The primary purpose of prayer is not to change God’s mind, but to change us so that we are more aligned with the mind of God. Spiritual formation,is the term that is used to describe the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives as we who are believers seek to conform more and more to the image of Christ.

Second Corinthians 3:18 says, “We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” This work of God’s Spirit is possible because we have been divinely reborn through Christ, and thereby set apart for God. We are drawn by the Holy Spirit to walk in Christ, setting our hearts on “things which are above” (Colossians 3:1). We seek to follow Scripture, being like Christ, even while we are still human.

Jesus said in Luke 19:46, “…My house is a house of prayer…” A prayer ministry reinforces the vision and goal of the whole church being a praying church. It is not enough for us as individuals to pray. The prayer meetings of the church should be the best attended meetings of the church. We are not to gather for an entertaining Bible or book study, or for light-hearted fellowship, but to prayer. It undergirds the work of the church with prayer, so that the church can fulfill its part in the Great Commission. God loves to help a church that recognizes its dependence on Him (see Second Chronicles 16:29).

One thing that concerns me is our having a prayer group for Mike and Joy; a group of intercessors, a group that keeps a hedge of protection around them; a group that so intercedes that they hearts and minds are so filled with His Spirit that they are always speaking God’s wisdom and words to us. How serious are you about prayer for yourself, our church, and our pastor and wife? Really, are you serious enough to do something about it?

Blessings,
Bill Hunter