As summer ends and we prepare for the fall, September is a good month to focus on prayer. With the focus moving from outdoor to indoor activities, it provides us with an opportunity turn inward and explore spiritual disciplines. Here is the first devotion that helps us understand the importance of prayer:

IN WORD As followers of Jesus, we do well to embrace the mission to which we’re called. But if we don’t understand what makes the mission effective, we’re destined for frustration. Every step of the way in Acts, after Jesus told His disciples they would be His witnesses, we find people praying. Behind all of the amazing works of the Holy Spirit in that book are prayers of people filled with the Spirit.

The prayers and the works are inseparable. We forget that sometimes. We pray a little and work a lot, then wonder why God hasn’t blessed our efforts. We need to remember that the work of the Spirit cannot be done in the strength of the flesh; only God can accomplish His mission. He uses us in that mission, but He doesn’t depend on our ingenuity and our talents. He breathes life into what we are able to contribute. The effectiveness is His. That should drive us to our knees.

If we are on a mission with Jesus, fulfilling His calling to be witnesses, living a ministry of reconciliation, we will soon realize how utterly dependent we are on His power. Nothing we do in itself can accomplish God’s purposes if it isn’t backed by His Spirit. And the way to make sure we are backed by His Spirit is to commune with Him often.

IN DEED Take a look at what prompted the first missionary journey in Acts 13:2-3. It was the voice of the Spirit in response to worship and prayer. It was a God-ordained mission. Paul and Barnabas didn’t decide to go evangelize, asking the Spirit to bless them on the way. They got directions first. The trip was inspired and anointed. Do you want your mission to be inspired and anointed? Then pray. Pray often, pray deeply, pray dependently. Everything you do depends on the Spirit’s work. “Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan.” —John Bunyan (in “God With Us” by Chris Tiegreen)

How is your prayer life? Do you only pray when you are in need of something or when you face trials? If so, you are like someone trying to cut a log with a chainsaw, but never turning it on. Yes, you’ll eventually cut the log, but at a much slower pace than if you started it!

Jesus makes it clear that if we pray in faith, we can move mountains (Matt 17:20-21). One of the saints that understood the power of prayer was E.M. Bounds. His book, “Power Through Prayer,” is still as true today as it was a century ago, for we follow an unchanging, eternal God. Take time this week to read this short book and come to experience the power of prayer in transforming your life (public domain at: https://www.hopefaithprayer.com/books/Power-Through-Prayer-EM-Bounds.pdf). Have a power-filled and blessed week! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam