As Christians we are obviously to be people of prayer. Prayer was the lifeline of Jesus’ life. He could not exist without connecting with His Heavenly Father. As followers of Christ we walk in Jesus’ footsteps, therefore, prayer is as important as the air that we breath. We cannot exist without it! The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Never stop praying.” (NLT) Not only is prayer a lifestyle for us but there are also seasons or times when the church is to join in prayer and even fasting for special needs. Several times thoughout the year we at Community UMC call for prayer and fasting. This is such a time.
One reason that we need to be praying is that as United Methodists we are in the heart of our General Conference (April 23-May 2). The General Conference is held every four years at a different location in the United States and is attended by our Council of Bishops and 900 delegates from our Conferences, 1/2 clergy and 1/2 laity. This is a time of worship for United Methodists from all over the world as well as a legislative body where many reports are heard and important decisions are made concerning finances, church practice, theology, positions on a wide variety of social issues, and much more. We at home may not all be able to attend and may feel like we have no control over decisions made but we can pray! An example of a church that understands the importance of praying for our General Conference can be found in an article called, “Members from Florida church take prayer ministry to General Conference.” It is one thing to criticize General Conference from a distance but an entirely different thing to bring our church to God who sent His one and only Son to die for the creation of the church. I encourage you to read the article and allow it to inspire you to bring our Church to God who loves it far more than even we do.
Another reason that this is a special time for prayer is that this Thursday, May 1st, is our nation’s Annual National Day of Prayer. There are many resources found on the website to help you take full advantage of this powerful day of prayer whether you chose to pray alone or with others.
Let us join together as the church and put feet to our faith by joining together in unity seeking God’s face and God’s will in our lives and that of this world!
