Group prayer night are…not your “cup of tea”? Why is it that Prayer Nights are some of the least attended nights in churches? But on the same hand, why is it that those that come seem to get refreshed, encouraged and strengthened? Don’t you think something so powerful and life changing would be something everyone wanted a piece of?
I can honestly say each of our prayer nights are different. Last night was sooooo refreshing to me. We worshiped and prayed and I walked away knowing that I truly spent time in God’s presence. It was so needed.
So why aren’t people packing the house for nights like these? I have some thoughts on the matter:
1-…Inconvenient! (aka – The devil doesn’t want you to come) Tons of scripture back up the fact that the devil hates us and wants us to be separated, disconnected and disillusioned with the church and the power of corporate prayer. (1 Peter 5:8-9, Matthew 18:20). Ever wonder why prayer nights are always the nights when kids get sick, you feel extra tired, late nights at the office, last minute things pop up?….things that make you go hmmmmm. Plan ahead, know that every bone inside you might say it’s tired, but go anyway. Don’t allow the enemy to stop you from using one of the most important weapons that God has given us.
2-...SCARY! 1 simple word – FEAR! People are afraid they will have to pray out loud or share some amazing story to everyone. That’s not the case. In fact some people come and have yet to pray out loud at our gatherings. God just asks you to come and agree in prayer. Sure we would love for you to get involved but to have you there together with us agreeing with the prayers being spoken, it’s very effective.
3-…Not my THING! Oh man, I’ve heard this one used a lot. “I’m not a prayer guy/gal”. Lame excuse and 100% not Biblical. That’s like saying I love God but I’m not into believing that He really died for me. Prayer is so important to our day to day lives. Corporate prayer is through out the bible. For all the WWJD bracelet fans – Jesus prayed (John 17: 20-26). Pentecost was a direct result of people getting together to pray and seek God in unity (Acts 2). Guess what was the by product of Pentecost, THE HOLY SPIRIT. Seems like a great trade off, don’t you think?
4-…Not Important! Misplaced Priorities. This one might hurt…here we go….Prayer is more important than ….American Idol, LOST (r.i.p.), Glee, Modern Family, The Office, 30Rock….you get the idea. People are willing to put anything in front of prayer. Nothing does more for you, your family, your spirit and your future than what prayer can do. That’s one of the reason God created DVR recorders. Seriously. What else takes priority over prayer in your life? I guarantee it’s not that important!
5-…Too long! I can’t pray that long. There’s a new thing created to help with this one…it’s called a “door”. You can leave anytime. Come for 10minutes, 30minutes, 2 hours, doesn’t matter…just come. I guarantee the more you do it, the longer you will be able to pray and want to be part of it. Last night almost went 2 hours and it flew by. Some of you almost fainted when I said 2 hours of prayer. I used to be that way as well.
6-…For chumps, wusses, weaklings, dorks! New flash…You’re a Wimp! Whoa, what did you call me? Yup…if you don’t grasp the power of prayer you might as well give up now. Prayer is part of the reason why you have power to do anything effective in this life (James 5:16). If you like to continue to complain about the same issues over and over again and live a powerless life, then make prayer something you rarely do.
7-…Already taken care of at home! I Pray at home by myself. Ok, good one. I’m glad that you said that. That is important. Acts 2:42-47 explains all the amazing things that happened when believers got together and did things unified. Is prayer just as effective alone as it is together…Sure. I believe God hears it all and acts upon it. There is just something extra special when we do it together as it promotes a special bond of encouragement and unity you can’t get alone (John 17:22-23). It’s like being a solo musician. There is something so much cooler and exciting when you have a full back up band behind you. Much more power I say!
What’s your excuse? We all have them. Maybe I forgot to list yours. Trust me, I can find a ton of excuses to not do something. Sometime we spend more time making excuse when we should be just making it happen.
M
Posted: June 3rd, 2010 under Culture/Society, Leadership, Life Stuff.
Comments: none
Last night someone went into my unlocked car, in front of my house, and stole my iPod, an iPhone charger and a flashlight. My car has been unlocked in front of my house for years! I used to say how great it is to live here, to all my NJ friends. “Hey, I don’t even have to lock my cars at night”….wow, that’s changed now.
