In about a month’s time on 1^st April 2010 (Thursday) evening at 8pm, we will be commemorating our Lord’s death. We will hold a gospel rally. Rev Goh Seng Fong will preach in English and I will interpret the message into Mandarin. A choir will also present two songs, one in Mandarin and another in English. We thank God that someone trained in church music will be training us. Our objective is—to save souls. But “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.” (Psa 127:1). Thus, if we want God to use us and move hearts to come and be saved, we must pray with clean hands and hearts. We must look to God for mercy, grace and help.

Effective Prayer

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working”(Jas 5:16). If you want your prayer to ascend to God’s throne of grace, a pleasing aroma to God, then you must live right before God—where you have sinned, repent. Then, with a holy determination by God’s help, walk close and right before God. Then you will be a righteous person in God’s sight and your prayer carries power. It is as Jesus says: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). Keep your Quiet Time—by reading God’s word, let His word and His presence cleanse, strengthen and encourage you. It is only when your inner life is clean and strengthened that your prayer becomes a prayer with power.

 

Corporate Prayer

When Paul was imprisoned in Rome and was facing possible death sentence, he tells the Christians at Philippi that “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Phil 1:12). But how can the gospel prosper with Paul being imprisoned as he is now unable to preach the gospel freely? Yet in such seemingly unfavourable circumstances, Paul says he rejoices because the gospel will prosper. Paul says this is possible because of the prayers of the Philippians—that is, corporate prayer of the church consisting of ordinary Christians like you and I.

In the next few Sundays, we will spend some time to share about whom we intend to invite for the gospel rally and as a group pray for these people. Put these names in the church weekly prayer list and the church will pray for them during Tuesday prayer meeting. Do give some thought and ask the Lord to lead you to bring a few persons to this gospel rally. When the Holy Spirit works, any hardened sinner will repent and accept Jesus as Saviour. Meanwhile pray without ceasing and be a good testimony for the Lord.