Pursuing the purpose and power of prayer.
This is an experiment–in my own pursuit of a deeper, richer prayer life, I want to share some of the struggles and triumphs I have had in and through prayer. I would also like to share (and gather) suggestions to enrich how we can grow closer to God, closer to others, and closer to becoming more Christlike in our daily walk.
Prayer doesn’t have to be BIG to catch God’s ear or His heart. God cares about the “big” things– war, cancer, broken relationships. And we must be persistent in our prayers about such things. But God also cares about stubbed toes. He cares about the illness of pets and the pop quiz at school and “that noise” the car has been making lately. And we are not just encouraged; we are commanded to come to Him about the ordinary and “little” things in life.
I was challenged in this a few weeks ago when someone disparaged the prayer group I belong to. We meet every Wednesday morning to pray. And we have a running list of concerns that have been brought to our attention– some requests come from our members, some from prayer cards and requests that have been turned in after Sunday Services at our church. Some of our requests are about “big” things– social issues, wars, the persecuted Church around the world, etc… And some of our requests stay on the list for months. We don’t give up– we rejoice in God’s timing. For instance, we were praying for several months for a dear sister who was having housing issues. She was in assisted living because of her many health issues. But she wanted to live independently. So, we prayed. Miraculously, many of her health issues disappeared, and it seemed that she would be able to move out of the facility, but she didn’t know where she could go on her limited budget, and she still had some issues with mobility. So, we prayed. We got updates– it seemed that a situation would be opening soon, only to find that she had been denied. And denied again! Still, we prayed. Then, a couple of weeks ago, God acted by taking her Home to Heaven unexpectedly. It wasn’t the answer we imagined, but it was God’s perfect timing to answer her greatest needs.
Often, the stories are much smaller. One of the children in our church filled out a prayer card asking for us to pray for their pet cat, who was ill. So, we prayed. There was more to this request than just an animal feeling sick. This child had just lost a grandparent. The family was already dealing with loss, and this child did exactly what Faith tells us to do– call on the LORD in our distress. Bring “everything” to God in prayer (“Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7)And as brothers and sisters in Christ, we were encouraged by this child’s faith and willingness to share. We pray for twisted ankles and hip surgeries. We pray for broken-down cars and those who are struggling to buy groceries this week.
And when someone seemed to disparage our group’s efforts, I was confused and a bit hurt. The other person wasn’t saying that the requests themselves were wrong, but they felt that we might be “wasting” time on such requests at the expense of “more important” issues. Instead of praying for “uncle Joe’s stubbed toe,” we could be praying for social change in our community. “Uncle Joe” was on our list, but world peace was not. Their approach was that such “small” requests might be dealt with in a more personal and immediate way. And that shows another marvelous aspect of prayer. We don’t need to wait for Wednesday, or Sunday, or for a particular group to pray for our needs. In fact, on the strength of their suggestion, our church now announces that there is a “prayer team” at each Sunday service who will take time to offer immediate and personal prayer for those who want it. And both the weekly prayer group and the weekly prayer team can joyfully bring prayers before the Throne of Grace– no matter how big or small, dire or fleeting, personal or corporate.
Our group still offers to pray for “Uncle Joe’s stubbed toe” or Wendy’s car trouble, or Alice, who would like someone to help with yard work. Some of these requests also get passed on to or from our “Help” team, connecting them with practical help from volunteers in our congregation AND prayer support. Because it is our privilege to pray for others– to share their sorrows, struggles, and joys as we travel life together. And we also pray for war-torn areas, our persecuted churches around the world, and spiritual battles taking place in our congregation– addictions, ruptured families, stroke victims and their families, and much more.
Jesus told the three stories of people facing “loss” in Luke, chapter 15. The first story is of the lost sheep and the shepherd who is willing to abandon 99 sheep in order to look for one sheep that is lost. The third, and most famous of the three stories, is of the Prodigal Son, who runs away, spends all of his inheritance, and returns home to find that his father not only forgives him, but celebrates his return. Tucked in between is the story of a woman who loses one silver coin and sweeps through her entire house looking for it. When she finds it, she wants to celebrate with all her neighbors. THAT is what prayer can be–we don’t pray for lost coins or stubbed toes because they are earth-shaking events–we pray because that is how we share life with our neighbors, our brothers and sisters around the world, and the God who Loves each and every one with boundless, eternal, extravagant Love!
