The Power of Prayer in Shaping the Church
In the life of a Christian, prayer is essential. It’s the oxygen that sustains us, and its importance cannot be overstated. When we pray, we’re reminded of our dependence on God and the need for His presence in our lives. But what happens when prayer is absent or infrequent in our churches? The consequences can be far-reaching.
The Dangers of Infrequent Prayer
When prayer is not a priority in our churches, it sends a message that God is only necessary in times of crisis. It implies that we can handle most things on our own and only need to bother God when we’re faced with particularly difficult situations. This mindset can lead to a lack of energy and enthusiasm for living out the Christian life.
Prayer as a Source of Life
In contrast, prayer is a source of life for any community of Christians. It’s the breathing that sustains us and gives us the strength to live out our faith. When we pray together, we’re reminded of our shared dependence on God and the need for His presence in our lives.
The Beauty of Weak Prayers
One of the most beautiful things about prayer is that it’s not about our expertise or abilities. It’s about experiencing the power of God and the great expectations that grow in us when we have a genuine experience of Him. We don’t need to be experts in prayer to be effective; we simply need to come to God with humility and sincerity.
Prayer as God’s Prescription for Life
Think of prayer as God’s prescription for life in a fallen world. Just as a doctor prescribes medication to cure an illness, God prescribes prayer to cure our spiritual ailments. Prayer eases our concerns before repairing our circumstances, and it reminds us that our joy comes from Jesus’ presence first and foremost.
The Importance of Praying Together
When we pray together as a church, we’re reminded of God’s presence and person, which is precious and far more valuable than His provision. We’re formed into a community of people who confess that our dependency on God is not primarily circumstantial, but rather a fundamental aspect of our lives. As we pray together, God grants us a greater experience of His presence, and we’re transformed into a community that reflects His character.
Conclusion
Prayer is essential to the life of a Christian and the health of a church. When we prioritize prayer, we’re reminded of our dependence on God and the need for His presence in our lives. We’re transformed into a community that reflects His character, and we experience the power of God in ways that we never thought possible.
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