Today was a special day. After church, about 11 or so of us from church went prayer walking in one of the neighborhoods adjacent to our our church building. We walked maybe 2 miles or so, praying for each of the people in each home as we went by. We had the names in front of us and a map, showing who lives in each house, to help us pray more intelligently.
It was special, I think, because it felt very real. I hope you know what I mean by that. I sensed that as a church we were making a real difference in that neighborhood. Not because we were bringing some magical power, or anything like that, but rather because we were believing God to work through prayer.
James 5:13-18 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
Prayer – connecting to God through conversation and dependence – is one of the major tools God uses to bring His will to bear upon the lives of people.
In the neighborhood we walked today, there are some people who are very sick. As we walked we spoke of the many in the homes that we knew were suffering with cancer or some other major ailment, and we prayed for them.
There are also major relationship problems. There are many marriages that are suffering and shattering and many broken relationships between parents and their children. We prayed for them.
There are many who feel lonely and separated from God. We prayed for them.
Do we believe God is there? Do we believe He saves? Do we believe He loves His people for His own glory? Then we should be a people who not only pray, but bathe others in prayer.
Lord, thank You for the opportunity to participate with You in Your work of grace today. Be honored. Be lifted high. Draw all men unto Yourself. Amen.
Of all the great worship songs on this new album “Majesty of Heaven” stands out. Anybody who enjoys a good strong rhythm and powerful beat can appreciate the percussion patterns in this number. The opening of the song sounds almost like a feel-good movie soundtrack, maybe from Karate Kid or Rocky.