I said a prayer
It wasn’t much–
I had no power
To heal or touch.
My words were few
Clumsy, and lame–
I barely knew the
Person’s name.
What could I do
So weak and small?
Would such a prayer
Reach God at all?
But I bowed my head
I knelt and prayed.
I trusted God
And I obeyed.
I said a prayer
‘Twas all I had
To offer one
Who felt so bad.
She said a prayer
For me–For ME!
She could not know
She could not see..
The hope that came
The peace it brought–
That little prayer
Who would have thought?
God used her words,
Even clumsy and lame.
God heard her pray
“In Jesus’ Name..”
Not all at once
Not all in a day,
But God answered
When she chose to pray.
I met a man
His face was sad;
I knew that look,
And I was glad
To say a little prayer
To smile and nod;
To lift him up
Before the throne of God.
It wasn’t much,
Just a word or two.
But I said a prayer,
For I know it’s true…
God hears my prayers,
Clumsy and lame–
God will answer
“In Jesus’ Name.”
He said a little prayer,
He sought My face;
He asked for mercy,
I gave him Grace.
It wasn’t much,
Barely a moan
But it caught My ear,
And it reached My throne.
He thought it was small,
And clumsy and lame,
But My heart was glad–
I knew his name!
Don’t ever underestimate the power of prayer– we may never see the “answer” we expect, but God hears our every whimper!
Jeremiah 29:13 New International Version (NIV)
https://www.biblegateway.com
13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
I gave that fellow a piece of my mind! I let him know how wrong he was, how backward, how ill-informed. And he just wouldn’t see reason.
He had the nerve to call me hateful, judgmental, and “toxic!” Doesn’t he understand? He is selfish, rebellious, arrogant, and “lost.” I was just trying to give him a warning. If he doesn’t repent, he will end up in Hell. I was good enough to spend my valuable time trying to set him straight, and all I got for it was abuse! Well, you know what they say, “Hate the sin, love the sinner.” At least I tried.
I gave that woman a piece of my mind! I let her know how judgmental and backward and hateful she is. Who is she to tell me what to think? She called me a sinner and told me I was going to Hell– and then she wants me to thank her for it?! She was completely unreasonable. Why would I want to spend time with someone like that? People like her are what’s wrong with this world. They talk about love, but only if you act and think exactly like them– what kind of “love” is that? What a hypocrite!
It’s so easy to give others a “piece of” our minds– to make snap judgements or lash out with a “gut” reaction. And social media makes it that much easier! I see someone’s post or a viral meme and I react immediately. I “like” it or I laugh at it as ridiculous. I quickly type an angry “correction” or point out why the other person is “wrong.” (And they may genuinely BE wrong– sometimes their posts are out of date or contain verifiably false information.) But is my hasty reactionary post really necessary? Is it really my place to humiliate someone else in the name of (self) righteousness? Have I mis-read or misunderstood what I saw? Am I so much more righteous, that I can point my finger? What is the true purpose of my response– to provide constructive correction, or to signal my own virtue and superiority? How did Jesus give a “piece” of His mind to sinners in His own ministry?
This is especially problematic within the Christian community. There are some doctrinal issues that are of great importance, that should not be misused. But it is the Holy Spirit that brings correction. That doesn’t mean we must stand silent or give acceptance to heresy, but we should do it humbly, with love and thought. Anger is often the mate of arrogance and pride. We are quick to dish out correction, but slow to accept it! We need to exchange “piece” of mind with “Peace” of mind!
Christ’s Example of Humility
2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Lights in the World
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Philippians 2:1-18 English Standard Version (ESV) (www.biblegateway.com) Emphasis added.
Through Christ’s example, and through the working of the Holy Spirit, we are to let Him transform our minds:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2 NIV)
Lord Jesus, help me to give others the “Peace” of Your mind today, rather than a “piece” of mine! Help me to offer, not my opinion or my “superior” understanding of the Gospel, but rather your humility and devotion to speaking the Truth in Love for my neighbor.
