Prayer of Invitation

Prayer is a spiritual practice that many Christians do daily. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word “pray” is defined as follows: “to address God or a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving.” At first glance, this definition seems accurate. There are different types of prayers made to God, and the four mentioned in that definition are often known as the ACTS prayer. But even with these broad strokes, I can’t help but feel there is an aspect of prayer that is being missed. Perhaps the most important part of it, too.

I often describe prayer to our students as being conversational. If prayer feels hard to approach, just act like you are having a conversation with God. In order for a conversation to work, there needs to be two things happening simultaneously: talking and listening. Many times, our prayer time with God looks more like talking than listening. After we say “amen,” do we move on with our day, or do leave space for God to respond? Are we inviting God into our lives through prayer?

FCC makes a prayer of invitation in a big way each year with our Kingdom Investment. We ask God, “Where are you leading us, and what do you want us to do about it?” Over the next week, I request that you also make a prayer of invitation, asking these same questions. On Sunday, August 27, I also request that you share what God has been speaking to you at our Kingdom Investment Listening Session. Our Kingdom Investment team will be listening to your insights, and your input allows us to decipher where God is leading our church. When you pray this week, leave space for God to respond. You may be surprised by what you hear. If you're not able to make it on Sunday, you can send your ideas directly to me by clicking here.