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Reflections The Power of Prayer
Spiritual by Senior Pastor Rev. Michael Bryant
In the midst of all the aspects of our prayer life, whether it’s our struggles with prayer or even our joys and celebrations of a meaningful, effective prayer life, from where does the power of prayer come? In other words, what makes prayer “work,” so to speak? Is it the faithfulness of the person doing the praying? Is it God’s faithfulness to humanity that makes prayer effi cacious? What makes prayer effective; from where does the power of prayer come?
I think much can be said about the power of prayer. Firstly, I know for me my desire and commitment to pray play a big part in my prayers being signifi cant - at least signifi cant for me. Being committed to pray prepares me to enter into prayer. Secondly, believing that things will be changed or affected for the better (fulfi lling God’s will) is a signifi cant factor in the power of prayer, I think. Thirdly, trusting that God knows
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what’s best for the world, puts the power behind prayer, and places the source of that power in God’s hands. Accordingly, I fi rmly believe that the power of prayer, even the mere desire to pray, comes from God alone.
Finally, I know that some of us would say that we need to pray harder - with more intensity and longer in order for God to implement His mighty power behind our prayers. Perhaps what we really need for God to wield His mighty power in our prayers is to honor and glorify Him, then fully trust that He knows how best to answer all of our heart-felt prayers! I’ll see you in church, the grocery store, in the bike lane, or around town.
Rev. Michael Bryant is senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Gilbert at 331 S. Cooper Rd. in Gilbert. Contact him at 480-892-9166 or visit
www.gilbertumc.org.
Spirituality
October 2 - 15, 2010 67
‘Men at the Cross’ begins
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, labeled one of America’s seven most infl uential Hispanic leaders by The Wall St. Journal, keynotes Cornerstone Christian Fellowship’s nonpolitical event, Men at the Cross, which runs from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Sat., Oct. 2. Rodriguez is the current president of The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.
The program, also features Joe White, Gary Smalley, Ted Cunningham and musical guests Chris Julian, David Cobb and visual artist Brian Daniel. White started Men at the Cross after 30 years of men’s ministry and speaking to hundreds of thousands of men world-wide.
There will also be a separate track called Crossbow for students that features musical guest and rap artist, NASA, and special guest Andy Braner along with Joe White.
Doors open at 7:15 a.m. Advance tickets are $29 and can be purchased at
www.menatthecross.org under events fi nd the link to the Phoenix / Chandler event. Participants can bring their teenage sons or “adopt” one for the day and get in free with the coupon code: SON. Pastors receive a free ticket as well, and military discounts are available.
Cornerstone is located at 1595 S. Alma School Rd. in Chandler. Call 480-726-8000 for additional information or visit
www.cschandler.com.
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