The Low-hanging Fruit
I often think in terms of where I can make the greatest impact with the least amount of work, this is what we call “low-hanging fruit.” In terms of our spiritual lives as a local church this would be prayer, bar none. If I am honest, this almost seems too simple, but often the simplest things are the most important (think brushing your teeth or buckling your seatbelt).
Think about it…
Prayer is:
Direct access to the creator of the universe, and the one who desperately loves you and held nothing back to connect with you.
Grounding. He is God, you are not.
Relationship-building. What is a relationship without communication?
Powerful and effective - “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” - James 5:16.
Commanded of Christians - “Never stop praying” 1 Thess. 5:17.
I heard a preacher say a few years back “Prayer isn’t part of the ministry, it is the ministry.” That statement haunts me, because if it is even only half-true (I believe it to be much more) than we aren’t doing nearly enough of it. It is the primary way we as Branches stay connected to the eternal source of all good things, the Vine.
The practical implications of healthy prayer are unbelievable! My friend Dr. Dest Letta always says “When we don’t pray, we work. When we pray, God works.” Who is more capable and qualified to work on your behalf than God? I have seen this played out so many times in my own life as God has shown up to protect, direct, provide and bring peace to dire situations. He has been faithful in my life and so many others.
Here is the challenge: Make a practice of praying daily! This may look like setting a reminder in your phone, committing to prayer as a portion of your lunch break as a habit, using the moment that anxiety fills your mind as a signal to pray, praying with your spouse (stats say this is a great way to increase marital success).
Whatever it you do, land on some way to pray consistently, and watch it transform your life!
Think about it…
Prayer is:
Direct access to the creator of the universe, and the one who desperately loves you and held nothing back to connect with you.
Grounding. He is God, you are not.
Relationship-building. What is a relationship without communication?
Powerful and effective - “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” - James 5:16.
Commanded of Christians - “Never stop praying” 1 Thess. 5:17.
I heard a preacher say a few years back “Prayer isn’t part of the ministry, it is the ministry.” That statement haunts me, because if it is even only half-true (I believe it to be much more) than we aren’t doing nearly enough of it. It is the primary way we as Branches stay connected to the eternal source of all good things, the Vine.
The practical implications of healthy prayer are unbelievable! My friend Dr. Dest Letta always says “When we don’t pray, we work. When we pray, God works.” Who is more capable and qualified to work on your behalf than God? I have seen this played out so many times in my own life as God has shown up to protect, direct, provide and bring peace to dire situations. He has been faithful in my life and so many others.
Here is the challenge: Make a practice of praying daily! This may look like setting a reminder in your phone, committing to prayer as a portion of your lunch break as a habit, using the moment that anxiety fills your mind as a signal to pray, praying with your spouse (stats say this is a great way to increase marital success).
Whatever it you do, land on some way to pray consistently, and watch it transform your life!