Do you think Christians need to slow down and spend more time in prayer? Or maybe you’re on the opposite end and think Christians pray too much and need to do more? In truth, there’s an intimate connection between prayer and action; together they help form a well-balanced Christian diet.
Sometimes, We Treat Prayer Like Vegetables
Right now, there are still over 6,500 unreached people groups in the world (they have very little or no access to the Gospel). That’s over 3 billion people who need to hear about Jesus. God wants to change those numbers, and He’s chosen to do it through His Church. Many Christians want to be an active part of fulfilling the Great Commission, but it feels overwhelming, they don’t know where to begin. So they don’t.
Thinking of this sad truth made me realize: we treat prayer like vegetables.
On most American plates, vegetables are placed on the side of the meal. Our inner child still screams in protest, forcing us to hide our veggies under cheese, sneak them to the dog, or too often we just “forget” all about them. But of course, a diet without vegetables is a recipe for early death. And a Christian without prayer is a recipe for spiritual destruction.
If you want to be an active part of fulfilling the Great Commission, the best place to start is with committed prayer
At Team Expansion, God keeps proving that prayer is the starting point for amazing things. Our organization was birthed from prayer over 40 years ago. Our missionaries rely on prayer. Through prayer, we see God open doors and overcome impossible obstacles.
Do you remember learning the food pyramid? Did you know that it’s dramatically different now? Guess what one of the biggest sections is today? Yep, veggies. They serve as the foundation*. Shouldn’t an active, robust, deliciously-ripe prayer life be the foundation of every Christ-follower?
I think the problem is, many of us need to experience real prayer. We’ve had canned-prayer, frozen prayer, and cheesy prayer, but what about real, homegrown, organic prayer?
If we can begin to pray with that kind of commitment and intentionality, it will be hard to go back.
Today’s trendy vegan/vegetarian diets might not appeal to everyone, but they have proven something: when a vegetable is given the proper attention and masterfully prepared, it can create an unbelievable experience.
It’s time to rearrange your Spiritual Diet
If you rearrange your diet to match today’s food pyramid, it will probably be challenging at first (you might just feel tired or grouchy). But after a week or so, something amazing will happen: you will have more energy and feel better than ever.
When we make prayer the foundation of our lives, it might feel awkward. You might not know what to pray for right away. You might feel like you’re wasting time. But if you commit, something amazing will happen: God will begin to answer your prayers. God will use you to answer prayers. The more often we speak with God, the more attuned to His voice we become.
A committed prayer life leads us to action.
Read more about prayer leading to action in the next blog, Are You Really Praying or Just Performing?
*Disclaimer: there are like 10 billion different food pyramids and plates and charts and all kinds of things. The one with veggies on the bottom works best for the metaphor. Consult your doctor for real advice related to your physical health. 😉 We’re here if you need help or advice related to mission-work, the unreached, and working to fulfill the Great Commission. We’d love to hear from you.
