Prayer Journal
Saturday, September 2, 2000
"People are to be cared for, sympathized with, and prayed for, because sympathy, pity, compassion and care accompany and precede prayer for people." E.M. Bounds (1)
You'll not find a reference in the Bible that minimizes the need for prayer. Neither does Scripture say anything is more important than prayer in the life of a believer. There are many verses in the Bible that urge us to demonstrate love by showing care and compassion. But I am not aware of any teaching that says a praying person MUST also show care and compassion to others. "What's your point?", you may be asking.
Growing up in church, I've heard seemingly endless appeals from the pulpit urging the "saved" to pray. I've also heard strong compelling arguments, making the case that a person without love and compassion should search their hearts to see if they are truly saved.
In failing to fill time slots for prayer chains and prayer walls, many congregations seem calloused toward the issue of personal prayer time. And alas, almost without exception, the "best" prayer efforts have fallen apart after time. I would not be surprised to hear that the number of "Prayer Wall Rebuilding" campaigns equal those of "Prayer Wall Building".
If that's not alarming enough, in some congregations, certain members will stop attending worship and remaining members will go for months without noticing their absence. And, believe it or not, the church doesn't have to be "large" to demonstrate such apathy and neglect.
I submit that there is a reason Scripture doesn't say, "if you pray you MUST also care". I think it is impossible for a Christian to pray without caring. I wonder if the opposite is also true? Hmmm'
Just Thinkin' WebServant
"We will turn this responsibility over to them (distribution of food) and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." Acts 6:3b,4
(1) The Weapon of Prayer, E.M. Bounds, (c)1996 by Whitaker House, 30 Hunt Valley Circle, New Kennsington, PA 15068
(2) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(3) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
