First Think, Then Pray

First Think, Then Pray

NOTE: Several months ago I began a series on the Prayers of St. Paul. That work led me to write a short book about learning to pray as the first century church prayed. Beginning with this post I will be posting excerpts from the book. You may EMAIL office@christumc.us if you are interested in receiving a copy of the book.

Preface

I believe the greatest challenge facing the church in the twenty first century is the authenticity of our Christian witness. Some churches have developed prosperity and blessing theologies to draw people to the church so that their vision of the American Dream can be fulfilled. However, a theology centered on self fulfillment is like a house built on sand – it is destined to fall. Other churches offer grand musical programs, modern dramas, remove all the crosses from the church, and do their best to entertain and keep their members satisfied. They are not too interested in Jesus calling his disciples to take up their cross and follow him.

At Christ Church our mission is to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. We believe that as we Seek the Life in Christ as Our Way of Life, we will offer an authentic Christian witness to our community. Prayer is the glue that holds us and our mission together as we seek to be faithful to God as a congregation,

The Apostle Paul calls the church to “live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15: 5-6) Our life in harmony, our one voice praising God, comes through being unified in our understanding of and practice of prayer. I have prepared this booklet as a means to help us reach out for this common understanding and practice of prayer in the life of our congregation. Later this year we will offer a study on prayer using this booklet as our guide.

Pastor Alex Knight

August 2010