A Word from the Pastor

I urge, then, First of all, that the request, prayers, intercession and thangksgiving be made for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:1

The spiritual leader should outpace the rest of the church above all in prayer and yet the most advanced leader is conscious of the possibility of endless development in his prayer life, nor does he ever feel that he has already attained.  Dean C. J. Vaughan once said:  "If I wished to humble anyone, I should question him about his prayers.  I know nothing to compare with this topic for its sorrowful self-confession."

Prayer is the most ancient most universal and most intensive expression of the religious instinct.  It includes the simplest speech of infant lips and the sublime entreaties of older age.  All reach the Majesty on high.  Prayer is indeed the Christian's vital breath and native air.

But, strange paradox, most of us find it hard to pray.  We do not naturally delight in drawing near to God.  We sometimes pay lip services to the delight and power of prayer.  We call it indispensable; we know the Scriptures call for it.  Yet we often fail to pray.

Mastering the art of prayer like anything takes time.  The time we give it will be a true measure of its importance to us.  We always find the time for important things.  The most common excuse for little time spent in prayer is the list of  "to dos."

If prayer was unnecessary, Jesus would not have spent time in prayer.  Prayer was important in His life and part of His life.  Prayer kept His moral vision sharp and clear.  Prayer gave Him courage to endure the perfect but painful will of His Father.  Prayer paved the way for transfiguration.  To Jesus, prayer was not a hasty add-on or a chore, but a joyous necessity.

Our prayer life should model Jesus.  Prayer ought to be the center focus of our everyday life for the struggles we face and the miracles we will embrace.  Let us take encouragement from the lives of Saintly leaders who overcome this natural releuctance and become mighty prayer warriors for Jesus Christ.