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WEDNESDAY NIGHT It was Charles Spurgeon who said that prayer is the barometer of godliness and so the church prayer meeting is a measurement of the corporate level of godliness of its members. What is true prayer? John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, gives an excellent definition. He said in his book, Praying in the Spirit, Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God has promised, or according to His Word, for the good of the church, with submission faith to the will of God. There is a place for both private and corporate intercession. Paul, writing to the Roman Christians, said in Romans 15:30, “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” We must pray at home personally and also together in the church, in interceding for the needs of one another. There is an inexhaustible supply of grace and mercy if only we turn to the Lord in humble petition and supplication. Philippians 4:6–7 says, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The benefit of prayer is peace of mind and heart and the joy of answered prayers according to God’s will and in His own good time. Does prayer make a difference? According to the Apostle Paul, yes. In 2
Corinthians 1:11, he exhorts, “Ye also helping
together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the
means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.” Have you been coming to the Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting? There may be a demand of work, family and other commitments, but is there anything that can surpass the importance of coming before the Throne of Grace as a redeemed community interceding before God for one another and for the good of the church? There will be a short Bible study before prayer and a time of testimony and thanksgiving to edify and encourage one another. There is great mutual admonition in listening to the testimonies of God’s grace in the lives of others and to pray together as a body of Christ. We urge and encourage members to set aside a night in the week to be refreshed and recharged in the mid-week Church Prayer Meeting. —Jack Sin |