275 responses

At this morining's services I had mixed feelings. 290 packets of prayer materials sat at the front, waiting for people to sign up for "40 days of prayer and fasting." Of course, for the preacher, it's encouraging to have a practical response built into the service. No one could fail to notice that something specific was supposed to happen after the sermon! Too many sermons can disappear into thin (hot) air....at least here tangible action was expected.

But, as I mentioned at the sermon's beginning, I had mixed feelings because people might easily see these packets as yet another "church program" - another good thing the pastors and leaders had planned for them! How often we are asked to sign up for 40 days of this, or that, or something else! So I pleaded for people to respond in spirit and truth to the promise John 16:.23-24: My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. .... Ask and you will receive , and your joy will be complete" To make commitment only if they had a measure of (1) childlike wonder trusting God as Father; (2) wanting to ask Him specifically together as Giver; (3) desiring to use Jesus' powerful name, and (4) anticipating joy.

Pastor Howard, who had organized these packets told me afterwards that he prayed for 275 people to take them. ( I am not quite sure why 275 exactly - presumably to leave just a few spare packets!) Anyway, at the end, 275 packets had gone with sign-up forms in their place. Of course, this is only the beginning of seizing this prayer promise. 40 days lie ahead. But Praise God for such a beginning! I am humbled as well as committed.

Blogging God's Promises (12)

Over the last few days I have been "immersing" in John 16:23-24 (and its context): My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive , and your joy will be complete"

In light of the church challenge about 40 days of prayer and fasting, this promise needs careful preaching. It is no good dashing off into a prayer program, without God refreshing us. And so, I see this sermon's main impact:

By God's grace.........

• this sermon will SAY: Effective prayer depends on asking the Father in Jesus name with joy
• and this sermon will DO: Encourage us all to pray in renewed ways over 40 days.

I am sure all who will be present at Calvary on Sunday morning want authentic commitments only. Please pray with me that God will speak powerfully through this particular promise. Carpe promissum.