prayer meetings

I have been struggling all week with a sermon topic - which occurs at times but it is finally coming together. I have been a pastor for 17 years in one form or another and, in general, prayer meetings have the lowest attendence of any meeting concerning church. That should not be. I have read materials to learn how to change this, used music, adjusted lighting, etc. in an effort to build it and .... well attendence never changed. THEN IT HIT ME!

IF -- and that is a big word -- we are radically committed to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission we will pray intently and radically and with enthusiam because we will be in the middle of a spiritual conflict and we will need the direction and guidence of the Lord. The lack of attendence at prayer functions is actually a good indicator of the spiritual condition of the church. Most often prayer meetings become organ recititals and those do get to drag on (pray for J. 's kidney, lung etc)

Pray is a direct communication from our King, Lord and commander in this conflict we are in when we are acting and living as disciples -- we would and do seek it when we are following the Commandment and the Commission for we then NEED the presence and comfort of the Lord.

Prayer meetings are a good way to judge the spiritual status of the congregation.