I learned many years ago that prayer does not work; it is God who works. The idea then is that we pray (the vehicle) to God (the One who works). Prayer has played a central role in both the Old and New Testament, the early church, and has been the catalyst for every revival. It is not just something we are commanded to do, but it is a vital part of the church and our walk with the Lord. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world." Our fight is not one with flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). It is a spiritual battle, and our greatest weapon is the same it has always been, prayer. Prayer is a powerful weapon that can accomplish the incredible. Remember what James tells us about Elijah? "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crop" (James 5:16-18). Incredible!
Obviously prayer is powerful and important. So, we are having a men's prayer breakfast this Saturday, June 17, at 7am in the Fellowship Hall. Paul Murphy is organizing our time together. We will spend time together eating breakfast, listening to a brief devotional, and then devoting the majority of our time to prayer. Men, let us do what Paul commands young Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:8, "I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing."
In Christ,
Mark Smith, Pastor FBC Jacksonville, AR
