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A Picture of Prayer

Jun 19, 2016

Here is a good word for your Sunday, written by Jay Summers, Lay Elder at Cary Campus

“The man who mobilizes the Christian church to pray will make the greatest contribution to world evangelization in history.” —Andrew Murray, missionary sent from Scotland to South Africa in 1800’s

It is 8:30 on Sunday morning and a few of us are gathered in the Boiler Room to pray for the service. My friend Jack starts us off with a familiar greeting, ""Good morning father"". That makes me smile because it reminds me that we are having a conversation with our heavenly father who promises to be there with us in a very real and special way.

We spend a few minutes remembering his wonderful attributes, while reminding ourselves that apart from him we can do nothing that would be considered good. We express our gratitude for what Jesus did for us on the cross and are thankful that we are now part of his family and invited to join in the business he is doing here at Cary High School and The Summit Church. What an honor and a privilege!

We imagine all the things that are happening around us in the campus from the lobby and the greeters to the worship team and to the teachers in the children's classrooms. As each one comes to mind we take turns and utter simple one or two sentence prayers.

Not many are eloquent. Some are rather broken and stumbling… at times even choked with emotion.

My spirit seems to be stirred by those the most, as they appear to be coming right from the heart, perhaps touching on what God may be feeling at that very moment. Sometimes a scripture is shared and we will apply it in a prayer. Later in the service I laugh at myself when I am surprised that the verse is used in the sermon. Of course it did not surprise God.

As the service wraps up, so do we. I am always surprised at how quickly the time goes by as we share with the father.  Nearly every time I learn something by listening to others' prayers.  We depart with a pat on the back or maybe a hug or a personal prayer.  I'm so thankful for these friends and the opportunity to ask God to accomplish all of the things he wants at the Cary Campus.

I hope you will join us one Sunday during any of our services in the boiler room, down the hallway past the VHQ area. All are welcome!