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spend time in prayer


Let me begin today’s post by inviting you to take part in a special day of prayer.  For many years in America the first Thursday in May has been set aside as the National Day of Prayer.  If you live in Martinsville or Henry County, please join me at a special prayer event taking place on that take from 6 to 8pm in the gym at Patrick Henry Community College.  I have been asked to share about families and challenge our community to pray for our homes and families.  If you do not live in our area, please find an event or some friends to get with to pray.

One of the things that sidetracks our lives the most is the problem of not praying.  Prayerlessness means that we have disconnected from God on a regular basis.  For some Christians pray isn’t important.  An occasional prayer before a meal or at church is all that makes up our prayer life.

That just doesn’t cut it.  Jesus was our example of what it is like to stay connected to God.  The Bible illustrates this often by telling us that Jesus went off by Himself to spend time in prayer with the father.  This can be seen even further from the cross when Jesus asked His father why He was forsaking Him.

Mark 1:35  NASB
In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.

There was an important connection that could not and should not be broken.  Prayer keeps us connected to God.  Prayer keeps our hearts and minds sharp and ready for what God is doing in and around our lives.  Yet without prayer we are in a very difficult situation.

Prayer changes things.  Often prayer changes us, the one praying.  Prayer also opens up opportunities and doors that would not otherwise be open.  Pray is much like practice and preparing.  When we do those things, our senses are heightened and we begin to look for all God is doing. 

James 5:16  NASB
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Prayer is one of the most powerful disciplines of a Christian’s life because it makes us connect and stay connected to our source of strength and of direction.  Be careful that your prayer life is not one sided.

Some relationships are not balanced.  Maybe one person talks all the time and the other person cannot get a word in edgewise.  Prayer has many different facets with the two biggest ones being speaking and listening. 

Connect to God in prayer.  Listen to what He shares.  Watch God work in ways He alone can work.

Once again, join me this Thursday evening for a great time of prayer at the local National Day of Prayer event.  God has much in store for us.  That is why we have to stay connected to Him!
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