Grown in Prayer

[Rob Griepentrog]

"Prayer changes things" is a phrase I hear spoken every once in awhile.  While prayer is a method or tool that God created for us to communicate with him, God is the one who changes things.  He changes us and/or the circumstances we experience when we pray.

So, let me ask you this question.  What needs changing today?

I imagine, almost instantly, your mind is filling with personal concerns or matters in which you'd like to see change.  For some, political thoughts or ideas are sweeping in.  For others still, it may be the circumstances or the needs of others.  It's possible too that you're content with life and the circumstances you experience.

Whatever the need, and whatever the experience, meet it first in prayer. 

Seek God to change the heart (your own, and for others you pray for).  Remember to worship Him as you pray.

Seek God to adjust circumstances (ask Him to show you how to pray for each one). 

Seek God to glorify Himself in the outworking of His will in each circumstance. 

Release control of the outcome to Him- He who does and is immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).  Then, watch how He answers.  Listen and be attentive to Him.  He may instruct you to pray differently than you've been praying.  That's okay.  Follow Him in the way(s) He desires you to pray. 

His outcomes are always greater than whatever we can come up with on our own!  Sometimes His outcome may change us more than the circumstance or matter we're praying for.  That's okay too!  It's good to allow Him to grow you as you pray.

Praying for Revival

Despite people who cast doom-and-gloom reports on the growth or shrinkage of Christianity in our world, the gospel continues to spread- and in many places it's spreading rapidly! 

A local glimpse/snapshot:  Around 700 people received and began following Christ two weeks ago in Central Indiana!   The Lord did this through Christians, some brand new in their faith, sharing individually and in small groups.  This may be a small number, but the good news is that He's continuing to do this today!

But how does revival and awakening begin?  Does it happen by a number of people putting their heads together to organize a massive plan or people-gathering campaign?  Does it form when Christians try harder to live good, Christ-honoring, lives?

Revival begins, and grows, first by prayer.  Are you catching the message here?

Watch this.  Grown with Prayer- China's Revival

This revival has only just begun.  What if we prayed for revival in other countries?  What if we prayed for revival in our country?   What more will God change?  How much more will he change us?