by Gayle Gernand
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer is an important part of a Christian's life. It is the vital connection that connects us to our Lord and Savior. It is the life raft that helps us to stay afloat in difficult times. It is the prayer link that connects us to one another, and blesses both the giver and the receiver. It is the communication line that reaches directly to heaven where our praise and thankfulness can be heard. Prayer is like the pulse and pump that keeps blood flowing through our bodies and connects our soul directly to God. Prayer is our lifeline.
Prayer is a crucial part of our church family. We pray several times during the worship services. We often get prayer requests emailed at YMC to pray for our brothers and sisters in need. Some members have prayer partners they remember each day. We have a prayer team that prays specifically for the church, the pastor and his family, the staff, the leadership and teams, etc. There is even a prayer calendar with every attendee's name on it, so that everyone is lifted in prayer monthly. The prayer team does not know everyone's needs, but God does.
A few weeks ago Pastor Matthew was talking about the communion of saints and the call for accountability in each other. He shared two questions that really made me think: "What did you do good this week?" and "What ways did you let Jesus down?" Our prayer response could be the answer to either of those questions.
Max Lucado once said, “You are never more like Jesus than when you pray for others. Pray for this hurting world.”
Develop a Stronger Missionary Network in Europe
by Joy Grady von Kleeck, source Advancing Native Missions
Europe is a continent full of unique challenges and opportunities for the Gospel. Across Europe, native Christians are faithfully telling their neighbors about Jesus. Many have heard of Him, but few have been aware that it is possible to have a personal relationship with Him.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
*Even in countries with a long Christian history , such as France, fewer than 2% of people claim a personal relationship with Jesus.
*Europe"s open borders and other factors make it relatively easy for European missionaries to travel from one country to another to share the Gospel.
*Secularism and Islam continue to gain influence across Europe.
WAYS TO PRAY
1. Pray for collaboration among pastors and church leaders across national borders.
2. Pray for small churches, including one in Ireland that have a vision to send missionaries to other parts of Europe.
3. Pray for local churches that are sharing the Gospel in places where Christianity has deep cultural roots but few genuine followers.
