Where does successful ministry come from? How does it happen? Is it great preaching, solid Bible teaching or maybe church programming? I have wrestled with this question on occasions myself. I believe the backbone of every part of ministry is held together by Spirit-filled praying. I believe humble prayers before an all-powerful God are central to all fruit-bearing ministries. Much of what we see today is religious activity on steroids, propped up by polished professionals with good financial backing! Keep in mind that we are speaking in terms of Christ-honoring ministry! So back to our initial questions. Where does successful ministry come from? How does it happen? Is it great preaching, solid Bible teaching or maybe good church programming?
Charles Spurgeon, the great Baptist minister of the nineteenth century, attributed all of his success in ministry to the prayers of his people. During one of his church’s prayer meetings, Spurgeon said the following: “It fills my heart with gladness to see so many hundreds of persons gathered together at what is sometimes wickedly described as, ‘only a prayer meeting.’ It is good for us to draw nigh unto God in prayer, and especially good to make up a great congregation for such a purpose. We have attended little prayer meetings of four or five, and we have been glad to be there, for we had the promise of our Lord’s presence; but our minds are grieved to see so little attention given to united prayer by many of our churches. We have longed to see great numbers of God’s people coming up to pray, and now we enjoy this sight…. How could we expect a blessing if we were too idle to ask for it? How could we look for Pentecost if we never met with one accord, in one place, to wait upon the Lord? Brethren, we shall never see much change for the better in our churches in general till the prayer meeting occupies a higher place in the esteem of Christians.”
I want to encourage you regarding your prayer life. Over the next few months we are going to experience prayer like never before. Make your plans to join your church family and friends for Wednesday evening prayer time at 6:30 pm. You will not regret it! How important is prayer to your spiritual growth, to your family and to the life of your church? I promise you prayer is essential for you to take your next steps toward Christlikeness! Essential!!! Be in your place! I’ll see you there!
Where prayer focuses; power falls!