A Call To Prayer by Sheldon Livesay

The Church of America seems to be in a competition to grow their churches by developing the best music programs, hiring the most poetic pastors, and building the most inviting facilities, but many are trying to do it without God.  The product of the modern age is greater attendance without the conviction of God’s Spirit, people coming to Christ and transformed lives and communities.  If churches are not transforming lives, how can we transform communities and be part of an end time harvest many believe God is bringing?  Can we ask:  Is there an element missing today?

Generations ago, churches believed the key to success in God’s eyes was “Prayer.”  Prayer wasn’t just a by-word, it was the foundation of the Church during an age when churches were able to produce what often seems to be missing in America today. 

Our fathers’ generation understood, God does nothing in a church or community until it is birthed in prayer. 

Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of the Church of America, but Prayer unlocks His wisdom, guidance, and power to His people. It unlocks and invites His presence in our worship services that convicts hearts, restores lives, and is a constant call to repentance to be in right relationship to the Father through Christ. 

Ezekiel quoted God in 22:30 saying “I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land that I should not destroy it but I found none. Is this a clarion call today for those convicted to bring prayer back to your small group, back to your church, and back to community prayer groups?  It might begin with you and God or you and one or two others and God.  It often is a weekly call of serious prayer where prayer takes your time rather than just offering prayer requests.

The Prayer of one serious person can change everything. But God’s promise to begin multiplying the power and effectiveness of prayer as you add 2, 3, or more joining you.  Don’t wait for that call from your pastor, it is already coming from God Himself to step into that role.  Say YES to God right now! 

You might have to say, Father I don’t have a clue what to do, but I surrender to You and I know You want to show me. 

If your church doesn’t offer that time, start it.  If it does, join it.  If there are community efforts, join them. When we stand before God, our church attendance won’t be nearly as important as what we did to impact and change our culture around us.  And it all begins with prayer.

I’ve been privileged over the last 40 years to know some of the “greats” of prayer and be engaged in prayer meetings that have shaken lives and towns and set churches on fire.  Friends it’s real and God is calling you to join Him.

The key to the Church of the future is simply prayer.  It opens all doors.  Many faith leaders are saying the 3^rd Great Awakening has already started.  Not only is God already moving here and around the world He is calling us to join Him on our knees. 

Tennessee has passed a Resolution calling Christians across Tennessee during July, who are “physically able and spiritually inclined” to join in Prayer, Fasting and Repentance.  This is an excellent opportunity to step forward and be a part for God, your family, community and nation. 

Let’s let our voices echo, “See You on the Wall.”

(Sheldon Livesay is Founder at Of One Accord Ministries in Rogersville, TN and is a member of the Tennessee Prayer Coalition)