During the month of October, our focus at Good Shepherd is on prayer. Last Sunday (September 29) we began the iPray Bible study which is held at 9:15am each Sunday between now and Thanksgiving. Next Sunday, we will begin a new message series called Build Your House of Prayer. Jesus said, “my house shall be called a house of prayer.” (Matthew 21:13). Our special guest on October 13 and 20 is Pastor Jim Buckman. He will be sharing about the how he uses prayer to equip the Church to serve it’s local communities.
Why is prayer so important for the church? A big reason prayer is important to the church’s ministry is because prayer was an important part of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus talked a lot about prayer, but even more importantly he modeled prayer for his disciples. If prayer was important for Jesus, it needs to be important for us.
Another reason why prayer is so important is because prayer works. Consider this list about the fruit of prayer:
- A praying church is a growing church.
- A praying church is a heathy church.
- A praying church experiences miracles.
- A praying church is connected to Christ.
- A praying church is a serving church.
- A praying church experiences revival.
- A praying church is a humble church.
- A praying church is a church with limited conflict.
- A praying church is a spirit-filled church.
- A praying church is a healing church.
- A praying church is a shelter from the storm.
- A praying church is molded to God’s will.
- A praying church is an expectant church.
- A praying church is a faithful church.
- A praying church is a difference maker.
These are all things we all want for Good Shepherd. What are some other reasons why prayer is so important for the church? Please share in the comments. We would love to hear your thoughts.
Join us Sunday at 8am during our Classic Worship or at 10:30am during our Creative Worship. If you miss any of our upcoming messages, you can alway catch them online at gs4nj.org/podcast.
God’s blessings,
Pastor Phil