Another thing that has struck me again recently is the importance of prayer in the life of the mission.
Greg Frizzell, author of Developing a Powerful Prayer Life, suggests that all believers should be fervently praying for the Lord to cultivate in them the fruit of the Spirit. This morning I was walking through each one and asking for the Lord to develop in me an attitude of love (helping me to seek the highest good for my wife and sons), of joy (not just optimism or happiness, but deep-seated, lasting joy), and peace (restfulness and confidence in Christ regardless of the fact that I did not have a paying job today). As a quick aside, I have 5 copies of another Frizzell book that are free for anyone reading this if you'll respond to me and agree to read them or find another good home. The book is about repentance and is titled, "Iceberg Dead Ahead!"
Reinforcing this emphasis on prayer, today I received an update from a friend who serves as a missionary in Germany. Part of his letter included the comment that European missionaries have been visiting India to see how God is rapidly multiplying the church there. They realized the following:
"Indian believers are experiencing an unprecedented movement of God's Spirit, fostered by their commitment to prayer. Many Indian 'missionaries' spend 40 hours a week prayer-walking and God is answering."
How this puts me to shame! I am sure that I speak for many of us that prayer is rarely our first inclination to accomplish the mission. Instead we feel we need to spend much time on preparation, planning, strategy and execution of these plans. I am not saying we should do either/or as God isn't about to bless our laziness, but I believe to accomplish His mission we must become greater people of prayer. Before I seek to "do" the mission, I must spend significant time in prayer for the Lord to go before me on the mission.
Israel's greatest victories were when the Lord fought on behalf of His people and "went before them" to clear out their enemies. May we ask Him to do that with the forces of darkness that stand in opposition to Him.
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2 comments:
Amen. As Oswald Chambers says: prayer IS the greater work. (Or at least, i think he said that...)
John, I would love a copy of the book, I too have been compelled lately to focus more on prayer. But incorporating the fruits of the spirit in thru prayer is an awesome idea. I need more fruit in my life right now! Well the fruit that comes from the Lord.
I will be over at your house next week to make Bibles with Jessica...
Thanks John, I am always inspired reading what God puts on your heart to share in your blog!
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