We Need Prayer Day - don't you think so?

by David Shannon

"Have you prayed about it?" This is a frequent comment in lives of Christians. Christians know that we can't live without God's blessings! Meditate on that simple truth and think about the Mt. Juliet Church of Christ. How foolish would it be to not depend on God? What do we have the opportunity to do over the next year, if the Lord wills time? Whatever it is—we can't do it to its full potential alone.

1. Prayer reveals our humility; we know we can't do it alone ( James 4:1-10).


2. Prayer makes it possible for us to be involved in a powerful way in so many ministries and in so many lives. We can pray even when we may not have the ability or opportunity to help in other ways.


3. Prayer should be the first thing we do. Before we plan next year's calendar, budget, ministry plans, outreach possibilities, class curriculum, sermon series or theme - let's pray about it. Come Saturday and pray about 2008.


4. Let's be thankful. Asking God's blessing for the future fulfills His command to ask, seek and knock, but gratitude must have its place in the same heart. Let's come together with thanksgiving just as the Psalmist said in 100:4 "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." Come together Saturday to give thanks for 2008.


5. If we don't need God's help - we aren't doing enough! In other words, if what we are doing can be done without God's blessings, do we really need to be doing it in that way? Of course not. Therefore, let's depend on God.

1. Epaphras was miles from the brethren in Colossae, but he was directly involved in their growth through prayer. Are you directly involved in the work here through prayer?


2. He prayed with such fervency that it was called labor. He did it "always." Have you labored in prayer lately? One of my best friends, who has passed from this earth, on some occasions would stay up most of the night praying for the church. This Saturday is a great opportunity for us to labor together.


3. Epaphras' prayer was for their congregation to stand complete in the will of God. Let that be your heart and prayer for MJ.


4. He had great zeal for them. When we care enough about something we take it to God in prayer! Let's have a measure of urgency as we pray for souls, spiritual growth and the church!