Does Prayer Work?

We live in an increasingly “get ‘er done” world.

We do.  We achieve.  We work.  We plan. We check things off our list.  We set goals.  We accomplish them and set bigger goals.  We run like machines.  Why?  So we can be in control, so we can rule – whatever there is for us to rule – our lives, families, businesses, parties, churches, nations.

And we believe we can do it.  We can get it done.

Questions:  do we achieve more than prayer can achieve?  Do we even believe prayer can accomplish things?  When our prayers aren’t answered (if we  actually pray) do we stop believing in the power of prayer?  The honest truth is, many of us do.  And we fall into the faith that we….can accomplish more….than prayer.

Lent has begun.  We have 40 plus days until Resurrection Sunday.  Why honor Lent?  Because it is historically, traditionally about turning to God in repentance.  It is about turning to God in prayer.  Real prayer.  Prayer we believe in.

Thus, for the next 40plus days, we are engaged in a campaign we call “Utter Dependence:  Prayer & Fasting.”  We are encouraging one another to pray, and to fast.  Why?  Most of all, becausethe words of Christ are clear:  ”and He told them….they ought always pray and not lose heart” – Luke 18: 1.  

God desires us to come to Him in prayer – to open our hearts and empty ourselves where He can fill us with His Strength and His Spirit.  This occurs even when we don’t receive the answers to our prayers – or at least the answers we want.

So, we are encouraging everyone to pray, and fast.  We are challenging people to pray 30 minutes a day.  Not because you have to, but because we hope you will draw closer to God.  We are challenging people to fast a day a week.  Not because you have to, but because you will become more dependent on Christ.  

We also want to hear about how you are praying and fasting, or any testimonies you may have from your prayers.  You can text the time you’ve spent praying, fasting, and testimonies to Bellwether’s number of:  601.896.3200.  

We hope you can be with us for worship each Sunday over Lent as we proclaim God’s Word about prayer and fasting.  This Sunday the message will be:  ”Why Pray” and the Scripture focus is Ephesians 1: 3-6, Matthew 11: 28-30, and Luke 18: 1-8.  

Most of all, in Lent, our prayer – is that you know Jesus in a greater, deeper way, and that He totally overwhelms your life, your family, your church, and your world.  He can, and will, through prayer.