By Kathy Wilcox
God says in Isaiah 56:7: "My House will be called a House of Prayer." God’s House is both the physical church as well as His spiritual dwelling place within the heart of each believer. Therefore, prayer should define who we are as a church and as individuals within that body of believers. Jesus said, "I am the Vine, you are the branches." We stay connected to our Vine (Jesus) through prayer, by talking to Him and developing a personal relationship with Him. So prayer is our spiritual lifeblood. We cannot exist without it!
The goal of the Arborlawn Prayer Ministry is for prayer to saturate ALL we do and for prayer to permeate every aspect of individual and corporate church life. The purpose of this ministry is not to be the "prayer burden-bearers" for the entire church (although we do have a team of Intercessors praying others’ concerns). The purpose of the Prayer Ministry is to equip and encourage the entire congregation to pray and to provide the structure necessary for every believer to participate. Every small group and ministry within the church needs to be actively and corporately seeking God and His will. Prayer needs to be the hub - or center - of all we do as a church, both individually and corporately. Everyone has a place and can do his or her "prayer share"!
As Arborlawn changes its focus to become a missional church, we will need prayer teams supporting those going out into the community. Unless we are praying, staying connected to Jesus our Vine, seeking God’s wisdom and blessings, then our efforts will be described as "wood, hay, and stubble" (1 Corinthians 3) - meaning it will have no lasting or eternal value. Clearly, to make the difference, we seek to make disciples for Jesus Christ; and we must have people who are praying behind the scenes. May God’s house, at Arborlawn, be known for and characterized by prayer that delights God’s heart and moves His hand.
Will you prayerfully consider where God is calling you to participate in the Prayer Ministry? Contact the Prayer Ministry for more information or to volunteer.
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