Prayer is often about burdens– the burden of need; the burden of sin and guilt; the burden of worry and distress. We bring our burdens to God, to the “throne of Grace;” we bring them “in Jesus’ Name,”, and we bring them to “Our Father.” But how often do we bring them to “Calvary?”
Not the victorious empty cross on the hillside with a beautiful sunset in the background, but the bloody, hot, dry and dreadful Calvary of the crucifixion? How often do we make the pilgrimage to that rocky outcropping with the smell of blood and sweat and death and agony? How often do we cry out to the one who was lifted up, struggling to breathe, pierced, wounded, broken and humiliated? When do we reach out to touch the scars and bruises he received in our place?
It is at Calvary that we get the real story of Grace, Mercy, and forgiveness–the real cost of victory and peace. It is at Calvary that we see the full extent of God’s Holiness married to the full extent of His Love. Holiness demands justice; Love demands intimacy– together, they require sacrifice.
And it is at Calvary that we find, in the darkest and most hopeless of moments– God forsaking Himself, giving all He IS to bring justice and reconciliation for all we’ve done–that we trade our burdened souls, our worries, our despair for God’s embrace. Arms stretched so wide they are pulled from their sockets; blood spilled from head to toe; breathless and exposed in His passion for your soul and mine–that’s what God offers at Calvary.
Why do I pray? I am ambushed and overwhelmed and enraptured by such a love. God had no need to suffer even a moment’s discomfort. He owed nothing to His rebellious creation; no mercy, no explanation, no hints as to His character (or ours). The creator of galaxies had no need to lift a finger to save one puny planet or any of its inhabitants from His own right to un-create them and blot out even their memory. Instead, He showed the greatest act of Love across all of space and time–to me!– At Calvary!
In “Pursuing Prayer”, I want to explore ways to develop my prayers; to become “better” at praying– more confident, more Christlike. But along the way, I have found that “better” doesn’t always mean what I think it ought to mean. Sometimes, becoming “better” requires becoming broken.
I don’t like being broken. I don’t want to be shattered, ruined, like a broken vase. I don’t want to pray like a broken record– sending up the same failures, the same weaknesses, the same painful memories. I don’t want to be pinched, and cracked, and mangled. I don’t want to be stretched and molded and squeezed. I want to have comforting chats with God, not drawn-out confessions, or rebukes, or unanswered questions.
It is tempting to avoid brokenness–cover it up, pretend, deny, ignore its existence. I don’t want to bring God my questions, my fears, my hurts. I don’t want to open up the dark places of my soul. I want to wear a smile and make small talk with God–“How are you today?” “Just lovely, Father, and how are you?” “Fine weather we’re having.” “Yes, thank you for the breezes yesterday. And could I just put in a plug for my neighbor’s gall bladder surgery? I told her I would pray for her, so could you just give her a speedy healing? That’d be great. Well, gotta run. Talk to you soon…Oh, and I’m sorry for the way I blew up at the kids the other day. I don’t know WHAT got into me. You know I’m just not that way, right? So I’m just asking for grace to kinda cover that up and make it ok again. Thanks.”
God is not fooled. God is not impressed or amused at our shallow righteousness. He’s not impressed or overcome by our brokenness, either. But He wants it, anyway. He wants all of it. Because He wants to build honesty, intimacy, and most of all, restoration. God doesn’t want us to wallow in our failures, any more than He wants us to gloat in our false perfection. He wants to break the bondage they have over us. He doesn’t get tired of hearing our voices, even in guilt or shame, rage or despair…if they are raised to Him. He doesn’t want us to stay shattered and ruined. But He needs us to be redirected, refreshed, rebuilt, rekindled, and renewed.
There are many things that need to be “broken” to become better– we “break” in shoes, we “break” ground to create a new field or prepare for a new building. We “break bread” to eat it and share it with others. We “break” horses in order to prepare them to run or work more effectively. We “break” bad habits. We even “break” the ice in a new friendship. The point is not to stay broken, but to “break through” whatever is keeping us oppressed and held down.
