And the Prayers

And the Prayers.  The church is a versatile group. It is simple, adaptable, scalable, and mobile. It does not belong to any one culture but finds a home in every single culture. Our methodologies in the church may change, but our message does not: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). Christian worship encourages stylistic variations yet, wherever it appears, always includes these four priorities: (1) learning sound doctrine, (2) loving one another in the congregation, (3) remembering the Lord’s Supper, and (4) praying. “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).

Our prayers this week are many, therefore our worship this week is ongoing—whether we are inside or outside a church building. We pray because we are commanded to pray, because the Lord Jesus modeled prayer for us, gave us a pattern for prayer, granted us permission to use his name when praying, and mysteriously meets us in our praying to accomplish what he already providentially willed to do on earth as it is in heaven. He wants us to pray because in prayer our union with him is solidified and magnified. God is glorified when we pray in the name of Jesus. “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:7-8). So then, let’s pray!