First Notes: When the Family of God Prays

Dear First Baptist Family,

I once heard about a bar that opened directly opposite a church. The church didn’t like the idea of a drinking establishment being so close to their place of worship, so they called a prayer meeting and asked God to intervene.

Just a few days later, lightning struck the bar and burned it to the ground.

Having heard about the church’s prayer effort, the bar owner promptly sued the church. When the court date finally arrived, the bar owner passionately argued that God struck his bar with lightning because of the church members’ prayers. 

The pastor, however, brushed off the accusations. He admitted the church prayed, but he also affirmed that no one in his congregation really expected anything to happen.

The judge leaned back in his chair with a mixture of amusement and perplexity on his face. Finally he spoke: “I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Right in front of me is a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer and a pastor who doesn’t.”

There’s a difference between praying with expectation and just going through the motions. Many people believe in God, but not in prayer. What’s more, many people claim prayer works, but they rarely take time to pray. 

James 5:16 (NLT) says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

When the family of God prays, things happen. When the family of God prays, healing comes. When the family of God prays, God moves powerfully. 

I believe that this is a very significant year for our church. We have the opportunity to disciple a new generation while addressing the challenges of continuing in downtown ministry.

We have a big dream in the 15% mission. Our dream is that over the next 20 years, God will expand our ministry impact to reach 15% of the city of Knoxville in any given week. That can be accomplished through worship, small group development, ministries, media, and many other avenues of service. 

I fully believe it can only happen if God does it — “unless the Lord builds the house, the people labor in vain” — but also when we fully and personally commit ourselves to the task. 

Let’s begin with prayer. How can you be praying this week?

Pray for the Family of God

I have been preaching on the word that Jesus used for the church: ekklesia. Jesus’ church is a community of everyday called-out believers, bound together by our confession of who Jesus is, a commission to make disciples, and a common experience of being empowered by the Holy Spirit.

We need to be continuing prayer that God would make us into the type of family that He died for. We are called to be a worshiping, serving, stewarding, and witnessing family. 

But we always want to remain true to our central identity that each of us is a family member. We are sons and daughters of God, but also brothers and sisters to one another. It's a privilege and a joy to be a part of the family of God.

Think of some people in our family that you can pray for today. Pause right now to lift them up. Then pray in general for our church, that our relationships will be genuine and that God will continue to bring new people into the First Baptist family. 

Pray for Our Croatian Mission Team

Last Saturday 11 mission participants left for Croatia to serve for a week at the Croatian Baptist Union camp. They are rebuilding cabins that will be used throughout the summer for a variety of camp experiences. I can tell you that they arrived safely and have already begun the good work.

Pray that God will use them this week to bless Croatian Baptist. Pray that God will give them strength and wisdom. Pray that their words will be encouraging to one another and everyone that they meet. Pray for a safe journey, back home. 

Pray for our Children, Youth, and College Students

It's such a blessing to be able to share Jesus with the next generation. 

I'm grateful that Madie Coffer is now on board to lead our children's ministry, and we need to be continually lifting her up in prayer. Also pray for Megan Kewaza as she works with our youth and college students. Both Megan and Madie have a wonderful group of volunteers. They could always use more help from those feeling led to serve our youth, college students, and children. 

You can also pray for our upcoming youth and college graduates. We celebrate graduate recognition on May 3rd. Please make sure we are aware of any students who are graduating from high school, college, graduate school, or some other program. This is a great way to celebrate our family of faith. 

Remember, when you pray as someone who is righteous in Christ, your prayer is powerful and effective. So pray with faith. Pray with boldness. And pray continually.

Have a wonderful week!

Pastor Brent

P.S. This Sunday’s message will be on what it means to be a family member. The text is Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-37. Hope to see you in worship!