THE MARCH BOOK!

Near the end of his long and fruitful life, the great evangelist Billy Graham was asked if there was anything that he would have done differently, if given the chance.  While his body was obviously approaching physical failure, Graham slowly but purposefully responded, “I wish I had spent more time in prayer.”  When I heard that, my jaw probably hit the floor in astonishment.  I thought that if anyone in my lifetime was the very model of what a life saturated in prayer would look like, that would be Billy Graham.  His name alone draws reverence, even from those who are markedly outside of Christianity.

There are many books on personal prayer.  What seems to be lacking however, are resources on corporate prayer.  How can we pray “better” as a congregation, as the body of Christ?  How can we become more focused in our prayers during worship, small groups, family time, and even informal gatherings among friends?  How can we develop an intentionality in our prayer life which would best be understood as a ministry of prayer?

This is what our suggested reading for March is all about – praying together.  In his book simply titled “Prayer,” John Onwuchekwa demonstrates the great need among Christians to join together in prayer, speaking to God, seeking His faithfulness.  This is not a “how to” book.  It is a “here’s why” book, designed to inspire the reader toward obedience in Christ.  It was Jesus who began the Lord’s Prayer by saying, “When you pray…”  The Christian who is lacking in a faithful prayer ministry is like the athlete who does not consume enough protein – he may be good at his event, but he could have been so much better had he been disciplined enough to have the proper diet.  Cut out some of your carbs and increase the protein in your life that is prayer.

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce