Every Sabbath, immediately following the worship service at my church, members and guests are invited to remain for just a few moments to join our prayer circle. The circle has grown to fully encompass the entire outer circumference of the sanctuary. Led mainly by the pastor, prayer requests and thanksgivings are audibly presented while someone records the details, then two elders lead out in prayer.
While this is not a novel idea, sometimes we need to be reminded about the power of God’s Word and claiming His promises. One such promise is found in Matthew 18:19, 20 (NKJV): “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
What I especially like about our prayer circle is that the entire church is involved. There is participation from all levels of the church’s leadership team in those few moments of prayer with the members and guests. And, it is also exciting to hear the thanksgiving shared for answered prayers.
With what seems to be a rise in challenges and tragedies occurring in nature, in our homes, places of employment, on the streets of our communities, in our churches, in the nation, and the world, we definitely cannot have too much prayer. The Atlantic Union Conference has an active prayer ministries team that meets weekly. I am extending an invitation to Adventist Christians, and people everywhere, to join the team in prayer. Use whatever prayer stance you wish, whether alone in your prayer closet, in your family circle, at your church or workplace, on a prayer line; wherever it is, join us in prayer. Watch as the mighty power of God is unleashed in your life, and the life of others, simply because you took the time to pray. Watch God show up and show out!
There are several upcoming prayer initiatives we also invite you to participate in during this year (see below). The Adventist Church is gearing up for its 61st General Conference Session, June 25-July 4. Every five years, the church meets in this fashion for its business session (see the editorial on page 3). A total of 19 people have been voted to represent the Atlantic Union Conference among the 2,600 or so delegates at the quinquennial session of this 21-million member organization. We invite you to join the General Conference’s 100 Days of Prayer initiative for that session.
On the weekend of November 6-8, the Atlantic Union Conference Prayer Ministries Department is sponsoring Prayer Summit 2020. The time and place will be soon be announced. Mark the date on your calendar and begin now to pray for that summit.
Please pray continually for all the children, youth, and young adults in the Atlantic Union territory and the initiatives geared to reaching and nurturing them. Keep in your prayers regularly the Youth Ministries department of the Atlantic Union and all the conferences—Bermuda, Greater New York, New York, Northeastern, Northern New England, and Southern New England.
Add to your prayers those who are hurting, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, and who need the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
While members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are busy about their Father’s business, telling the world of the good news of salvation, we must remember to cover them in prayer and pray without ceasing. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV, it says, “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 I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Healing comes when we humble ourselves and admit our sins, pray for forgiveness, seek God continually, and change our behavior. Then our soon-coming King, in His infinite wisdom, splendor, and majesty, will be able to heal “the land.”
Prayer is powerful. Try it and see!
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