She Got It- Pray -

Pray-

We were on our way to church for a kid’s crusade.

The two middle grandchildren were in the back seat. We were all excited. Well, except Wayne, he was driving and concentrating!

But of course, he had to be excited, with his sweet wife chirping loudly on the front seat beside him and two adorable grandchildren in the back sharing their latest stories. It was party time in the Holland Car!!

Did I mention that we were sharing our stories super loud?

We were hardly taking turns, each of us were jumping in and chattering about the stories each other was telling. Ya think maybe that’s why Wayne wasn’t wearing his excited face?

We had about an hour drive to get there and I was intent on taking advantage of every minute. After a short lull of quiet, I suggested we pray over the service.

I wanted the service to be powerful and for lives to be changed.

I had been praying for the meeting for several days. I had two thoughts in mind when I asked them to pray:

Help them recognize that there was more than fun going to take place that night.

Give them an opportunity to be more than a spectator.

By praying they were taking some ownership in ministry.

But Brayden didn’t get the point.

He knew we were going to church. He knew we would pray when we got to church, so why did we need to pray before we got there? He shared his opinion.

I tried to explain, but then the really smart person in the car just cut through all the explanations to the heart of the issue.

Four year old Ashlyn said,

“If we don’t pray for the church, we won’t have one.”

I was speechless.

She was right.

If we don’t pray for the church, we won’t have one.”

Nuff said. We prayed.

Ashlyn got it!

And her words have echoed again and again, if we don’t pray…. If we don’t pray for our church, our nation, the election?

Do we just assume that everything will be alright?

How is that “kay sir ra sir ra” attitude working for ya?

I’m not saying God’s church, the body of Christ will cease to exist,

but our privilege to worship together as a family of believers is fragile. Our freedom to speak what we believe is fragile and needs to be shielded with prayer.

I get it.

I understand people are busy.

But the point is…our busyness doesn’t change circumstances, our prayer does.

2 Chronicles 7:14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.

Prayer, faith filled prayer is the recipe for change.

But owning a super, dubber out of this world recipe doesn’t fill your tummy. You got to use that recipe.

You’ve read 2 Chronicles 7:14 dozens of times. I hesitated to put it in my blog, because you know it so well. I figured you’ll just skip over the verse without reading it or thinking about it.

But knowing about the verse and acting on it, is two entirely different things.

The recipe is clear and concise.

Repent.

Humble yourself.

Pray.

Yet knowning what to do and doing it are two different things.

It’s time to quit thinking about things, worrying about things and actually pray!

And on your prayer list

I hope you’ve included the ones mentioned 1 Timothy 2:1-2

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.…

Our President, Vice President, Congress. Political leaders.

Pray that God will open our eyes to see truth. That deception will be broken over our land and people will believe on Jesus and receive Him.

Pray that people will see their need of Jesus.

Pray for our churches to be filled with believers that live out their faith.

Pray that believers will be passionate about Jesus and sharing His love.

Pray what God has put on your heart to pray.