|
EXPLORE
|
|
In Luke's account of the life of Jesus, he tells of a time when a man brought his son to Jesus and requested healing for him. He had earlier asked the disciples for help (while Jesus was on the mountain speaking with Moses and Elijah, preparing for his death), but the disciples had been unsuccessful. Jesus told the Father, "All things are possible to him who believes". Then he commanded the illness / evil spirit to leave the son, which it did after one last seizure.
The disciples asked Jesus in private, why they had not been able to cure the boy. And Jesus said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer".
Some things can only be accomplished by prayer. I have seen some amazing results to prayer, and I'm sure many of you have had similar experiences... illnesses cured, relationships healed, difficulties endured, lives changed.
Prayer is an amazing thing. It is an incredible priviledge to draw near to the creator of the universe and know that he is listening, that he cares, that he responds.
And how wonderful it is to know that people are praying for you, or with you, for a loved one. I can't believe for a moment that God keeps count of how many people are praying for something to occur, and grants the request based upon that number, but I have experienced the comfort of knowing that people are praying with me, and have seen the peace that comes to others when I have told them that I will activate a prayer chain on their behalf.
I would like to start a prayer chain at Grace (Alsace). I am looking for people who are willing to pray regularly for those on our prayer list, and to offer up prayers when a special need arises. This can also be an excellent way for our older members and those who may be homebound to participate in the life of the church.
We would establish a telephone list so that when an emergency arises, or someone hears of an immediate need, pray-ers can be contacted. Some churches have found it helpful to have a daytime and evening list, so that contacts can be made. The immediate nature of the prayer chain can offer great comfort and strength to someone who has just received word of an accident; others appreciate knowing that prayers are being lifted up during one's surgery.
If you would like to become a prayer chain member, please speak with me so that we can get this new ministry started.
In addition, I am hoping to start a prayer group sometime this fall. We would meet on a weekly basis for nine weeks to work together on becoming more comfortable with prayer.
Prayer was of great importance to the early believers, and prayer is vital to the existence of the church. Getting back to the basics, and doing what we have been called to do is key to seeing the power of God at work at Grace (Alsace). Let's work together to tap into this limitless source of power and inspiration!
|
|
