Prayer: Our Power Source

We just experienced huge power outages across the midwest and east coast.  Powerful storms knocked out power lines and we lost our electricity for 4 days while others waited even longer.  Extension cords were draped through our house connecting our freezers to the borrowed generator.  Air mattresses were set up in the living room on the first floor so we could sleep without sweating.  Dinner was cooked on the gas grill out back on the patio each night.  It didn’t take long for me to realize how much we depend on electricity.  But I also wondered, do I have the same awareness of my dependence on God as I have on electricity?

Let’s face it.  Here in the US, we thrive on action and organization.  At Emmanuel specifically, we have REACH maps, overseas trips, children and youth events and weekend services that get the machinery humming.  The factors that contribute to that humming include the recruitment of people, funding, and administration.  Every task is carefully described with an appropriate time frame and budget.  But again I wonder, “How carefully is it bathed in prayer?”

It’s obvious right?…prayer work should be carefully included as an essential part of every project.  But I have to confess, many times I forget and end up working only in my own power.

However when we spend the time in prayer, then what we say is true:  that all the power comes from God.
We recognize that it’s not our church or program…it all belongs to God.

When we were without electricity for four days, I was painfully aware of my dependence on electricity.  Recognizing that this is God’s program before it is our program and it’s run through His power not our power is particularly important today.  We are independent people, but God is calling us to be dependent on Him.  To help us connect with this idea, the teams this past Tuesday spent some time outside listening to God.  As I walked across the parking lot, the sun broke through the clouds blinding me.  I suddenly realized that God MADE the electricity I was so dependent on.  He MADE the sun that shines in the sky at the center of our universe.  If he has the power to create both the sun and electricity, isn’t he powerful enough to grow our church and Worship Arts ministry?

Oh God, forgive me for living in my own power.
Help me to come to you in prayer every day and for every project.
This is your church and your Worship Arts ministry.
For your’s is the kingdom and the glory forever,
Amen.