Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.  – Colossians 4:2

Years ago, in my early 20’s, I was introduced to the Holy Spirit of God.  At the first church I consistently attended, I learned that God existed.  At the second, I learned that I needed to be born again.  At the third, I didn’t know it immediately, but I learned that God gave us His Spirit.  More importantly, I learned that God can be felt.  As followers of Him, we can absolutely know that His presence is real.  

Here is how it happened.  At the end of the service while the band played, people just began to cry and weep.  I had seen the end of many services, but I’d never seen everyone act like that.  People were praying for one another; others were kneeling at the altar with their faced buried in their hands.  All I could do was watch in amazement.  I offered up my own prayer to God, “Lord, whatever this is . . . I want in on it.”  Within the next couple of weeks, I was in on it.  I had never felt anything like that in my life.  I have spent the rest of my life chasing after it.  More importantly, I’ve been trying to tell others about all that God has done in my life.  

What was the difference in 30 years ago and now?  I believe it is prayer.  When I think about how difficult it is for me to remain earnestly in prayer, I know I’m not the only one.  Every time I preach about prayer, it is overwhelming the response from the congregation who know they don’t spend time in prayer as they should.  Looking back to when I was a pastor, I think my favorite times happened on Thursday nights when about 5 to 8 of us sang praises and prayed.  I remember a man walking the entire building kneeling and praying over every door, every chair, and every room.  No matter how empty and spent I felt when I walked in, I walked out full.

I recently asked a congregation if they believe the same atmosphere is created today that was created for me three decades ago.  Most people quickly let me know that they had gotten away from their prayer closet and were looking forward to getting back to it.  I think they want to create that atmosphere again.  

It only comes by prayer.

Lord, I hate the enemies of prayer.  Your followers compete against the devil and his schemes.  We fight against this world that points us toward greed, comfort, and pleasure.  Even our own flesh fails us time and time again.  The spirit truly is willing, but the flesh is weak.  Help us, Your people, turn back to vigilant, earnest, and consistent prayer.  Help us get in prayer groups, knowing that one can put a thousand angels to flight, but two can put ten thousand a flight.  Help us be completely full vessels when we walk in the church doors.  Let not just a few have overflowing cups attempting to feel the emptiness of many.  May those who know You have our cups overflowing so others can experience what I did so many years ago.  My cup was empty, but there was more than enough to fill me and make me want Your presence for the very first time.  Change us, Lord so that we look more and more like You every day.  Save us, sanctify us, and fill us with the Holy Spirit.  Prepare us to live with You forever and ever.  Amen.