If I’m being honest, prayer has often felt like a chore. I’d rather read an online article about AI, check the latest news on Star Wars and Star Trek, or even dive into Bible study than spend time in prayer. It’s not that I don’t believe in the power of prayer; it’s just that everything seems to conspire against it. The phone rings, someone knocks on the door, or my thoughts scatter in a million directions. It’s as if the universe conspires to keep me from this sacred act. This very struggle is one that many of us face and is discussed in Alistair Begg’s book “Pray Big.”
But then I read Begg’s book and was reinspired to approach prayer with the same passion as the Apostle Paul. I was reminded of how different Paul’s prayers were from mine. Paul’s prayers were big, bold, and full of faith. They were so impactful that it made me realize that prayer is the frontline of spiritual warfare. The enemy knows how powerful prayer is, and he’ll do anything to keep us from it.
The Struggle with Self-Preoccupation
But why is prayer so hard? I believe it’s because of our self-preoccupation. We’re so caught up in our own worlds that we forget the grandeur and greatness of God. Alistair Begg puts it neatly when he says, ‘Prayer reminds us who we are, and who our Father is. Prayer expresses our dependence and it reinforces our dependence.’ Matthew 6:33 says it like this, ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’ The discrepancy is glaring when we compare our prayers to those in Scripture. It’s easy to get discouraged and think, “I can never pray like that.” But the truth is, we can learn from these Scriptural prayers. They offer a framework that helps us approach God with the awe and reverence He deserves.
‘Prayer reminds us who we are, and who our Father is. Prayer expresses our dependence and it reinforces our dependence.’
Understanding who God is changes everything. As God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ Exodus 3:14. He’s not just a cosmic buddy; He’s the God who met Moses in the burning bush, revealed Himself to Isaiah in the temple, and came down to us in the person of Jesus. This God is both high and holy, and yet, as Hebrews tells us, He is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. Keeping this tension in mind as we approach God is crucial. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for our next sermon series, allowing us to approach it with the right heart and mindset.
From “Proclaim” to “Pray Big”
As we wrap up our sermon series “Proclaim,” focused on evangelism, we’re excited to transition into a new 7-week journey based on Alistair Begg’s transformative book, which will challenge us to pray prayers that are God-exalting, God-trusting, and God-glorifying, just like the Apostle Paul did for the Ephesian church. Ephesians 6:18-20 encourages us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions” and to “be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
The Divine Partnership of Prayer and Evangelism
Prayer and evangelism are two sides of the same coin. While our previous series, “Proclaim,” equipped us to share the Gospel boldly, our new series, “Pray Big,” will prepare our hearts to do so. It’s not just about speaking; it’s about listening—listening to God and carrying His message to the world. Colossians 4:2-4 advises us to “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,” and to pray for opportunities to proclaim the mystery of Christ.
Don’t Miss Our Evangelism Training Course!
We’re offering a transformative 3-hour evangelism training course on Sunday, October 1st, to further equip you in this mission. This isn’t just about fulfilling a duty; it’s about bringing joy to our lives and honoring God. Whether you’re a seasoned believer or new to the faith, this training will equip you to share your faith naturally in a way that fits your personality. So mark your calendars and don’t miss out!
Prayer and Evangelism: A Divine Partnership
As we look forward to our new series and evangelism class, remember that prayer is the frontline of spiritual warfare. Therefore, as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us, we are to ‘Pray without ceasing.‘ It’s where we have divine power to bring down strongholds. The enemy knows this, so he tries to distract us. But let’s not be deterred. Let’s pray big and proclaim the Gospel with the same energy, knowing that we’re participating in God’s grand plan for humanity when we do. We’ll end here with Begg’s words: ‘ Our prayers tell us a great deal about ourselves and our faith. What a man is on his knees before God, that he is, and nothing more.’ If you’re inspired to take your faith to the next level, don’t miss our 3-hour evangelism training course on Sunday, October 1st. This is more than just a class; it’s an opportunity to be part of God’s grand plan. Sign up today, email Assistant@MillCityCC.com, and let’s make a difference together.
➕ Add to your Calendar
📅 Date: October 1, 2023
⏰ Time: 12 Noon
📍 Location: Mill City Christian Church
