The Bible talks about it a lot, this is just one of many passages.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I wonder if God tells us to pray constantly because He simply wants us to communicate with Him - He wants to be close to us? He already knows what will happen next so I sometimes find myself wondering if it's really necessary.
Is it another area of our lives in which He just plain asks for obedience?
I believe it's partially about relationship. I know when I really pray consistently, He fills my mind with himself - gives me a heavenly mind-set, one that's not concerned as much with life circumstances. He also gives me confidence to move ahead in the direction He's making obvious to me. Without prayer I'm just a participant in this earthly life - losing my focus on why I was created in the first place, and unconcerned with 'what could be' in Him.
What an insult to Him, when we don't spend time in prayer - except of course when we're in trouble!
Prayer is also vital in regard to the church, and powerful when our voices raise together!
I found these 4 things that happen as a result of unified, consistent prayer from a body of believers!
I wonder if God tells us to pray constantly because He simply wants us to communicate with Him - He wants to be close to us? He already knows what will happen next so I sometimes find myself wondering if it's really necessary.
Is it another area of our lives in which He just plain asks for obedience?
I believe it's partially about relationship. I know when I really pray consistently, He fills my mind with himself - gives me a heavenly mind-set, one that's not concerned as much with life circumstances. He also gives me confidence to move ahead in the direction He's making obvious to me. Without prayer I'm just a participant in this earthly life - losing my focus on why I was created in the first place, and unconcerned with 'what could be' in Him.
What an insult to Him, when we don't spend time in prayer - except of course when we're in trouble!
Prayer is also vital in regard to the church, and powerful when our voices raise together!
I found these 4 things that happen as a result of unified, consistent prayer from a body of believers!
1.The Word gets preached with boldness.
2.The church remains unified on mission together.
3.The world hears about the hope of the resurrection.
4.God’s blessing and favor is upon his people.
5.The community is changed by infectious generosity.
One of the events we're considering during the days leading up to our 20 year anniversary this fall, is a prayer event. It seems to me the only response that makes sense, a time of thanking Him for what He's accomplished through Crossroads, and the only thing we can offer to the Lord that will have any affect on our future as a ministry!
What an amazing opportunity we have, we weren't just created and sent along our way alone, He asks us to communicate with Him without stopping....that's crazy good!
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