During the first night of this year's Church Ministries Conference, I had the opportunity to lead a workshop entitled Prayerful Dependence on God in Ministry.
Here is the description of the workshop.
Prayer is necessary for gospel ministry because it depends on God, and prayer shows our dependence on God. We can develop the best vision statement, plan to work with parents, choose the best curriculum, and develop an excellent plan. But we need to remember that, ultimately, salvation belongs to and comes from our God. Prayer shows this commitment. This workshop will include teaching on tools for and time to pray for you, your church, and other churches.
Why should we pray? Some people ask this because prayer doesn't seem to do anything. Others ask the question because they ask why bother if God is sovereign over all creation. There are many ways to answer this question, but God commands us to a fundamental, direct one. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 is one place that has this command.
Rejoice always
Pray continually
Give thanks in all circumstances
For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
The following quote by Tony Merida addresses why prayer is hard and necessary.
Prayer is complicated because it seems like we aren't doing anything, but it's also tricky because it's a humble act. We must regularly humble ourselves before God's mighty hand and cast our cares on Him.
When we view prayer as just another church ministry program, it becomes a burden or one of many different options.
However, when we understand that prayer for the believer is like breathing for every human, it is absolutely needed for life and not an option.
Our lives need to glorify God. Being dependent upon Him for everything is one of, if not the best, ways to do This. Prayer shows our dependence upon God.
RESOURCES
Church Ministries Conference Pre-Conference Video -
Zealous
- Trinity blog post: tbcgrkidz.blogspot.com/2022/11/praying-with-dependence.html
- Podcast: anchor. FM/truth78/episodes/Praying-with-dependence-on-Gods-sovereign-grace-e188mjo
9Marks
- Journal - Prayer In Church: www.9marks.org/journal/prayer-in-the-church/
- Journal - Corporate Prayer: www.9marks.org/journal/corporate-prayer/
- Article -Difference Between Families and Soccer Teams: www.9marks.org/article/parachurch-know-difference-between-families-soccer-teams
Quote Graphics at challies.com
- "We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there’s nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all." (Oswald Chambers) -LINK
- Prayer crowns God with honor and glory due to His name; God crowns prayer with assurance & comfort. The most praying souls are the most assured. (Thomas Brooks) - LINK
- Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God. (A.W. Pink) - LINK
- "To pray rightly, you must make God your hope, stay, and all. Right prayer sees nothing substantial or worth being concerned about except God." (John Bunyan) - LINK
Verse Graphics - wiki.logos.com/Biblia_Verse_of_the_Day_images
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