Deborah Horne
Vice President of Development
There could not be a better marriage of two words than Prayer and Stewardship. By the very act of praying, be it adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving we recognize one God as the supreme owner of everything. Then, through the grace of God and the miracle of walking in a personal relationship with the Creator, God in turn asks us to be stewards, to take very good care of every resource entrusted to us.
As we follow the journey of Christ through the Gospels, it is clear people mattered more than riches. Possessions had their proper place and spiritual gifts were recognized and used. Jesus taught stewardship.
Is there an area in my heart, my home, where I store up riches because I fear the unknown? What about an area where I store up words because I am afraid to speak? 1 Corinthians 4:1 states we are not only servants of Christ, but stewards of the mysteries of God. This is the Christian life.
Oh, to find ourselves prostrate before God—in prayer seeking His instructions on living a life that is empty of all self-focus and to be a woman of stewardship—someone to whom people matter and whose resources grow in value because she shares them with others.
Prayer and Stewardship. How should you pray? Please join the conversation by sharing in the comment section below.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Transformational Prayers
By Toni Sandberg
Divisional Field Director
Southern Division
We, the body of Christ, are to pray and live so that our lives direct those around us to Jesus Himself. As we pray, our lives are being transformed from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. This becomes a radical change because it affects everything we say and do.
As I looked specifically in Ephesians 1:15-23, I'm astounded at the depth and beauty of Paul’s prayers for the church of Ephesus and then for all others who read his prayers later. In verses 17-18, Paul is expressing his heart for Asia Minor, that God would reveal Himself to them more clearly, that their hearts would be opened to glorious visions, and that they would understand the inheritance they've been given and the sheer power of the God and Gospel they have come to believe. This is a perfect example of praying a radical, transformational prayer.
As important as it is to pray these kinds of prayers for others, it is imperative that we pray this way for ourselves as well.
And, as we apply Paul’s prayer and incorporate it as our own, I challenge us to think of ten Christian family members/friends to pray this prayer for daily. Ask God for His power and Spirit to explode and pour out for the purpose of living a transformational life, growing our witness and influence for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let's expect great and mighty things as we seek to turn from self-centeredness and live radically God-centered lives. The results will be as written in verse 23, "the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way."
"The greatest thing anyone can do for God and for man is to pray." - S.D. Gordon
Divisional Field Director
Southern Division
We, the body of Christ, are to pray and live so that our lives direct those around us to Jesus Himself. As we pray, our lives are being transformed from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. This becomes a radical change because it affects everything we say and do.
As I looked specifically in Ephesians 1:15-23, I'm astounded at the depth and beauty of Paul’s prayers for the church of Ephesus and then for all others who read his prayers later. In verses 17-18, Paul is expressing his heart for Asia Minor, that God would reveal Himself to them more clearly, that their hearts would be opened to glorious visions, and that they would understand the inheritance they've been given and the sheer power of the God and Gospel they have come to believe. This is a perfect example of praying a radical, transformational prayer.
As important as it is to pray these kinds of prayers for others, it is imperative that we pray this way for ourselves as well.
And, as we apply Paul’s prayer and incorporate it as our own, I challenge us to think of ten Christian family members/friends to pray this prayer for daily. Ask God for His power and Spirit to explode and pour out for the purpose of living a transformational life, growing our witness and influence for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let's expect great and mighty things as we seek to turn from self-centeredness and live radically God-centered lives. The results will be as written in verse 23, "the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way."
"The greatest thing anyone can do for God and for man is to pray." - S.D. Gordon
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