Over the last 10-15 years, I’ve come to realize that it’s not that people don’t WANT to pray, but that they don’t know how many forms of prayer there actually can be. The FORMAL forms of prayer you may hear on Television or Radio or the Internet, may not be what you personally are comfortable with, so use a form that is comfortable for you. I have had friends, over the years, who said prayer should only be about something IMPORTANT. My constant answer to that is EVERYTHING we are spiritually concerned
about IS important. I believe you CAN pray without ceasing, but being aware of others needs is not always a simple process.
Believe that God is always there, waiting for you.
I’ve been very blessed, over the last 10+ years, with a prayer ministry that is based in the internet. I get any where from 800 to 2,000 prayer requests per day, from a large variety of sources, and from an amazing number of countries. I know that most people who read this will be saying: how can he actually READ that many, let alone respond & pray for each one. God gave me the perfect gift, while I was young, to do this work for Him. I can read about 4,000 words per minute, so there is no stress involved. I believe that you all have a gift from God, that is waiting to be used for Him.
The following Bible reference is one I have loved for many, many years:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:14-21
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING, and be CONCERNED (and prayerful), in everything you do & say, and God WILL be with you and bless you, through Jesus Christ.
YBIC
Bruce
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Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing churches in the country. The author of several books including “Selling Swimsuits in the Artic”,
Pastor Hamilton has written an inspiring new book entitled “24 Hours That Changed the World”. This book takes the reader through the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life and ministry here on earth and concludes with the resurrection. Pastor Hamilton’s new book, along with a devotional book entitled “40 Days of Reflection”, will be the foundation of our worship services during Lent through Easter. Also used each Sunday will be a video by Pastor Hamilton to help us see what those last 24 hours might have looked and sounded like.
The book, “24 Hours That Changed the World” will be on sale at the church
for $20, and the devotional book will sell for $10. EVERYONE in the church is
encouraged to purchase BOTH books and read them during Lent. (Lent begins
on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17.)
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My faith started early. It started early because my parents brought me to church each and every Sunday. When we traveled during the summer, my parents searched for a worship service near by. When visiting extended family, we went to church with them even if that meant that when visiting my mom’s family we would attend 2 church services (morning and night) with them. Not only did they attend worship services they were active volunteers: choir, leadership roles, teaching bible studies, teaching Sunday School and leading VBS.
It was expected that as children we would attend Sunday School despite that most times I was bored to tears! (That’s another reason I do what I do by volunteering to lead Kids Church) We were expected to weed church member’s property to raise money for youth activities, we were expected to be at every youth event, camping, lockins, bowling, you name it! We were expected to take part in choir, in bell choir, and form friendship with people my own age in my church.
You would think with that heavy emphasis, my parent’s kids would flee from the church the moment they turned 18. Here’s an update:
I did end up changing denominations, but that was because I had some theological big issues with the church I was raised in (namely they didn’t ordain women pastors and I, a woman, was feeling called into ministry). I have served as a volunteer youth or children’s ministry director since I was 18 (that’s 14 years!) and graduated with a Masters of Divinity in 2005. My most important relationship in my life is with God.
My younger brother also changed denominations, to a non denominational church. He works full time as a campus minister with a church on the campus of the University of Southern Florida. He is married to another campus minister. He walks up to strangers on campus and asks them to join his bible study class – that takes a strong relationship with God to be able to do that!
My younger sister has not changed denominations. She is a member of a new church start in Arizona and is a volunteer music minister with that church.
Can you see where I’m going with this? I often do not hear from friends that do not attend church that their parents brought them to church TOO MUCH, it is always that they didn’t bring them to church enough. Something to think about.
Join us in Kids Church every Sunday 10am!
~Lisa
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