The Church and its Ministry of Prayer

Confession 1 Cor. 11:28 “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup”. Believers should be encouraged to keep accounts with God in order to keep themselves void of offense or sin and stay in fellowship for the purpose of God's glory. This is done through effective prayer, meaningful worship, biblical understanding and growth, and effective ministry by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Intercession and Petition Eph. 6:18-19 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,”

 

In these verses we see where we are encouraged to pray and be thinking of others because effectual prayer for others, for oneself and family, for the nation and its leaders, and for the ministry of the church is crucial to all that the church is and does.

 

Action Eph. 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

 

Here we see that believers are to be challenged to make every aspect of their life an act of worship to God by which they count and act on the glories of God's grace. Unless this is true, the Sunday worship service becomes nothing more than lip service.