping away old solutions and making way for new ones. Amidst this uncertainty, I remain hopeful for the church’s future. In times of crisis, we turn to prayer – not out of discipline, but out of desperation.
Prayer is not just a ritual; it’s a powerful means of connecting with the life of Jesus, allowing His Spirit to flow into our lives, families, and churches. As the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 3, prayer is the key to unlocking God’s power, which strengthens us in our inner being and enables us to comprehend the fullness of Christ’s love.
The Powertrain of Prayer
Imagine a car’s powertrain, which transforms gasoline into usable power. Similarly, the church’s powertrain is fueled by prayer, which channels the Spirit’s energy into our lives. This process is beautifully illustrated in Ephesians 3:14-19, where Paul prays for believers to be strengthened with power through the Spirit. The complete powertrain looks like this: prayer → Spirit → Jesus → power → saints.
The Importance of Corporate Prayer
While individual prayer is essential, corporate prayer is equally vital. Unfortunately, it’s often neglected. A 2017 Barna study found that only 6% of American adults pray with others, while 94% pray alone. If we want to see the church revitalized, we must prioritize corporate prayer, making space for the Spirit to lead and guide us as a community.
Breaking the Pattern
As someone who’s been part of numerous prayer seminars, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of corporate prayer. To break the pattern of solitary prayer, I invite you to join me in exploring three simple yet profound examples of corporate prayer:
- Praying with my wife: Our daily prayer time is a highlight of my day. We take turns leading, and I’ve learned to appreciate her passionate, lament-like prayers.
- Praying with my daughter: Despite her disabilities, my daughter’s prayers are a blessing. We use a speech computer’s icon language, and she thanks God for various things, including our mischievous Golden Retriever.
- Praying with my ministry team: Our Zoom prayer meetings are a vital part of our ministry. We share updates, pray for each other’s needs, and invite the Spirit to shape and lead us.
Starting Small
If you’re new to corporate prayer, start small. Begin with a friend or family member, and gradually expand your circle. Remember, the goal is not to create a grand spectacle but to cultivate a genuine, Spirit-led community.
The Spark of Revival
All great movements of the kingdom begin with hidden, persevering pray-ers. Anna, the prophetess, is a shining example (Luke 2:36-38). Her prayers sparked the gift of Jesus, which ultimately led to the destruction of evil and the dawn of a new heaven and earth. As we pray together, we become conduits for God’s power, slowly attracting others to join us.
A Beacon of Hope
In these uncertain times, the church needs to reconnect with its glowing power center – the Spirit of Jesus. As we prioritize corporate prayer, we’ll become a beacon of hope in a dying world. Join me in embracing this simple yet profound practice, and let’s revitalize the church together.
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