Prayer is such an integral part of living out a life of worship. When I was growing up, our church held monthly prayer services on Sunday evenings. My mother was very involved with the prayer ministry and organized these gatherings. These nights would consist of worship in the chapel, prayer requests and group prayers.
I learned to go through life dependent in prayer and secure in the Lord. As part of our home school curriculum, scripture memory and Bible readings were part of each day. In seventh grade, my youth director, Becca would schedule prayer meetings in place of youth group several times a year. She understood the importance of prayer and printed out devotionals and scriptures to center our hearts on God. The following year, Becca felt the Lord calling her to another church. When a new youth director was hired, the important place that prayer had once held in our community of students was lost.
If prayer is a vital part of Christianity, why is it often overlooked? Praying as a church signifies the body of believers coming together in unity, as Dan Wilt points out in the Language of Prayer and Scripture Reading video. Prayer changes things and changes people, as we continue to develop complete reliance and trust in Christ. John Wesley said, “prayer is where the action is.”
As leaders in our churches, we must be diligent and fervent in praying for the mission of our church. “…God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God answers prayer, and God delivers by prayer.” - E.M. Bounds
Polly Lohrmann
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