When I am feeling broken, and I cry out to God, He doesn’t deny my brokenness; He doesn’t turn away in disgust; He doesn’t stick a hasty bandage on my wounds. God acknowledges my pain, He listens to my questions. He loves me enough to come and stay with me through the worst moments–even when others have gone; even when I deny His presence and turn my face to the wall–and He begins the process of turning even those scars and cracks and tears into treasures.
Brokenness is inevitable in our fallen and broken world– God is not out to break us; people and time, circumstances, and even our own good intentions will cause us to fall and fail–am I willing to uncover my brokenness and need, and allow God to reshape my shattered dreams?
I was reading in the Bible the other day in the first chapters of 1 Chronicles. I must admit I did a lot of skimming, rather than reading everything word for word. There were lists and more lists of names and genealogies, and my eyes started to cross after the first hundred or so– and I like genealogies! Some of the names are familiar ones– Abraham, Judah, David, Saul, Jonathan. Other names meant nothing to me– Malkishua, Ram, Othniel. Most were names of fathers and sons, but there were a few scattered women– Tamar, Zeruiah…And there were references to other books of names about all the Kings of Israel and Judah, listing their deeds and accomplishments–books that might be more interesting than what I was reading!
I felt like I was wasting my morning, reading nothing but names. There was no story here– no spiritual lesson to be gleaned. And yet…
There were hundreds of names in the lists I read. Each one carefully recorded for posterity. The names are in the Biblical account because they MEAN something. Each one represents someone God created. Each one was loved by God, watched over and blessed by God. And even if their stories are not all recorded, or their stories are not all interesting or instructive, they all HAD a story, just like each of us. I get excited when I come across information about one of my ancestral families– the maiden name of a seventh great-grandmother, the birth record of a sibling of one of my ancestors, confirming the names of the parents who are also my ancestors, the death certificate that reveals the date and cause of death for someone I’ve been trying to prove existed. Imagine the size of a book that could contain all the life stories of every person who ever lived!
Everyone has a name. And after 40 years of pursuing the hobby of genealogy, I know that there are some names and stories that history has forgotten– names that I cannot find–families that seem to come to a dead end. But that can never be the case with God. He KNOWS ME by name. More than that, He knows every hair on my head (Luke 12:7). He knows my every thought (Psalm 139: 2-4). More than even THAT, He has my name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (see Revelation 13:8 and 21:27). My name is not just whispered or even on God’s mind– He has kept an eternal, written record with my name in it. It can’t be erased or burned up or lost on a back shelf somewhere.
Earlier today, our prayer group met, and we prayed for several people on our prayer list. The list is only four pages long and covers only a few people. Some names will be added to the list; other will be subtracted in the coming weeks. But there are several names and concerns we each have that don’t end up on our list. We forget, or we don’t think the concern is “worth” the ink to print, or the request is meant to be private and not printed. And that’s just one small church in our community.
God knows EVERY name! He knows EVERY concern or request, every confession, every praise, every question, every whispered cry for help! Every one, everywhere, through all time!
There is nothing too small, too “boring” or too fleeting in our prayer life. Someday, we may find that all or our prayers have been written on a scroll or in a book in Heaven. Not because God would ever forget, but because God will always remember!
Billions of names, billions of stories. And God will not skip over or omit mine– or yours. He KNOWS your name!
When I was just a girl, many of my cousins and playmates were fans of comic-book heroes: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, X-Men, Spiderman, and many others. In fact, in second grade, we had a “superhero” club that met at recess and played out scenarios. Most of us got to be heroes; a few had to take turns being villains. We ran as fast as we could; we pretended to fly; we pretended to save the world!
Each super hero has a special super power (or several super powers), and each one has a “fatal flaw”– some weakness that could keep him (or her) from easy victory over a villain. Superman can fly; but he cannot overcome the effects of Krypton. Batman has a seemingly endless array of cool gadgets, but they are not always enough to counter the cool gadgets of his foes. Spider-man can spin webs, but being a superhero doesn’t pay his bills. Wonder Woman has a lasso of truth and an invisible airplane, but she must struggle between promoting peace and fighting to stop violence and war.
