“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:16-18 ESV). Ever wonder what God’s will for you is? This. Maybe that seems too simple or impractical: isn’t prayer just how you bless food, close meetings, or get children ready for bed? Sadly, some Christians limit their view of prayer to a public speaking role at church or a way to convince God to do something (cf. Matt. 6:5-8). Yet, there is power when God’s people pray (cf. Jam. 5:16).
Jesus believed that so strongly He would rise “very early in the morning, while it was still dark” to pray (Mk. 1:35). After physically and emotionally exhausting days of teaching and healing, He’d “withdraw to desolate places and pray” (Lk. 5:16). Privately before big decisions, with His closest friends before major moments, and in the presence of hurting people needing to experience God’s love and power – Jesus prayed (cf. Lk. 6:12-13; Lk. 9:28-29; Jn. 11:41-42). He personally found in prayer the strength to do God’s will – and even to forgive His killers while they killed Him (cf. Matt. 26:36-46, Lk. 23:34). With His dying breath, Jesus prayed (cf. Lk. 23:46).
After His resurrection and ascension, His first followers understood the assignment: right away, men and women “with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14). Prayer was an essential element of their new lives (cf. Acts 2:42, 3:1). They prayed in response to challenging events and gained boldness (cf. Acts 4:23-31). Prayer was the event, gathering for that sole, earnest purpose (cf. Acts 12:5, 12). Through their fasting and praying together, the Spirit’s direction was discerned, leaders committed, disciples strengthened, and doors opened to God’s Word (cf. Acts 13:1-3, 14:21-28).
At the Georgetown Church of Christ, we have sought to grow in this since 2018. We’ve had Bible studies, training sessions, and prayer breakfasts devoted to not just talking about prayer but praying like Jesus together. Participating in community events like the National Day of Prayer or hosting our own prayer vigils, we’ve sought to grow into a people devoted to prayer. Instead of saying, “I’ll pray for you” (and forgetting to), we are becoming people who pray on the spot, in the hearing of the person in need. We’ve paired off to affirm each other in uplifting prayer and gathered in small groups praying and fasting over painful challenges as well as exciting opportunities to advance Christ’s kingdom. Through it, family relationships have been strengthened, bonds between Christian brothers and sisters forged, servants set apart for important work, and doors for doing God’s will opened.
But we’re not done yet. We still have room to grow. We need still more brothers and sisters regularly engaging in this kind of heartfelt, relational, Christ-like prayer. We need God’s will to be done still more on earth as it is in heaven.
