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I'm more convinced, today, than I've ever been...

I'm convinced that one of the most precious things our Father grants to us is often the most neglected.  I think that it's true:  we can talk about it, read about it, learn about it but insolate ourselves and fail to truly participate in it, faithfully.  It seems clear that folks are reluctant or down right refuse to give of the time and energy and dedication to practice, well.

I'm talking about prayer.

  • Not some religious practice in an attempt to earn God's favor.
  • Not some burden to carry in order to be a "good Christian."
  • But a sovereign and blessed grace of God afforded to His children - communication with Him!

I don't mean...

  • (Matthew 6:5-15) a show for others to think you've got it together (or to push some agenda you have)
  • (Hebrews 4:16) a "hope and a prayer" that is an uncertain, last-ditch effort when facing a challenge.

I mean...

  • (Philippians 4:4-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) an always rejoicing, never ceasing, peace-filled...
  • (James 1:5-8; 1 John 5:14-15) confidence in Jesus...
  • ...where we continually cry out to the Ftaher, praying He will affect His will in each of our lives.

Are you praying?  Do you truly believe that being intentional in prayer is really worth the time and energy?

I hope you do.

Pastor John Piper has suggested a prayer guide that he uses, and I thought I'd share it with you to help guide you in your commitment to pray.  Draw a set of concentric circles on a piece of paper (think about a target; think about the archery target where each "ring" represents a point value).  In our prayer circles, each ring represents a different value.  The inner ring (the bullseye) = you.  The next ring could = your spouse/children or family/friends.  After that, you have a ring that represents church ministry/church life/church members.  Then, you can have a "community" ring / state ring / USA ring.  Lastly, you would have the "world" ring, where you can remember specific missionaries or issues around the globe.

Praying through  these concentric circles (moving from the bullseye, outward) can help guide you as you pray.  I hope you'll commit to praying along with me for God to be praised among us; for Jesus to be magnified & highly lifted up in this little corner of Marion county and around the world!

Be friendly to those around you (be reminded of what friendship really means).  Be faithful to the LORD and His ways (and faithful to His Bride:  the Church).  Be focused on your Savior, your mission, and the day that will come when this will be no more and we will be like Him!

Pastor loves you, church!

Bro. T