If I asked: "Do you believe prayer works?" most believers would answer "yes".
A similar question about an area of our spiritual development where we struggle most would probably reveal "prayer" as a common answer.
So, we believe in it, but we struggle with it and may feel like we don't do it enough? Exactly.
I won't preach about prayer every Sunday, but I want to continue to encourage our congregation to grow in prayer. No performance. No evaluation. No number counting. Just relationship - individually and collectively a people hungry to connect with God.
The Scripture text for a focus on prayer comes from Acts 6:4. Before the existence of church buildings, programs, outreach events, modern worship, etc...they had prayer and the ministry of the Word of God. Many other things can fill our calendars. Many other things can fill churches.
I am personally challenged. Our leadership are becoming more challenged. We hope our church will respond to the challenge to grow - in a focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word.
In this Sunday's bulletin, I am including the following encouragment to think about opportunities for public prayer. Please pray, please ask God about your response and involvement.