When I left with Miriam for Congo 3 weeks ago now, I expected to encounter Yahweh in some truly significant, and possibly new ways, during our time here.
One area I sensed He had much yet still to counsel me on was the subject of prayer. Within the 1st week of staying in our guest housing, my eyes locked onto an old-weathered copy of The Prayer Life by Andrew Murray tucked away in some shelving in the living room.
The funny thing (actually more like sad) is that I remember numerous times passing this book or other ones by Andrew Murray located in the Christian Classics section at local book stores in previous years (because I lacked the courage to face the reality of how frail and sickly my prayer devotion was as an adopted child of the King then).
I had read a couple of short bios on Andrew Murray before so I knew full well that he was the real deal and uniquely qualified to instruct others on such a holy subject and practice.
After finishing the book last night, I determined to share my strongest commendation that any believers which read this entry should avail themselves to The Prayer Life by Andrew Murray. If you acknowledge and grieve over your lack of power to walk just as Jesus did and pray without ceasing, this book is for you.
I have been troubled for years over the lack of holiness, power and consecration within the Church of our time. If we would only abide in Christ like the first disciples who continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching, fellowship and prayers (Acts 2:42), we could share to a far greater extent in their fearlessness and victory. I believe a day is quickly approaching when many will return to the Lord with such deep devotion that revival will result. I only pray that it does not take the world falling in all around us, before we get there.
The challenges/hardships facing me, my family and this world require so much more living faith and consecration to the Lord. So, with Jesus as my Advocate and Source, I pledge to make my life a holy prayer unto Him. I trust in His sufficiency and grace to draw me into the eternal inner chamber where my soul has yearned to linger since the first hour of new birth in Christ.
I have been blessed to attend four African prayer celebrations since arriving in Gemena (one hosted by World Vision and other informal gatherings of intercession for a local NGO or non-profit initiative). I will talk more about these and other experiences in future posts. In the meantime, I strongly encourage those hungry for His presence and transforming power to get their hands on The Prayer Life as well.
