I try to have a theme. The teaching ministry at Elim largely goes through books of God’s Word verse-by-verse, but as we go through those times together, a theme for each book usually connects those studies. In counseling there is an attempt to work on one area at a time, and that gives a theme to the sessions (that is not always easy). And most certainly there has been a repeated effort to let each year’s collection of newsletter cover articles revolve around a helpful (I hope!) theme.
Ministry to and from the children of our congregation dominated one year’s issues. We spent close to two years considering the “one another’s” in the New Testament. But I am trusting that this year’s “theme” will go far beyond the pages of this monthly paper and actually seep into the ways we do things as an entire church! Indeed, efforts are being made so that Elim will have opportunity to grow in the knowledge and practice of this very thing.
The theme is prayer.
Please don’t shut down! Many will think they know all about this subject and that it is only for “newbies.” With all the love I can muster let me assure you that you are wrong! Others may even go so far as to say “Been there; tried it; it’s not for me.” Once again I can assure you that you are in error—and most likely in sin. After all, it is God’s command that His true people be a people of prayer.
But I am not trying to simply “stir things up” in this regard. No, I understand that the tendency to treat prayer like an ornamental scarf tied around the neck of the church body is fairly commonplace. But that is part of the problem.
The story is told about a small town in the south. For many years, this town had been “dry” in that no alcohol was ever sold or served there. But one day a businessman in the area decided to build a tavern. In response to this new tavern, a group of Christians from a local church became concerned and planned an all-night prayer meeting to ask God to intervene. Shortly after the prayer meeting that night, lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground.
In the aftermath of the fire, the owner of the tavern sued the church, claiming that the prayers of the congregation were responsible for his loss. But the church hired a lawyer to argue in court that they were not responsible. After his initial review of the case the presiding judge began the trial with an official statement. He said: “No matter how this case comes out, one thing is clear: the bar owner believes in prayer, and the Christians do not.”
Now that is an old story, and I cannot even vouch for its truthfulness. However, the point of the story is easily understood because it is far too common among God’s professing people. The fact is, we often do not really believe that prayer matters…or counts…or works. And at least part of the reason behind this sorrowful condition lies the truth that many Christians have never learned how to pray or why they should pray or even what the point of prayer is meant to be!
Obviously, that is a LOT more than can be covered in this one Refresher article! But I believe we have a theme for the coming months.
The New Testament emphasis on the importance of prayer cannot be overstated. Many of us learned the simple command of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when we were children (pray without ceasing). Earlier in that same letter to the Thessalonians, Paul had written, “As we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face” (3:10). Many of the other epistles also indicate the importance of prayer. Here are a few examples:
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Ephesians 6:18-19 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel
Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
2 Thessalonians 3:1 Finally, brothers,pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you
1 Timothy 2:8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling
Of course, the prime indicator of how important prayer is in the life of a true child of God comes from the commands and example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though He is the Son of God, He relied upon prayer in His earthly ministry. It is no wonder then, that Luke records, “Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.’” (Luke 11:1)
It seems fitting that we begin to develop our theme with that same request next month. Until then, please join me in asking the Master to make our dear Elim Baptist Church into even more a people of prayer.
Posted on January 1st, 2010 by Pastor Larry
Filed under: From the Pastor’s Pen