Thursday, July 24, 2008
First Christian Church
In a book on spiritual leadership, Henry Blackaby gives six reasons why spiritual leaders need to pray. In this season of Lent, I would like to suggest that all Christians respond to these six reasons (adapted here) and pray!

Reason #1. Prayer is an essential Christian activity

Prayer is one of the spiritual disciplines that all believers should practice every day. Combined with study of the Bible, it is our connection to God for finding His will and plan for our lives.

Reason #2. Prayer brings the Spirit's filling

It is in our prayer life that we encounter and engage the Holy Spirit. It is when we are surrendered in prayer that the Holy Spirit can best move us to do what God wills.

Reason #3. Prayer brings God's wisdom

James says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God. Part of praying is asking God for what we need. Certainly, wisdom is a commodity we all need more of. It is in prayer that God ministers to our need for wisdom.

Reason #4. Prayer accesses God's power
Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that God is all-powerful. There is nothing beyond His ability to perform. There is no greater force in all of creation. When we pray specifically about a certain situation we unleash God's mighty power.

Reason #5. Prayer relieves stress
Taking time to pray is like finding a place of rest in your busy day. It's like an oasis in the desert. Just taking a few minutes in the presence of the God Who knows you best and loves you most is absolutely refreshing.

Reason #6. Prayer reveals God's agenda

God has a plan for your life. In prayer we become well acquainted with God so that we can recognize His plan and His agenda for our lives.

Prayer is our lifeline to God and the benefits are life changing!

Join me in this great endeavor, won't you?