In one of the greatest passages on prayer in the entire Bible, I read of a prayer request that I believe all of us at FBCQ need to be praying this week. In James 5:13-18, we are encouraged to pray for those suffering hard times. We are to pray for the sick. We are to pray songs of praise when we are happy. And in verse 17, we read of a prayer Elijah prayed in 1 Kings 17, that is very appropriate for us this week.
James 5:17-18--Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
I'm not asking God for three and a half years, I'm asking God for three and a half hours this Sunday afternoon!!! The same God who held the rain back in I Kings is the same God who can hold the rain back on August 24.
John 16:23--I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name.
I'm asking each person to pray "earnestly" and in the name of Jesus Christ that nothing would keep God from getting glory this Sunday, not even a tropical storm. I'm asking each person to pray "earnestly" and in the name of Jesus Christ that every single one of us would lay aside our comfort and agenda so that we may love people and welcome people with open arms. May we be deliberately passionate about putting others ahead of ourselves. God delights when His people take the name of His Son to the community. This Sunday is so much more than a party or a picnic. This Sunday is more than just another event on the calendar. This Sunday is a chance for God to receive glory when the people of FBCQ love God by loving people.
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