Encouragment in Prayer

I sent this to our team in central Europe and thought it might be an encouragement to you as well.

This morning I woke up earlier than I like.  It has given me some time to reflect and pray that I don't normally have.  This letter is simply intended to be an encouragement to prayer in general and to our month of prayer in particular.

Yesterday, I got a little facebook note from Tom Blackaby, with whom we had the joy of serving with as jmen, during seminary at a local church, and on church staff in Canada.  Tom said, "Prayer is not meant to be a religious activity or duty we perform, it is a means by which we come to know God Himself." I want to make sure that heart is being communicated to you during our month of prayer.

The C3 Month of Prayer is not about getting from God.  It is not about a checklist or formula we follow to achieve some good and desirable result.  It does not impress God, nor somehow earn more favor with Him.  It is not about impressing anyone with your piety and personal holiness.

It is about knowing God better.  That alone is more than enough.  This week I have shared in the prayer guide about some answers to prayer God has already given; however, it is more than enough that we know Him better.  What a gracious and good Father we have.  He discloses Himself to us.  He longs for us to be His children, resting in His peace, joy and contentment.  Keep praying.  Not for the results, but for the joy of knowing the Creator and Savior!

Check out this link for more on the ministry God has given Tom and Kim Blackaby.