Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80: 3, 7, 19
“No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. the pulpit can be a shopwindow to display one’s talents; the prayer closed allows no showing off. Poverty-stricken as the Church is today in many things, she is most stricken here, in the place of prayer. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere.”
Leonard Ravenhill in Why Revival Tarries (Bloomington: Bethany House, 1987) 25.
It has been a privilege to gather for prayer with servants from various organizations working in the generosity space in Kansas City. We depart for our homes today.
Where our churches are stricken with poverty, the pathway to generosity is paved by prayer.
Three times in Psalm 80, Asaph, the psalmist repeats today’s Scripture.
Together we asked God for specific needs. We also lifted up global requests. We repented for our unfaithful use of money: searching for pleasure, squandering it on possessions, or seeking after power.
Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. God saves us from our sins.
We asked God to cleanse us. It was a time of consecration and intercession, dedication and devotion. Along with prayer, we enjoyed the gift of table fellowship and time together to encourage each other. It was sweet.
Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. God restores us and grants us favor.
What does prayer linked to generosity look like at your church or ministry? If you want to unleash heaven, then double down on prayer. Or be bold and make it your top priority. See what happens.
Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. God shines on us when we pray.