We have, as a church family, just completed a Week of Prayer, starting last Sunday. To summarize the desired outcomes that were stated in last Sunday’s Bulletin, it was hoped that as a worshipping community, we would develop a deeper relationship with God, connect with God and with each other, intercede for the world and grow spiritually.

Prayer is an essential item in the Christian toolbox. As we follow the example of Jesus our Lord, we see that although he was the Son of God, He took time out from His ministry of healing, teaching and feeding to pray in solitude or with his disciples. His disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, a request which we can make, even now, and it will be answered. Simply ask, “Lord teach me how to pray, and in particular, take away my fear of praying in public.” Why is this important? A Christian should be able to pray at any time and in any place for or with other persons in need of prayer, to be the intercessor for their families, and to pray for the church, the country and the world. It is also a testimony of our faith. We do not approach the throne of grace, unless we believe that there is a God who hears and is able to answer prayer. In so doing, we are making a statement of who we are and whose we are.

The Week of Prayer was a new effort for this congregation and I hope it will not be the last. Someone even asked me when the next one will be while signing up for the current effort. As members were approached, some persons were reluctant at first because they did not understand what it entailed and, in particular, they thought that it involved public prayer, i.e. in the presence of other people. When this was clarified, there was greater enthusiasm. This says something about us and our heavy dependence on the “red book” – the Book of Common Prayer.

There is an advantage in having prayer partners and I am grateful to the OSL movement for encouraging members to pray together and to lift up and encourage each other in prayer.   In Matthew 18:20, our Lord Jesus tells us that where two or three are gathered together in His name, He will be with them.  I believe when we pray with each other, we have to be focused.  [Be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 1 Pet 4:7].  The Holy Spirit guides our prayers and brings to remembrance those persons and issues which we should bring to our God.

My prayer has been that St. Luke’s Church would become a centre of prayer, praise and healing.  We thank God for all those who participated in the Week of Prayer and pray that they have been blessed.