Starting this Sunday evening, we will be joining together with other concerned citizens to pray for America (Read the first Sunday Prayer post here). The Christian values this nation was founded upon have been under assault for decades, but the very structure of our country is in peril. Unless freedom loving Christians seek the Lord for a change in direction, America will end up where it's headed. We will have surrendered our God-given liberties to a government over the people rather than a government of the people, by the people and for the people.
I believe the Lord God Almighty is stirring belivers to pray. And if he is stirring us, then it is for a reason. He doesn't prompt on a whim, but for purpose and a desired end. He is ready for a fight! Are we?
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (1 Peter 3:12)
Great and measurable things happen when a man or woman prays! But greater things happen when God's people gather in groups to seek the Lord with singleness of purpose and pray according to his will.
I'm excited about the days ahead. My expectations are high! But along with the excitement my experience tells me that there are potential misunderstandings and problems that can arise when believers of different backgrounds, denominational filters, and experiences come together. It can be beautiful or terrible and I've experienced both. With your permission I'd like to offer some things for us to ponder before we gather together in groups to pray...
First, we all approach God differently. Some people are content to kneel and quietly pray, while others may stand and raise their hands and voices toward heaven. Others may pace, holding their Bibles, praying the Word. Which is right? All the above!
How one approaches God is not for others to critique. What I would recommend in a group prayer setting is to be respectful of others. We are not gathering to perform for one another, but to seek the Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of our country. Let those who tend to be loud remember that God is not deaf and will hear the humble whisper. Let the one who prays in English not be fearful of the one who prays in tongues. If God accepts a person's prayer according to the scriptures, who are we to get in the way? I've learned so much about the Lord, and my prayer life has greatly expanded by observing others pray!
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
Second, Prayer Is An Experience and A Dialog. How do we act when we get together with our close, intimate friends? We talk, we listen, we laugh, we cry, we joke, we reveal secrets, we hurt, we share, we smile. Should it be any different when we connect with our Most Intimate Friend? Consider how people have sought God in the Bible: Praising, Singing, Blessing, Cursing, Dancing, Sitting, Standing, Kneeling, Lifting Up Holy Hands, Shouting, Clapping, etc., Just because we might pray in a certain way doesn't mean that's the only way to pray.
Gathering with others to pray can be exhilarating and perhaps a little uncomfortable. We might be challenged to rethink our own approach to God. We might experience things we've never seen before, or have only read in the Bible. But let us remember what's at stake and be assured of these truths:
America needs prayer.
God wants his people to pray.
The enemy will do all he can to prevent us from praying.
If we pray, we will prevail.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
I believe the Lord God Almighty is stirring belivers to pray. And if he is stirring us, then it is for a reason. He doesn't prompt on a whim, but for purpose and a desired end. He is ready for a fight! Are we?
For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. (1 Peter 3:12)
Great and measurable things happen when a man or woman prays! But greater things happen when God's people gather in groups to seek the Lord with singleness of purpose and pray according to his will.
I'm excited about the days ahead. My expectations are high! But along with the excitement my experience tells me that there are potential misunderstandings and problems that can arise when believers of different backgrounds, denominational filters, and experiences come together. It can be beautiful or terrible and I've experienced both. With your permission I'd like to offer some things for us to ponder before we gather together in groups to pray...
First, we all approach God differently. Some people are content to kneel and quietly pray, while others may stand and raise their hands and voices toward heaven. Others may pace, holding their Bibles, praying the Word. Which is right? All the above!
How one approaches God is not for others to critique. What I would recommend in a group prayer setting is to be respectful of others. We are not gathering to perform for one another, but to seek the Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of our country. Let those who tend to be loud remember that God is not deaf and will hear the humble whisper. Let the one who prays in English not be fearful of the one who prays in tongues. If God accepts a person's prayer according to the scriptures, who are we to get in the way? I've learned so much about the Lord, and my prayer life has greatly expanded by observing others pray!
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
Second, Prayer Is An Experience and A Dialog. How do we act when we get together with our close, intimate friends? We talk, we listen, we laugh, we cry, we joke, we reveal secrets, we hurt, we share, we smile. Should it be any different when we connect with our Most Intimate Friend? Consider how people have sought God in the Bible: Praising, Singing, Blessing, Cursing, Dancing, Sitting, Standing, Kneeling, Lifting Up Holy Hands, Shouting, Clapping, etc., Just because we might pray in a certain way doesn't mean that's the only way to pray.
Gathering with others to pray can be exhilarating and perhaps a little uncomfortable. We might be challenged to rethink our own approach to God. We might experience things we've never seen before, or have only read in the Bible. But let us remember what's at stake and be assured of these truths:
America needs prayer.
God wants his people to pray.
The enemy will do all he can to prevent us from praying.
If we pray, we will prevail.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
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