At FBCW we have a special ministry that the Lord called me to initiate about in the 1980's. We asked for volunteers who would agree to become part of a team that would pray when called upon for those in emergency situations. We have seen this ministry grow through the years and have witnessed miracles. We now have a Prayer Team of over 40 faithful people who are notified when one of our fellowship is in need of prayer. We praise the Lord for their faithfulness and commitment to pray.
What a marvelous gift we have been given from the Lord. In His word, He tells us to call upon Him and He will hear and answer our prayers. He also says in James that we have not because we ask not. In Thessalonians, we are told to pray continually or always be in an attitude of prayer. This is God's plan for us to be able to communicate with our Heavenly Father. Just stop and think -as lowly humans- we have the blessed privilege to speak to the King and Ruler of this universe, just by calling out to Him, saying, "Father" and He hears us and will answer according to His will and purpose. God longs for us to fellowship with Him through prayer.
We were reminded of how much God wants to work through us by means of prayer in 2017. 11 Chronicles 7 :14 tells us how much He wants to use us when He said, “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." Through the ministry of Franklin Graham thousands of people gather in each of the 50 state capitols to pray for America and the coming election. We saw God work through those prayers and we have a President who is seeking to bring America back to the godly principles that we were founded upon. This Christmas we were encouraged to once again say "Merry Christmas” and nativity scenes were once again on display in the White House. Congressman are gathering every Monday morning for Bible study. God is giving American one more chance to turn back to Him. Praise the Lord.
Taking time to call upon the Lord is spoken about in Psalm 46, He says, "Be still and know that I am God." That calls us all to make time in this fast-paced world, to get quiet before the Lord and communicate with Him in prayer. When we learn to do this, we find that His peace will abide with us. It pleases the Lord when we call upon Him in prayer and trust Him to guide us day by day.
My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
Keep praying and trusting,
Karen Gibbs