Power over Method
Hudson Taylor, the famous Christian missionary to China and founder of the China Inland Mission, once said,
“Since the days of Pentecost, has the whole church ever put aside every other work and waited upon Him for ten days, that the Spirit’s power might be manifested? We give too much attention to method and machinery and resources, and too little to the source of power.”
As a pastor, I receive countless pieces of mail each week promising strategic, sure-fire ways to grow church attendance and make a big impact in the community. There is no shortage of creative ministry methodologies or heavily promoted resources. However, I agree with Hudson Taylor that, in general, we spend too little time waiting on the Holy Spirit to manifest His power. After all, when the Holy Spirit moves, creativity is unleashed and church promotion has a way of taking care of itself–in the form of changed lives. People who are transformed by God’s grace share freely about Christ.
During the past few weeks I have been struck by the consistent theme being heard through many different individuals and ministry groups in the Crossroads community–there is a deep desire to spend extended time praying and waiting on God, knowing that apart from Him, we can do nothing (see John 15:5).
Here are some ways you can be actively involved in prayer in the coming days:
1) Sign up this Sunday to participate in the Crossroads week of prayer (Jan.4-8). We are looking for people to take 30-minute prayer slots so we can offer 24 hour prayer during the early days of 2010.
2) Come to the pre-service prayer gathering on Sunday mornings from 9-9:30 a.m.in my office. This group prays for needs in the church as well as for the Sunday worship service.
3) Pray for the people located in the prayer requests section of this weekly email update.
4) Pick up a Life Journal this Sunday and begin keeping a prayer journal during your daily devotional time.
Let us never forget: The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)