How do we communicate with God? By prayer and the reading of His Word. If the disciples of Christ felt their most urgent request was to learn to pray, it would follow that it should be the greatest need we have. The disciples did not ask Jesus to teach them to preach, to teach, or to sing-their request was, "Teach us to pray." While all the things mentioned are a vital part of our worship and service to him, we communicate with Him through prayer.

     I learned about the power and the privilege of prayer after my mother died when I was only three years old. I began to have night mares and when I would awaken screaming, Daddy would come quickly and hold me, as he talked to God about my fears. When I was sick, he prayed, as I grew up I heard him pray for me. He prayed, he prayed... His relationship with his creator was so special I wanted that communication with God for myself.

     Prayer was an essential practice for the church in the New Testament. It must be of the greatest importance in our lives if we are to continue the work of the Kingdom of God. When we pray fervently we know that Christ's power is at work. How? Because James 5:16 declares, "The effectual fervent prayer... availeth much."

     Prayer is like any other exercise. It is most beneficial if it is consistent. We cannot separate prayer from everyday life.  Satan knows our weaknesses and will do his best to distract our minds and thoughts while praying. So discipline in prayer is very necessary. If we can be separated from our source of strength and understanding then our mission will not be accomplished. We should pray for God to open doors for us, and to give us direction in our calling just as he did for Apostle Paul. 

     Prayer is a partnership with God for His redemptive purpose on earth. Only by intercessory prayer can the power be brought down from heaven which will enable the church to fulfill the call he has given us. Communicate with Him today and every day! Let your children hear you pray-teach them by example the power of prayer! 

 

 

 

Week 1 - Thoughts
In The Name Of Jesus Christ We Pray . . .

 

Week 2 - Words
In The Name Of Jesus Christ We Pray . . .

 

Week 3 - Actions
In The Name Of Jesus Christ We Pray . . .

 

Week 4 - Walk
In The Name Of Jesus Christ We Pray . . .

 

 

 

 

Sarah came to Living Word Church in her late teens after her parents gave their lives to the Lord. Sarah saw the great change in their lives, but had many questions.  Finally, the day came when she decided to give God her whole being.

The name Sarah means "princess" and truly, Sarah was just that. She had a darling personality, and everyone loved her. Sarah had a true love for the Lord that caused her to worship with abandon before her King. She became a Sunday School teacher and helped with the youth.

One day, in her Sunday School class, she decided give her personal testimony. She told of her life before Christ with its parties and fun. She also told them of her struggle to really know God, and the many questions she asked. She ended the lesson by letting them know that she had found the truth and church was where she always wanted to be.

Sarah left that following week to attend her great grandmother's funeral in El Paso, Texas. Her great grandmother loved the Lord and was ready to meet God. During the journey, Sarah was involved in a roll- over accident, and was instantly ushered into the presence of her King. We were stunned.
The days that followed were full of questions, but the one thing that amazes me about our King is His desire for His bride. He had been the one all along who put that desire in Sarah's heart to serve Him and to be ready for her death.

On the day Sarah was born, God knew the day of her death, and He lovingly prepared her heart for that moment. In the end, we can truly say her life was one of victory over the world system and death.  
 
"And therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him"  -Isaiah 30:18

 

Brother and Sister Burns evangelized before serving as Foreign Missionaries to Venezuela, South America, and the Dominican Republic. They served at the World Evangelism Center, UPCI, and then returned to the Foreign Mission Division as International Evangelists. The Burns now pastor the Living Word Church  in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where Brother Burns is the Texico District Superintendent.