Leonard Ravenhill said, “No man is greater than his prayer life” (ravenhill.org). We could also say that no nation, synogogue, church, or business is greater than their prayer life. He quotes Dr. J. B. Phillips:
October 2017
"And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”
(Joel 2:13)
“This is the church of Jesus Christ before it became fat and out of breath by prosperity. This is the church of Jesus Christ before it became muscle bound by over organization. This is the church of Jesus Christ where they didn’t gather together a group of intellectuals to study phycho-sematic medicine, they just healed the sick. This is the church of Jesus Christ where they did not say prayers, but they prayed in the Holy Ghost.”
Many churches across our nation are awakening in the aftermath of destruction on every side. The news media is noticing the positive impact community churches and Christian organizations are having in hard hit areas. Still, there is a tremendous, long-term challenge before us.
Harvey targeted Texas and claimed 83 lives. Irma targeted Florida and claimed 41 lives. Maria utterly destroyed Puerto Rico and claimed 17 lives. The fires in California leave behind 23 dead with hundreds missing. Each destroyed thousands of homes and properties. The cost of loss cannot be calculated. One could easily assume glamorous, indulgent living as no longer achievable.
As great and rich as America has been, she cannot rescue Puerto Rico from her immediate despair. Only God can. Many are working harder than ever to meet the enormous cries of the hungry and sick with only more to do than is humanly possible. Hospitals depend on diesel, which is in shortage. Power may not be fully restored until 2018. ATM and grocery lines could take a person several hours to get minimal necessities. Yet, most are making the best of things and pulling together as family. (Refer to these links: Hospitals ; Jewish Community.)
We can give of our finances—and should. We can give of our labor—and must. But, don’t underestimate the power of prayer. It is the most needed. God hears the cries of His people, especially those who repent. May we be broken and rend our hearts, and weep between the porch and the altar! (Joel chapter 2)