I always look forward to hearing people pray for God to do His work here at Grace. I pray regularly for our church and for our members. It is a great encouragement to me personally to hear folks pray for me and for others. There is power released throughout the church, when God’s people pray together. Listen to this challenging word from God,
“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the power offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:13-16)
Practicing that scripture from God’s word, less the anointing of oil, is what we do on Wednesday nights at Grace. YOU SHOULD JOIN IN! Praying with others on Wednesday night will make you feel great.
Last night, one of our number was facing a medical procedure today, Thursday, September 20. He was suffering in pain. He asked for prayer. People gathered around him, laying their hands on him and asked God to heal him and give him peace during the procedure today. Also, last night, one of our number was having great stress about a family situation. We stopped the proceedings and prayed for this one member, asking God to intervene, and answer that particular need.
Following the service, our Deacon Body met specifically to pray for one of our families that is dealing with a very difficult issue. Every deacon in the room prayed for this family. I heard every deacon pour out his love and heart-felt concern for the members of one of our dear families. I was moved to tears. We should not face life’s difficulties, temptations and attacks from the evil one alone. The prayers of the church should accompany us when hardships and trials come. It was a spiritual mountaintop for me personally and for my ministry to hear our people pray last night for one another.
Max Lucado says, “Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.”
Last night during our praying together, hearing your prayers made a difference in me. PRAISE GOD!