Yesterday I was able to pray with several people – a young couple leaving their baby in the nursery the first time, a man with cancer, a woman who recently connected with her birth mother and step-siblings.  I don’t pray with everyone I meet and have a conversation, but it is a normal part of my life.  I don’t remember who it was, but some preacher years ago mentioned the practice of sometimes praying on the spot with people who tell you about concerns and needs in their lives.  I gradually started doing what he suggested and have found it to be meaningful for me and those with whom I pray.

Preaching this sermon series on prayer and fasting, as well as reading a few books in preparation, has made me even more cognizant of the power of praying with people.  Hearing from many of you during the first two weeks of our Five Week Challenge has also shown me that God really does move in the lives of His people when we pray and fast.

So let’s keep going – let’s renew our commitment to the Five Week Challenge.  As we begin week three, let’s do the following so we can grow and become more Christ-like:

Pray

• For two different FBC members each day – people who are not normally on your prayer list.
• Pray for two different items each day listed in the church’s Sunday bulletin or monthly newsletter “The Messenger.”
• This week add two different people each day who are backslidden and struggling in their walk with Christ.

Fast

• One day each week. You choose the day and type of fast.
• This week we are fasting on behalf of those we know who are backslidden and struggling spiritually. Seek God on their behalf.  Pray for their spiritual revival.  Pray they return to church.

Yesterday’s sermon focused on praying for other believers and their growth in Christ.  We often overlook how much the New Testament says about praying for the spiritual health and maturity of one another. That’s a shame because other than praying for someone’s salvation, this may be the most important prayer we pray.

I’m excited about all God is going to do this week.  I know God is speaking to me.  What is He saying to you?  Share it with us in the comments below.  God’s work in your life is an encouragement to each of us as we read about it.

Pastor Steve Hogg

Tom Cook leads us in praying for Danny and Debra Nicholson.  Danny was recently elected as the new President of Connie Maxwell Children’s Home in Greenwood, SC.  We are going to miss them, but are very happy God has given them this new opportunity.