Prayer: Not a Sentimental Gesture

As I was reading through our CATC Daily Bible Readings this week, I was reminded of a critical truth in Philippians 1:19. Paul is writing the Church in Philippi from prison. He is confident that God would deliver him and he tells the Church,

for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance… Philippians 1:19

And, God did deliver him. Paul credits the help of the Holy Spirit that was secured by the prayers of the church. Paul told the Church in Corinth in a season of great trial, “you must help us by prayer…” (2 Corinthians 1:11). In other words, prayer is not a sentimental gesture. It is a powerful work that moves the heart and hand of God.

There is nothing we do here at Church at the Cross that is more vital and necessary than corporate prayer. If we would see God move in our lives, our families, our communities, our nation, we must be committed. Committed not simply to the idea of prayer, but to the act of prayer. If we want to see God heal the sick, renew relationships, save the lost, call home the prodigals, set captives free, establish new churches, or rescue the vulnerable pre-born, it will be by his power activated by faith-filled prayer. It is not enough that we affirm the necessity and power of prayer; we must give ourselves to the discipline and duty of prayer.

Let’s pray.

- Pastor JR