When did it happen? Over time? Lack of understanding? The misgivings of powerful men? But we lost sight of something so dear and critical in our relationship with Jesus. Partnership. We see ourselves as only, merely, servants. We are servants, yes. Bondslaves, absolutely. But out of love and utter devotion. Completely surrendered. “Not my will, but Your’s be done.” But …
Building a Culture of Prayer Part 4
Here’s where building a culture of prayer gets sticky. Controversial. Theological break down. We can all agree on the power, purpose and need of prayer. It is a cornerstone of our faith. Maintaining consistent prayer is difficult. Why? Because it’s a labor. Jesus said in Matthew 11:12, “The kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” …
Building a Culture of Prayer Part 3
These book titles sound familiar, right? “A Purpose Driven Life.” “Your Best Life Now.” “Become A Better You.” “Eat, Pray, Love,” which isn’t much abour prayer as one might think. “The Shack.” We are quick in our culture to run to gimmicks, to jump on the band wagon of, “Quick solution. Easy answer. Short cuts galore.” Remember the “Prayer of …
Building A Culture of Prayer Part 2
I’ve been to my share of dry, boring prayer meetings. You? Not that God is boring or dry, but we are with our weary souls, amused minds, harried hearts. After a long day of working, or dealing with kids, a prayer meeting is the last place we want to be. We’d rather turn on a sitcom, a sports event, catch …
Building A Culture of Prayer Part 1
In the summer of 2002, several youth pastors in our county gathered to begin what we hoped would be a House of Prayer in our central Florida region. For six and a half years, we labored in worship and prayer two hours, one night a week. Fire Dweller, as we called our group, grew in numbers. We shrunk in numbers. …