I was reminded recently that we often confuse Biblical characters with comic-book superheroes. Moses had his staff. Samson had great strength. Methuselah lived to be 969 years old. David wrote poetry and killed giants…and so on. And each “hero” of the faith seemed to have a “fatal flaw”– Abraham did not wait for God’s promise of Isaac. Moses had a temper. Jacob was hunted by his twin brother. Samson was arrogant and forgot the source of his strength. David was tempted by lust, which led him to commit adultery and murder!
There is nothing wrong with reading about comic book superheroes, or with honoring men and women of faith and courage and obedience. The entire eleventh chapter of Hebrews is devoted to “heroes” of the faith, and the faith of Godly heroes.
But we can turn heroes into idols, and that leads us to false thinking. We falsely believe that God only calls those who are already heroic and strong. We sometimes feel that God cannot use us unless we first show that we have some superpower. We also carry a false guilt about our “fatal flaws,” feeling that we have somehow ruined God’s plans or let the enemy “win” whenever we stumble. Finally, we fail to see that our ordinary obedience–even our shaky and stumbling faith– IS heroic.
The biggest difference between Biblical “heroes” of the Faith and comic book superheroes, is that the latter often inhabit a world in which there is no Sovereign God. Often, comic book heroes come from a distant planet, or are “accidentally” created by exposure to radiation. Their actions “save” the world when ordinary people cannot overcome evil and villains. They may appear ordinary some of the time, but their lives are actually very different from ours. Biblical heroes, on the other hand, are ordinary people who were used, not because of who they are, but in spite of who they are!
Superheroes are exciting and noble, but they are not Biblical, and Biblical characters are not “accidental” superheroes. They are ordinary men and women who were used by God to do extraordinary things– things that only God can really do! Most of them spent their lives doing mostly ordinary things– farming, fishing, carpentry, tax collecting, herding sheep! There is only one actual “superhero” in the Bible– God himself–and He has no fatal flaw. Instead, He chooses flawed and ordinary people to obey Him as HE does extraordinary things through them. Even in our own time, God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary “super” things in the lives of others. We may not see anyone killing giants or parting the waters of the Red Sea. We may not see anyone slinging webs, leaping over tall buildings or single-handedly saving Gotham City, but we can see how faithful Christ-followers can transform their families and communities because of God’s power working through them. No capes or costumes needed!
One consistent thing about the people we celebrate as “heroes” in the Bible– they all prayed! They all knew that real power (and wisdom and help) comes from God alone. Prayer and obedience are not guaranteed to make us famous or heroic. But God can use the simplest acts and the smallest measure of true faith to do great things in, and around, and through ordinary people just like us!
Do you ever suffer from “prayer’s block”– those times when you bow down, and your prayers seem stilted, or your mind keeps wandering, and you find yourself coming to God with…less. Not necessarily with nothing– you can always thank God for your daily bread, or worship the fact of his majesty or holiness or search your heart for confession or praise. But you’re left feeling like you really want to bring more…
Am I the only one who ever feels this? I don’t think so; and I don’t feel it often, but when I do, I just wish I had something like a prayer prompt to take the conversation to another level.
That’s when I find books extremely helpful. I recommend a personal prayer journal– one that has pages for each day, and lots of space to write requests and reminders as you pray. I’m on my tenth year through a journal, and it has names of people who are celebrating birthdays or anniversaries on that day– including sad anniversaries of losses or challenges. But even if you don’t have a journal, there are other great and creative ways to jump-start a great conversation with God. See the Edit Page “Prayer Journal” ‹ Pursuing Prayer — WordPress page on my ideas for a Prayer Journal, or search for other wonderful ideas online to get you started.
Have you ever prayed a page from the phone book? (or your personal address list? or another list?) It can feel awkward and impersonal to pray for people simply by name and without knowing anything about them, but it can also be instructive. How so? It reminds you that:
Similarly, you can pray through an old yearbook, or your friends list on Facebook or LinkedIn, the members of your favorite band or the cast of your favorite movie or TV show, the members of your local government. The list goes on. Rummage through your closet or look at old photos– are you finding anything to be thankful for, or reminded of times when God or others blessed you? Pray the newspaper (or your news feed)–there’s plenty of fodder there!
