Building Community of Love & Trust in Prayer

January 7 – 17 believers around the world are investing 10 days in prayer.  In the North American division, of which we are a part, thousands of churches are meeting to pray.  The West church plant had been coming together at different homes.  We are using the same curriculum to pray weekly for 3 months for the unity of the church, and in my blogs I would share a few suggestions for you to participate in this intercessory prayer.

Read the final discourse of Jesus to his disciples before the cross – John 15 – it is a passionate appeal to abide, to dwell in Christ, followed by Christ’s instructions on how – by the Holy Spirit!   Ask yourself this question: “are my actions, attitude, disposition are result of the Holy Spirit dwelling in me?”  Praise God if your fruits are not your own, but of Christ who dwells in you, and the Holy Spirit producing!  And pray that Christ would continually abide, and teach you how to surrender yourself to Him (John 15:4)

As we prayed together in church past Wednesday, we read the promise of Joel 2:28-29 about Holy Spirit being poured out on all generations.  Imagine our community experience what early believers encountered on the Day of Pentecost – teens receiving the Holy Spirit, having visions from God, elderly having dreams and edifying, encouraging others – all united by the Same Spirit – the Holy Spirit!  Not our agenda, not our interests, no self exalted – but all in sync with Christ by the Holy Spirit!  Pray that our families, our youth, our leaders, our senior citizens will be under the Influence of the Holy Spirit, being transformed and renewed (Romans 12:2).  Imagine how cohesive our work would be when we are all in unity!

These 10 days of prayer take on special significance this year because of the upcoming General Conference session.  In July about 2005 delegates and their families from all countries of the world will come to San Antonio, Texas with one expectation – for the Holy Spirit to move through them in guiding the church and setting directions for the next 5 years.  Pray that all involved representing the world wide church will be surrendered to Christ, that not individual interests and agenda but God’s will would be put forth (Galatians 2:20).  Under the Holy Spirit rule there are no divisions (1^st Corinthians 1:10).  God’s wisdom is available for those who ask in prayer (James 1:5)

We are to trust that God leads the church by His Holy Spirit.  The love of God casts out fear and need of control, permitting one to trust that God is in control, and is influencing minds and hearts of all his servants.

As you pray this week claim John 14:23 that God would make His home with you.