Prayer Is Not the Only Thing, But It’s the Best Thing You Can Do
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16b
Raising kids in today’s culture is a challenge. In our parenting class on Sunday morning, we’ve been talking about how to intentionally build character in our children. Personally, as my children grow older, the day is drawing near when they will no longer be living under our roof. Many of you are past this point in life, but for Nicole and myself, it is an ever increasing reality. While they are under our roof, we are trying to impact their lives for Christ as much as we can.
I hear parents say sometimes, “Well, the kids are all out on their own now. All we can do is pray for them.” We treat prayer like it was a last resort. But it is the best thing we can possibly do for our children and grandchildren.
I have come to believe sincerely that the older our children get, the more we need to pray for them. When our children are younger, we are there with our hands on them to guide them and protect them. But the older they get, the less they are under our direct supervision until one day they’re completely gone. The great thing about prayer is that it doesn’t matter where in this world they are. God can tend to them as we ask Him to. I’ve learned to think of our children as “on loan from God.” They are given to us for a little while and then they go on their own. Parents/Grandparents, your influence does not stop when they leave your house. In fact, I believe it changes to a whole different level, especially when it comes to prayer. Our children never really leave when it comes to prayer. You can still be there with them, helping them through the power of prayer. Never forget that the earnest, effectual prayers of a righteous parent avail much (James 5:16).
James 5:16 is our theme verse for the National Day of Prayer (tomorrow, May 4th). This verse speaks of the someone who puts on the breastplate of righteousness (only found in Christ) and fervently intercedes for others (for healing, restoration, etc…). This type of prayer in the righteousness of Christ (positionally and practically) avails much. What does it mean to “avail much?” It means that it is filled with much power/energy. As Christians, we should desire to have powerful prayer lives. We should long for prayer that is filled with energy and effectiveness. This type of prayer begins with the righteousness of Christ. As we walk with Christ, His holiness sets us apart for His service. As we serve, we intercede for others with powerful prayers that are passionate and effective.
You are invited to worship with us through prayer tomorrow morning. I’ve also invited other ministers around our county to participate in our National Day of Prayer gathering tomorrow morning at 7 am, here at FBC Ruidoso. We will have music, scripture, and prayer. We will have breakfast afterwards too. If you cannot join us in person, then you are invited to join us on www.firstruidoso.com/livestream.
Have a Jesus-filled Wednesday!
Pastor Todd
Raising kids in today’s culture is a challenge. In our parenting class on Sunday morning, we’ve been talking about how to intentionally build character in our children. Personally, as my children grow older, the day is drawing near when they will no longer be living under our roof. Many of you are past this point in life, but for Nicole and myself, it is an ever increasing reality. While they are under our roof, we are trying to impact their lives for Christ as much as we can.
I hear parents say sometimes, “Well, the kids are all out on their own now. All we can do is pray for them.” We treat prayer like it was a last resort. But it is the best thing we can possibly do for our children and grandchildren.
I have come to believe sincerely that the older our children get, the more we need to pray for them. When our children are younger, we are there with our hands on them to guide them and protect them. But the older they get, the less they are under our direct supervision until one day they’re completely gone. The great thing about prayer is that it doesn’t matter where in this world they are. God can tend to them as we ask Him to. I’ve learned to think of our children as “on loan from God.” They are given to us for a little while and then they go on their own. Parents/Grandparents, your influence does not stop when they leave your house. In fact, I believe it changes to a whole different level, especially when it comes to prayer. Our children never really leave when it comes to prayer. You can still be there with them, helping them through the power of prayer. Never forget that the earnest, effectual prayers of a righteous parent avail much (James 5:16).
James 5:16 is our theme verse for the National Day of Prayer (tomorrow, May 4th). This verse speaks of the someone who puts on the breastplate of righteousness (only found in Christ) and fervently intercedes for others (for healing, restoration, etc…). This type of prayer in the righteousness of Christ (positionally and practically) avails much. What does it mean to “avail much?” It means that it is filled with much power/energy. As Christians, we should desire to have powerful prayer lives. We should long for prayer that is filled with energy and effectiveness. This type of prayer begins with the righteousness of Christ. As we walk with Christ, His holiness sets us apart for His service. As we serve, we intercede for others with powerful prayers that are passionate and effective.
You are invited to worship with us through prayer tomorrow morning. I’ve also invited other ministers around our county to participate in our National Day of Prayer gathering tomorrow morning at 7 am, here at FBC Ruidoso. We will have music, scripture, and prayer. We will have breakfast afterwards too. If you cannot join us in person, then you are invited to join us on www.firstruidoso.com/livestream.
Have a Jesus-filled Wednesday!
Pastor Todd
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