Of course, there is also an opportunity to ask God to bring things to mind as you struggle. You can pray and praise all the names of God– Almighty, Prince of Peace, Savior, Redeemer, Lamb of God… Or you can pray about His attributes– His sovereignty, His Holiness, His Mercy, His Faithfulness… We serve a very BIG God!
Prayer’s Block can happen to anyone and for many different reasons. I may need to confess a sin that is getting in the way of my relationship with God. Or I need to slow down my thoughts and meditate, rather than rushing through a list of requests or burdens. There are days when my heart is just too full (or maybe too empty) to concentrate. And it’s not that God doesn’t know or understand such times. But in this pursuit, I want to bring my best, and if “prayer’s block” comes, I don’t want it to be an excuse for missing out on the best that God has for me.
Growing up, I loved going to pot-luck meals at our little country church. Neighbors, family, and friends would bring large dishes of home-cooked deliciousness for all to feast on as we chatted, laughed, and encouraged one another. There were certain dishes we all could count on–homemade yeast rolls, courtesy of Lulu M. Jello with fruit was my mom’s standard. Another lady almost always brought meat loaf. Baked beans, candied carrots, fried chicken, chocolate cake, scalloped potatoes– my mouth still waters just from the memories! The wonderful woman who has since become my mother-in-law brought her famous cookies, and often, a seven-layer salad.
I love Mom’s seven layer salad, and I have learned to make my own variation. It’s easy, it’s delicious, it’s healthful, and it travels well. I’ve seen other recipes that use different vegetables, don’t use eggs or meat or mayo–I’m sure they’re ok, but I’m happy to stick with the basic outline that follows below.
I was thinking about the seven-layer salad the other day, and I realized that you can use a similar “recipe” for prayer. So here’s my modified “Seven-Layer Prayer” recipe:
That’s the basic recipe for a seven layer salad– enough of each ingredient for a healthy “layer”. I’ve added extra layers a couple of times–diced tomatoes or peppers are good if you are planning to eat the salad quickly, but they will cause sogginess if you let the salad sit. (Also, if you use peas, use fresh if you can– drain canned peas, or get rid of any ice crystals if using frozen peas. )
A good seven-layer prayer should also be presented fresh, and savored. It’s delicious, it’s good for you, it feeds others, and it travels well! Try some!
Some time ago, I wrote about the famous Dr. Seuss book, “Green Eggs and Ham.” In it, a character, named Sam (“Sam I am”) encourages the nameless narrator to try a strange dish– ham and eggs that are bright green! After several exchanges in which the narrator insists he will NOT try the dish, Sam’s enthusiasm wears him down and he agrees to try a bite. Surprise– He LOVES green eggs and ham! He spends the rest of the book enthusiastically affirming how much he loves the dish, thanking Sam for insisting that he try them.
We just celebrated Easter. The Resurrection, I would argue, is much more important than trying a new breakfast dish. But how many of us are as enthusiastic as Sam in trying to get our families, friends, and neighbors to “taste” the amazing gift of Eternal Life? Would we witness on a train? In a car? In the rain? Would we witness to a grumpy, resistant person like the narrator of “Green Eggs and Ham?” And if not, why not?
And would we pray for the unsaved? In a tree? On a boat? With a goat? In our house? With a mouse? Here or there? Anywhere? What kind of enthusiasm do we show for making disciples? Do we seek to pray for our neighbors? With our neighbors? With those who are struggling with doubts or fears? For those who resist the message of Christ? Does our confidence in the Gospel of Christ equal the confidence of Sam in ham and eggs? Shouldn’t our joy and commitment exceed Sam’s? After all, our “product” is unending, everlasting, unconditional Love from a God who came to earth and died to save each one of us!
2 Corinthians 4:1-9 ESV – The Light of the Gospel – Therefore, – Bible Gateway
We carry the amazing treasure of God’s Power to save, redeem, and reconcile! Let us not get discouraged as we share the good news and as we pray for God to continue His work in a broken world!
Pursuing Prayer 