Prayer is a powerful gift and privilege given to 'all'! Yet, it seems it is rarely used or sadly, never used. Statistics from 'Outreach Canada' concluded that 62% of Canadians call themselves Christians but only 45% pray daily. Other studies have revealed that over 80% of those who pray only do so for 2 to 5 minutes a day or less. This number includes pastors and those in forms of religious leadership.
Perhaps we aren’t convinced of the powerful results prayer brings. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (NIV) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
The Bible says God is waiting for His people to get on our faces and pray with persistence, passion, and a pure heart! Then, He will come bringing forgiveness and healing.
Breakdown of Statistics: Outreach Canada has also done a breakdown of statistics for evangelical type churches across Canada. Out of 9,150 evangelical type churches:
900 are in excellent shape, fulfilling the Matthew 28:19 “disciplemaking” mandate. 1,300 congregations have serious health concerns and are in a state of decline. 450 (5%) churches are battling the forces of disintegration. 6,000 (65%) fellowships are plateaued with an inward focus that is characterized by a maintenance and a loss of mission.
In other words, the church today is in serious need of healing and restoration. If the churches aren’t operating out of health and wholeness, there is little hope to reach out to the rest of our nation bringing the good news of Jesus Christ.
We must be convinced and willing to stop only ‘talking’ about the need for prayer but be a people who will pray for our families, churches, and country relentlessly!
Relentless means: unyieldingly, unrelenting: persistence, never ceasing, unstoppable determination. Also, adamant, unyielding!
Sheri Deobald
2 comments:
Shari;
Just the other day I received a book in the mail that spoke to this very thing. I am part way through the book and blogging about it as I go.
Nothing could be more urgent than for us - God's Chosen People - to fall on their knees before God to pierce the darkness and entertain the presence of the Almighty God.
In the history of God's people many a battle was won when the people put their eyes on God, invited Him to go before them - shouting in praise as they lifted his Name on their way to the battlefield.
We have a greater promise and the same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us. In prayer we engage this power to act on our behalf, and on behalf of our family, our community, our nation.
We also remember that there is great warfare against prayer! Satan wants to stop us from praying because he knows the power against him when we do this. Fight against the thoughts and lies of not praying or gathering with those who do!
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