PRAYER

Sometimes, especially as a Leader, you've got to share what God puts on your heart sooner rather later, as the passing of even a little time can often throw up other things of importance that detract from what God had said. Some examples of this in my own experience have been as follows:

 

1. The 40 Day Cross Walk in 2002, when I knew that I knew this was God. I also knew that when I communicated this to people, especially to the church, I was fully committed.

 

2. The purchase of the James E Ball warehouse in 2006 and our subsequent move there in 2009.

 

3. The 7 Week Cross Vigil in 2009, when I knew this was not the pizza, but this was God.

 

4. Recently the Lord spoke so clearly to me about "reclaiming the wall". This is to do with the fact that our "New Life Mural" was painted over without any consultation with us. However, in presenting this challenge to reclaim the wall by repainting the New Life Mural, I also felt the challenge to do this prayerfully and with wisdom. Recently we communicated with those who feel they have some kind of ownership of the wall and we explained what we want to do, and lo and behold, they have given their permission and their blessing!

 

5. CALL THE CHURCH TO PRAYER! This came to me just this morning as I was sitting in the Shankill Methodist church for the United Prayer Service. I had been there for some 2 hours during which time I know I heard God speak to me and say, "Call the church to prayer". I felt the Lord challenge me to introduce a special weekend of prayer next weekend as follows: Friday night 10 pm to midnight, and then Saturday morning 10 am - 12 noon. I then felt I heard the Lord say, "Use this to create an ongoing momentum of prayer". This might sound fanciful, but the only way we can create a momentum of prayer is that we keep prayer going as an integral part of what we do in New Life. We will therefore encourage people to get along to the Prayer Activities within New Life as follows: Monday morning 11 am to 12 noon, see Billy Potts for details; the Thursday night prayer meeting and Bible Study (brief Bible Study!) from 7.45 - 9 pm.

 

However, besides these, and as part of the Prayer Momentum, I want to introduce again the late night Prayer Event on the last Friday of each month from 10 pm to 12 midnight, beginning next weekend. At this monthly Prayer Event we will have background worship music, Bible readings and of course prayer. It will take place in the main hall. The main purpose for this event is to pour out our hearts to God for the church and for the community.

 

So to be clear, let me highlight this again:

 

Next weekend, Friday 26 June from 10 pm to 12 midnight Prayer Event

                             Saturday 27 June from 10 am - 12 noon Prayer Event

 

Following this it will be the last Friday of each month from 10 pm - 12 midnight.

 

I look forward to seeing you there.

 

Jack