Prepared for Cutting-Edge Ministry

Jesus displayed a necessary habit for us if we intend to carry out cutting-edge ministry work. Luke records these words: “During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He summoned His disciples, and He chose 12 of them-He also named them apostles“ (Luke 6:12-13).

Jesus recognized the necessity of a strong relationship with the Father through prayer. He knew His power, strength and abilities rested in GOD showing up. Recognizing the battles, the decisions, the complications that life would throw His way, He spent a tremendous time in communion with the Father.

Perhaps one of the biggest problems the church has in carrying out the Great Commission and the Great Commandment is prayerlessness. We expect to advance onto the spiritual battlefield ill-equipped and unprepared. We expect to face the chaos and confusion of life powerless.

When we do this, the result is far less than excellent. In fact, our lacking in prayer and knowledge of the Word has created a Christianity that is void of any power to tear down the strongholds of the enemy.

Why are churches dying today? Why are the masses leaving and the up and coming generation simply considering themselves “NONES”? Because too many churches have chosen entertainment, worldiness and powerlessness over the infilling power of the Holy Spirit achieved through prayer.

Church, we must get back to the Holy Ghost empowered church of Acts. Acts 4:31 tells us: “When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Our churches need to get back to being shaken up by the moving of the Spirit of GOD, motivating all of us to proclaim the Gospel message with boldness. Cutting-edge ministry and a strong prayer life go hand-in-hand. You simply can’t have one without the other.