In the last several weeks it seems like tragedy is the only news.  Before one tragedy can be reported on another has occurred and resources to help seem limited or extremely stretched – so we pray.  Yet The Bible says that prayer should come first and that without prayer how do we know God’s will for our lives in this season?   I also hear others say stop praying and do something which makes some of us feel inept especially if we are physically or financially unable to provide help.

Prayer is never worthless and is often our best choice especially to discern the will of God.  Prayer needs to be more common and a greater priority in our own lives as well as the life of our church, neighborhood and country.  I just read a Facebook post by a friend who quoted Pastor Jim Cymbala, a 19th century evangelist, who said:

“You can tell how popular a church is by the attendance on Sunday morning.  You tell how popular the preacher is by attendance on Sunday night.  You can tell how popular Jesus is by attendance at the weekly prayer meeting.”

I found this to be a pretty inditing commentary especially since it was written in the 19th century.

So, where is your prayer life – is it morning, evening or mid week?  Do you have regular conversations with the Lord?  Do you believe that prayer is priority and that it changes things and or you?

Every time Jesus experienced a threat in his ministry and every time he needed to make a big decision he would go to pray, sometimes alone, sometimes with others.  Jesus is not only the Savior of the world but his life was an example for how we are to live our lives.

Let us pray for Las Vegas, Mexico City, Florida, Texas, The Islands including Puerto Rico.  Let’s pray for victims and perpetrators,  single, married, separated, divorced, young, old, middle aged.  I could go on listing, but hopefully you get the message – PRAY for all and seek Jesus as primary in your life, then make room for the Holy Spirit to begin transformation.

CALENDAR

Sunday Worship – 10am @ Wesley, 11am @ Dorsey, 2pm @ Lorien

Tuesday Nights – Life Bread 6:15 Dinner, 7 pm Groups

Saturday Oct. 21 ROCK Planning @ Conference Center 10am

Saturday Oct. 21 – UMW Pit Beef Sale Noon – 2 @ Dorsey

Sunday Oct. 21 – Pumpkin Decorating Festival 1-3pm @ Wesley

Sunday Oct 29 – Trunk or Treat @ Dorsey

Saturday Nov. 4 Annual Church Conference 11am @ First UMC Laurel

Saturday Nov. 4 Mission Central Trip leave from Melville Chapel 7am

Together we can share Jesus and transform the world!

Rick