UNLOCK

(An Easter Prayer)

 Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

that is, in one word, "Pray; pray often; pray with sincerity and seriousness; pray, and pray again; make conscience of prayer, and be constant in it; make a business of prayer, and be earnest in it.—Matthew Henry’s Commentary

In hopes of being persistent and successful leading this kind of organized thought for my blog...I ask this question, what is recorded as one of the least attended meetings in the local church?

Answer: Prayer meeting.

Should we feel guilty about this statistic?  Answer for yourself, however, I think each of us have the right intention of supporting and making a presence in being at a church-family organized prayer meeting, however, I think there is another side to this concern we overlook.  The closeness or intimacy of prayer.

We value our personal prayer time with Christ.  We value our personal prayer time with our spouse.  We value our personal prayer time with a trusted friend.  But when many are gathered for organized prayer we at times sense a feeling of being swept away in a stream of awkwardness.

One thing about being a Minister of Students is hearing both Middle School and High School students take a stance on being strong in their prayer life.  I love that!  When students take ownership and gather for organized prayer they mention things that are near and dear to them that maybe I haven't heard about or would expect them to share about.  But because so many students understand the value of prayer, there is no shame in petitioning before the Father.  That get's me excited.  Students who are serious and understand there must be a heart of expectancy.

Where am I going with this?

When Jesus was speaking about 2 or 3 are gathered together, He would be there.  Again, 2 or 3, not a large number or quantity of people to make His presence known or to fabricate an experience because more people attended a gathering for prayer.

There is great power and strength among believers when closeness, accountability, and transparency is welcome in a time of asking God to meet needs on behalf of that person’s life, the family of God, and for the unregenerate.

Prayer is powerful.  Prayer is underestimated by many.  Prayer unlocks what we anticipate and sometimes it unlocks underlying issues when God is refining you.

Are we not to gather for a large, well attended prayer gathering?  Absolutely not.  The culmination of voices presenting their requests before a Holy God in a room full of people is very moving, especially towards the spiritual act of humility.

How can I pray for this Easter Sunday service?

I am glad you asked.  Pray with the focus independently and completely upon Christ.  Remember the visual picture of the Cross of Calvary.  Remember it's where our Savior bore our sins and died our death.  Pray for the unregenerate who will be walking in the doors of Blue Valley Baptist Church.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will equip and prepare you to be an extension of God's grace and kindness to those you come in contact with.  Ask the Father to help you to be bold and strong in taking initiative in making some one feel a part of the Kingdom.  You never know how He will use you to lead some one to Christ.

Last, be in the Word daily.  Study and meditate on the Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  That is the gospel we hold firm to.  He is risen, He is alive, and He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  We are unashamed.

May God bless you and your family this Easter season.

In Christ,

JWES CROCKETT, Minister of Students