Prayer.  It is probably the single most important thing a Christian can do.  And I know, Jesus gave us the Great Commission – which we need to follow, and he gave the New Commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.”  But Jesus tells us to pray – through words and action.  His was a ministry of prayer.  Time to decide on the apostles?  Go and pray.  Time to go up onto the mountain and meet Moses and Elijah?  Go and pray. Time to sacrifice my life?  Go into the garden and pray.  Jesus’ life was one of deep prayer.  And I believe that without prayer we cannot evangelize nor can we love very well (think about it – it is easy to love my daughter, but what about my enemies?  I can only do that with God’s help).

Prayer works and I believe in prayer, yet sometimes my faith waivers.  Yes I said it.  I am the one who preaches on prayer at least four times a year; the one who sends out a weekly email asking “How can I pray with you this week?” (And I say those prayers faithfully).  I am the one who stresses prayer constantly.  But my prayer life is never what I want it to be – or what God wants it to be.

And so I am challenging myself to increase my prayer life – to reach out and pray like never before.  To pray before, during and after events, not as a “tacked on prayer” but as the work itself.  I am challenging myself to let go and let God guide me, change me, use me.  And I am challenging myself to believe even more in the power of prayer.

Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief (Mark 9:24).

Grace and peace,

Bill