SH or FIEC?

Quite a number of the fellowship have this year been away to Christian conferences like Spring Harvest or FIEC and they have returned uplifted, inspired and renewed. As we reflect on these events perhaps we ask ourselves what it is that makes these events so inspiring. Of course there’s the crowds of thousands of like-minded Christians sharing together, one in spirit and intent; there is the music played by gifted spirit-led musicians, who have probably written songs especially for the occasion; there are the preachers of world renown, who bring the insights of years to challenge our walk with the Lord or to encourage us on our way; and there is the Spirit Himself at work, touching the disheartened, mending the broken, giving joy to the dispirited. I there any wonder then that all who attend are filled with a new nearness to God, a new eagerness to be about His business.

But how can we maintain the momentum of these wonderful days when our own church can feel so dull, so lifeless, so uninspiring? These large events would also be dull and lifeless if it were not for the prayer backing they have. Prayers for next year will have already begun, because it’s in the prayers that the Spirit reveals the purposes of God, the nitty-gritty of content, cohesion and vision. As the praying develops week by week, month by month, so the wholeness of the conference comes together. And those who have been called to serve, in music, in preaching, in prayer, in administration etc. begin to feel the Spirit inspiring and envisioning them so that they can present and share fully as God has instructed them.

Now if we long for worship, prayer, preaching and fellowship that is as full and as powerful as that we experience at conferences, then our prayer backing must be as full, lively, consistent, and persistent as theirs. Without it what we do and achieve will be less than the best.

Col 4:2-5 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. I urge you, brothers and sisters, pray!