|
||
From the Pastor’s Study
“The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord accepts my prayer.” – Psalm 6:9
“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” – Psalm 25:1
“Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.” – Psalm 54:2
Lately, in my personal devotional times, I have found myself being drawn to the Psalms. It is not the first time – and I doubt that it will be the last. And considering how much the topic of prayer has been on my mind and on my heart, it really is not a big surprise, either. The Psalms are not just songs; they are prayers to the Almighty. Some are prayers of pure praise. Some are prayers that beg for deliverance. Others are prayers for guidance, support, and comfort. There are prayers that express anger and frustration. There are prayers that express gratitude and joy.
These 150 prayers give voice to practically the full range of human emotion! It is truly a fascinating part of our Bible! But, of course, Psalms is not the only place in our scriptures that we can find mention of prayer. Indeed, there are hundreds of references to prayer throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Abraham, Sarah, Hannah, Job, Jonah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah; Mary, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, Paul, and Lydia… There are plenty of examples of the power of prayer in action (sometimes in unexpected ways)!
So, why all this talk about prayer? Well… I have really felt God laying the practice of prayer on my heart. I do not doubt for a second that our church has a heart for prayer – frankly, it is obvious (at least to me) that First Presbyterian has clear gifts for prayer. Many of you have shared with me (and one another, I hope) amazing testimonies of God’s answering the prayers of this church family (sometimes in unexpected ways, as God so often does). When we come into God’s presence in prayer, earnestly seeking God’s will and genuinely having faith that God isn’t going to ignore us, truly awesome things are possible! Our church family is made up of amazing, wonderfully-talented people who can all be supported and uplifted in prayer – and not just when we’re sick or going through a rough spot. There are fantastic, creative ministries that are led by this church that can all be strengthened and guided through prayer – and not just when we feel like we’re struggling with something. There are good, kind people that are not yet part of our church family (and maybe never will be) who can all be helped and comforted by the prayers of this church family – and not just when we know their name or face.
How might God be calling us to strengthen our already strong prayer ministries – as individuals, and as a church family? Perhaps God is calling you to join our prayer chain (if you haven’t already). Maybe we are being called to start some prayer groups that could meet weekly and pray together for the church and community. What ideas do you have?
I pray that you will join me in seeking ways to further strengthen our prayer ministries at First Presbyterian. Lord, hear our prayers!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Amy
|
||
|
