This coming Sunday I will be offering the prayer to worshipers for the healing of body, mind, and spirit. I know that many "healing" prayers just focus on the physical side. We may be apt in our prayers during worship to include mainly those who are physically ill. It is good that we do remember those who are in such condition.
However, I believe that we also at times need healing for dealing with stressful occurrences in our lives. We might feel overwhelmed with a loss of job or a friendship.
Or it might be we are still dealing with unresolved issues in our relationship with God. We might feel that we have drifted away from God and no longer feel the closeness we once had. We might even feel estranged. We want to return and have a feeling of wholeness with our creator.
It is important to recognize that Jesus came to heal in a holistic way in his ministry. He healed those who were physically ill, those who were possessed by demons, and he sought to make peace between us and God. The apostles whom Jesus had were empowered to go out and they did "signs and wonders," which included healings.
This Sunday will be an opportunity to receive healing for yourself and also to reflect on how you might be an instrument of healing for someone else.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Church Staff also Need Your Prayers
Those who are on staff at churches certainly do need to be included in the members' prayers; and if possible, the prayers of others. Those who are on staff do appreciate the help in difficult times to find the strength for ministry.
I came across this prayer of the apostle Paul who felt this need as he wrote to the Christians in Rome.
"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company." Romans 15:30-32
I hope you would be praying for the staff of your church. We surely need it with the challenges that are before us. Every so many years I receive a postcard from the seminary I graduated from saying that the students there are praying for my class during the week. It's been refreshing to have that knowledge.
When we get into a routine of praying for each other, we recognize the partnership that we share in doing God's work - regardless of our status at church. It also says that none of us is beneath the need and encouragement that prayer can bring. So, will you please keep up those prayers, including praying for those of us on staff!
I came across this prayer of the apostle Paul who felt this need as he wrote to the Christians in Rome.
"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company." Romans 15:30-32
I hope you would be praying for the staff of your church. We surely need it with the challenges that are before us. Every so many years I receive a postcard from the seminary I graduated from saying that the students there are praying for my class during the week. It's been refreshing to have that knowledge.
When we get into a routine of praying for each other, we recognize the partnership that we share in doing God's work - regardless of our status at church. It also says that none of us is beneath the need and encouragement that prayer can bring. So, will you please keep up those prayers, including praying for those of us on staff!
Monday, March 3, 2014
Praying in Lent
The season of Lent is upon us. It is a time for examination and for renewal as we look at our relationship with God. How confident are you in the relationship you have? Are you confident enough about your living that you could call on God to examine you inside and out? This is what David did as we read in one of his psalms.
He wrote: "Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Prove me O LORD, and try me; test my heart and mind." Psalm 26:1-2
Frankly, I don't know if I could be so positive about my life that I could call on God to examine me and thinking that all is okay between me and my Creator.
Maybe, though, the words of David invite us really to analyze our relationship with God and our living. Do you have the confidence to offer up such a prayer to God? Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt so confident?
Even amid recognizing all of our faults before God, we still can come to God and seek renewal. I believe this is what Lent is all about. I hope Lent will be a meaningful time for you and that your prayer life will be enriched.
He wrote: "Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Prove me O LORD, and try me; test my heart and mind." Psalm 26:1-2
Frankly, I don't know if I could be so positive about my life that I could call on God to examine me and thinking that all is okay between me and my Creator.
Maybe, though, the words of David invite us really to analyze our relationship with God and our living. Do you have the confidence to offer up such a prayer to God? Have you ever had a time in your life when you felt so confident?
Even amid recognizing all of our faults before God, we still can come to God and seek renewal. I believe this is what Lent is all about. I hope Lent will be a meaningful time for you and that your prayer life will be enriched.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
