Word for the day “The challenge of prayer”
II Thessalonians 2:11 (KJV) Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power.
THE CHALLENGE OF HAVING A PRAYER LIFE.
I have discovered that prayer is hard work. While all serious believers recognize the importance that the Bible places on prayer, most of us fall short when it comes to our prayer life. I must confess that it is a lot easier for me, as a leader, to preach about prayer than to spend that same amount of time needed to be engaged in it. How are you doing with your prayer life?
I’ve been a Ministry leader for twenty-three years now, so I am aware of how much easier it is to draw a crowd for a special sermon, special guest speaker, or program than it is for a prayer meeting.
THE REALITIES OF HAVING A PRAYER LIFE.
Even when there is a determination to pray, distractions always seem to show up. The mind goes blank, people interrupt, and I, like you, often fall asleep early in the process. Sure, we feel guilty and commit to doing better, but after a while fall back into the same old prayer struggle, neglect, or routine. Today is just a message to get you back on track with your prayer life or possibly on track for the first time.
POINT TO PONDER
Prayer is the God-given communication link between heaven and earth, time and eternity, the finite and the infinite. Because the enemy of our souls knows how unfamiliar we are with operating consistently in the spiritual realm, the enemy also knows we quickly revert to what our five senses are comfortable with. After all, when we pray, we are talking to our God, whom we can’t see and who is not necessarily audibly talking back to us!
Because prayer, unlike anything else, grants us legitimate authority to invoke heaven into history so that we welcome God into our daily lives and circumstances.
INVITE SOMEONE TO OUR LEADERSHIP ZOOM CALL:
Every Tuesday night at 8:30 sharp, please join me and my leadership team,
Please be alert when dialing in and have your phone put on mute or be in a quiet place not to disturb the leadership call in progress.
Zoom leadership call – ID 875 0580 5835-
Passcode 663845
The phone call in 646-558-8656
ID 875 0580 5835
Passcode 663845
PRAYER STATISTICS:
· ½ of American sports fans believe supernatural forces are at work in sports–either praying for their team or believing they’re cursed.
· 48% of churchgoers pray every day.
· Most common things Christians pray for: God’s guidance, giving thanks, health and safety, God’s forgiveness, general strength, and stronger faith.
· 87% say they believe that God answers their prayers at least some of the time.
· 42% believe the most important purpose of prayer is intimacy with God.
· 1 in 5 unbelievers pray daily.
· 92% of Americans believe in God yet only 83% believe that God answers prayers.
· 34% believe prayer can avert natural disasters.
· The Bible contains 377 references to praise and 375 references to prayer.
· Prayer has a fan page on Facebook and has amassed 1.4 million likes.
· Prayer is a common religious practice in America, with nearly 60% of adults in the U.S. saying they pray at least once a day.
· 73% thank “prayer” for help in finding a job are answered.
· This week more of us will pray than will go to work or have sex.
Special thanks!
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in May 2023, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Mr. Brent Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Shawna Chester, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Cynthia Artis-Waiters, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Mr. William Buchanan Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Jennifer Sanchez, Mr. William Wilson, Ms. Ollie Tipton, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Mr. Calvin Griffith, and, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.
We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the DONATE link to give as the Lord leads.
Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,