It was our own John Wesley who once said, "God does nothing but in answer to prayer." Someone else remarked that, "Satan laughs at our toiling, mocks our wisdom, but trembles when he sees the weakest saint on his knees." I couldn't agree more.
One of the distinguishing marks of a church family ought to be that they are a praying people. Just imagine what could happen if God's people truly committed to praying each day for Christ's Kingdom and the ministries of their local church.
Well, that was the vision of Southside several years ago as our Prayer Ministry was established for the purpose of interceding for the various ministries of our church family. Tim and Barbara Smith faithfully guided this ministry during its first few years and we are indebted to their commitment to Christ, to Southside, and to connecting the two through prayer.
Each month our Southside Prayer Partners receive a calendar that lists a specific prayer focus for each day of that month. And, as a reminder, the calendar also lists the names of the person or persons who have committed to pray on that particular day.
But what if we had five or ten or fifteen people praying for a specific ministry? Or better yet, what if we had many prayer-partners who prayed each and every day of the month? Can you imagine what God might do with a church that regularly called out to Him in prayerful dependence each day?
Intercession (praying on behalf of others) is one of the most important ministries of the church. Perhaps you aren't able to get out as much as you used to. Maybe you don't feel you can teach a class or work in the front office. Possibly you just don't know how you might be able to serve Christ and your church family.
Well, here's your chance. By committing to faithfully pray for the ministries and ministers of Southside, you can provide one of the most important gifts that can be given to any church family.
The Apostle Paul wrote, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)
If you would like to commit to regularly "pray for all the saints" in our church family as a Southside Prayer Partner, please contact Dale Tedder or Sarah Troup (396-2676). We will include you on our list and share more information with you about this vital ministry.
