November 25, 2018
Actual Prayer
Putting it to Practice
Prayer is the fullness of the power of God at our fingertips to push the church forward and charge together against the work of the Enemy in this world.
If we think that we can follow God without investing large amounts of time in prayer, we are completely believing Satan’s lie to cut us off from the power of God.
John Piper:
Without extended, concentrated prayer, the ministry of the Word withers. And when the ministry of the Word declines, faith and holiness decline. Activity may continue, but life and power and fruitfulness fade away. Therefore, whatever opposes prayer opposes the whole work of ministry.
If we think we can live whole-heartedly for the Gospel of Jesus Christ without prayer, we are telling God that we can do it better than He can.
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
John Allen Chau wrote a letter to this family in his journal:
- Whether I return or not, let it be for the glory of God… You guys might think I am crazy in all this but I think it’s worth it to declare Jesus to these people.
- Please do not be angry at them or at God if I get killed. Rather please live your lives in obedience to whatever He has called you to and I’ll see you again when you pass through the veil.
- This is not a pointless thing. The eternal lives of this tribe is at hand and I can’t wait to see them around the throne of God worshipping in their own language as Revelation 7:9-10 states.
The key to this story is prayer. It’s realizing that even when we are obedient and we do exactly what God says, He is still more powerful, and is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Connection Card
- I will increase the amount of time I spend praying this week, and work towards making it a lifestyle change.
- I am going to fill out a mission trip application this week.
