One of the goals for our church is that we would increase our level of prayer. Prayer is our primary work. With that in mind, the challenge and the promise Paul writes to us in Philippians 4:6-7 is especially emphatic. He writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The work of the local church is challenge, but we receive His peace as we pray. Let's walk with Him every step of the way.
The ministry of the local church is a sacred trust because we are dealing with the eternal. There is far more going on spiritually than what we visually see during our worship service each week; lives are being changed for eternity! That kind of work can create in us a pressure that might make us anxious and overwhelm our hearts.
Add to that the busy pace of our lives and in comes the temptation to determine that the ministry of the local church is just too much for us.
Do you know what? I agree. This is why we must proceed in everything prayer and continue everything in prayer. When we pray we trade that anxiety for peace that is beyond all understanding. This comes to us as we present our requests to God. In other words, we get peace when we pray. So, why wouldn’t we want to spend more time with Him in prayer?
To encourage and lead us to that place as a local church, there are two opportunities for you to join me on this journey.
1) I mentioned on Sunday that we will be starting to put out a ‘Pastor’s Prayer Prompter’ for anyone who wants to receive it. This will provide ways we can pray together and position ourselves collectively for God to work among us. Let the office know if you want to receive that. We are going to send that via e-mail, but will print it off for anyone who wants it that way.
2) Starting at the end of July, I will be leading a Sunday morning class at 9 a.m. where we will seek the presence of Jesus Christ among us. This will go for one month and will be a place where we will pray and seek the Lord together. Come as you are able.
However you are led to be involved, would you be praying that we would be completely committed to what the Lord has for us now. I believe there are exciting things coming as we pray together.
Pastor Derek