The longer I live and the longer I serve in ministry, that more I realize how pathetic our efforts are without deep, intentional prayer. We often times in church have encouraged individuals to have "personal quiet times that include prayer". Certainly, we should continue to do this. Our prayer closets may be the most powerful place we can be. However, I have lately become convinced that there is extreme power in regular corporate prayer. When we pray together, we bring glory to God. When we pray together, we encourage each other. Hearing a brother or sister in Christ cry out to God brings confidence that I can keep going. Hearing a brother or sister pray teaches me how to rely on God more. Hearing a brother or sister pray shows me that others stumble over their words. Hearing a brother or sister pray unifies me to someone that is completely different than me. When young, middle aged and old gather together, in prayer, it is a force that God can use more than any program, any strategy, and any slick willy ministry idea we dream up in our carnal minds. In the past six months, the Lord brought this to me and we have begun gathering monthly for prayer gatherings as a church body. No-this isn't a gossip session or a list of everybody's sick relatives. This is intentionally directed prayer. We pray for the lost. We pray for our community. We pray for missionaries. We pray BEYOND OURSELVES. I am so encouraged to see a prayer movement happening at Parkway Baptist. We now have groups gathering to pray nearly every day of the week offsite. They are praying for our church and our pastor search. They are praying for our community, which is growing more diverse by the day. They are praying that we might glorify our God and keep us unified. I can't tell you how excited I am. When you see the Spirit of God moving in hearts, and you don't have to convince people to gather to pray but get to sit back, guide, and let God do the work, ministry comes alive again. God is at work amongst a group of imperfect people at Parkway Baptist Church. There are more seats at the table. Join us as we see what God is going to do.
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