Recently I posted about the non-negotiables of an effective ministry. This is an expanded look at one of those non-negotiables.
It is something we all struggle with in our lives. Ask anyone and they will tell you that they need to improve their prayer life. Jesus even acknowledged that with His disciples in Matthew 26:40-41 (also in Mark 14:37-38):
And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (ESV)
But whether you pray continually in little bites during the day, or you spend hours upon your knees, prayer is a non-negotiable in ministry. As we pray, God can guide us in the direction the ministry should be heading, it keeps us connected to the children, leaders and families in our ministry as we lift them up in prayer. Yes, it is a cliche, but there is power in prayer.
As I’ve prayed, I’ve experienced the peace of God which passes all understanding. I’ve received guidance and I’ve seen prayers answered. It helps us keep our focus on God and that what we do we do for Him.
Remember, God desires fellowship with us. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, it broke off that fellowship. When we accept that Jesus died for our sins and restores that fellowship, then why wouldn’t we want to enjoy that fellowship with Him in prayer? It is what He desires, and we ultimately desire as well.
Prayer is a non-negotiable because if we don’t have that fellowship with God, then how can we share that fellowship with the children in our ministry? How will we know Him and be able to follow Him, leading those in our ministry to Him?
Prayer, find the time, whether a few minutes, or hours. It doesn’t have to be eloquent, it just needs to be sincere. Pray for each child, each leader, each family by name for specific needs, not a generic bless them and strengthen them.
If you are not focused on ministry, then find a quiet place and ask God to help you focus. It works, I can speak from experience.
As you pray, you will see God do amazing things in and through your ministry, in your life and the lives of those around you.
