I'm pretty confident that the overall decline of today's church - spiritually and numerically - is due primarily to the de-prioritization of communication. Churches take a 'ho hum' approach to communicating within the church and within the community. That attitude leads to a breakdown in relationships. And, if the church isn't about healthy relationships . . . it's lost its transmission. Fix the communication system and a church will fix its relationships, and that leads to spiritual growth. From spiritual growth often, but not always, comes numerical growth.
But, as miserably as churches approach "horizontal communication" most fail miserably at "vertical communication," too. I visit a lot of church websites. I'm amazed at how few promote Prayer Ministry from the Home Page. Heck, I'm surprised at how few include the word prayer on the Home Page. You would think that, well, it's God's church and communication with God about His church would be a priority worthy of the Home Page. Right? Not so.
This "off the radar" and casual approach to prayer has sent an alarming message to those in the pew. People don't see prayer, often, beyond the table blessing, the bedtime prayer with small children, or the crisis prayer. All of these are good, sure thing, but prayer is necessary all the time and in many ways. Serious prayer warriors get to a place where the day begins with prayer . . . coffee is second; brushing teeth is third. Why wouldn't you want to start your every day with prayer before your feet hit the floor?
But, it goes even deeper. I love to pray for people. I love to lift people up to God. I love to pray for people in times of crisis, but I also love to pray for people just to be encouraged and joyful. But, I've learned that people react to prayer very interestingly.
For example, I've had more and more people share their heart-felt pain with me - financial, relational or physical. Before they can ask for prayer, I will say, "I will pray for you." I'm surprised at the reaction. It's like I've offered them government food stamps or accused them of needing welfare. I've had well-meaning Christians respond, "Well, oh, it's not quite that bad" and look around nervously to see who might be listening to this conversation. Funny. Pride gets in the way of Prayer.
When did that happen? It happened when the church started under-focusing on prayer . . . and over-focusing on the style of music.
Seek God first in all things. Seek believers who will pray with you, for you and over you. Make sure others see prayer as a priority in your life and the life of your church. <^>< 2010
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