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Paul's Ponderings

The Power of Prayer James 5
13 Anyone who is having troubles should pray. Anyone who is happy should sing praises. 14 Anyone who is sick should call the church`s elders. They should pray for and pour oil on the person? in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer that is said with faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will heal that person. And if the person has sinned, the sins will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a believing person prays, great things happen. 17 Elijah was a human being just like us. He prayed that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years! 18 Then Elijah prayed again, and the rain came down from the sky, and the land produced crops again.
A few weeks ago in service I invited both congregations to enter into a month of prayer and reflection both personally and corporately. I want to make sure that all who relate to both congregations are invited to join in this time as we lead up to Thanksgiving. I did this for a few of reasons.
1. I believe it’s an important practice.
2. Both churches need to look at the present and future situations.
3. It`s important that all of us look at our commitment to the Lord and the communities of faith we belong to as we listen for God`s call and direction in our lives. Taking the time to prayerfully reflect on our faith, lives, and situations is a scriptural practice that many believers neglect. We remember to pray in church and at special occasions, but forget that daily interaction with God keeps our faith fresh and alive. Without this interaction our faith becomes stagnant and it becomes more difficult to know what to say. As we set aside a few minutes to pray for ourselves, our church, and our world I`d like share some things that help me in my prayer time. First, find a place and time where distractions are minimal. This may be sitting in a special chair with the TV off or in a place where the world will leave you alone. I find that I often pray and listen for God`s voice when I`m driving. I turn off the radio, open my spirit to God, and have a nice conversation. (and yes, I do pay attention to the road). Second, it`s OK to think about what you want to say before you get to your prayer time. Making a list also helps you recognize whether you’re moving forward or getting stuck on the same old things. Prayer time needs to be a combination of joys and concerns, but we need to be careful that our prayers don`t become selfish ways to have a personal gripe session with God. Third, be willing to listen to what God is saying to you. If you`re doing all the talking God can`t get a word in edgewise. This may require some patience because God’s answers don’t always come immediately. God may have some work to do with us before we can be in the right place or frame of mind to move ahead. As you listen remember that God often speaks in ways and places that we`re least expecting Him. Finally, remember that we don’t believe in a passive God. Jesus was sent to this world to challenge and encourage us to move beyond the usual. While we may find comfort in the familiar, we`re also called to share the Gospel in ways that move both us and others. Over the next few weeks I`d like to ask that we pray for some specific things.
1. Pray that we can each become better followers of Jesus Christ.
2. Pray that our lives and our churches may be beacons of hope in our communities.
3. Pray for those that you may be in conflict with. Ask for and share forgiveness when needed.
4. Pray for insight and guidance for our own lives, for the future of our churches, and for ways we can work together to spread Christ’s presence.
If you’d like to talk about these things or anything that may be on your heart or mind, give me a call or drop me an email. I look forward to seeing you in church! Blessings,
Rev. Paul

Let`s not forget those of
our church family who are in a nursing
home or homebound.
Clayberg-Harriet Lemon, Doris Helle, Ruth Ault, AnnaRiley, Violet Marshall
Everly House-Macomb- Harold Plate
Graham Extended Care-Marie Long
Heartland-Henry, Illinois-Reva Black
Knox County-Klint Smith
Homebound-Doris Murphy, Louise Smith
Red Oaks Estates-Mildred Wheeler, Ada Edley
Peoria High Rise-Dora Gray