A different outcome...

Earlier this week, from Tuesday through Thursday, I was with about 35 other pastors and church planters at a Mission to North America Regional Conference in Naperville, Illinois.  I went with the expectation of getting to know people, learning some valuable principles/lessons and even some strategies that would be useful in church planting.  I thought that I would come back fired up and I would know how to do the proper demographic research and have the best evangelism strategies.  Or, at least that is what I imagined I would have received.  In actuality what I went through and learned was even better than I could have imagined.  

   Before moving from Florida I read a book by Paul Miller called A Praying Life.  I thought the book was excellent and it taught a "strategy" (for lack of a better word) of how to help our disabled prayer lives through using prayer cards.  I gave it a shot for a while, but then, as often happens, it tanked.  Crashed and burned.  However, one of the modules at this conference was a three part series on "A Praying Life"--based primarily on the book.  It was taught by a man named Bob Allums--who was a wonderfully humble, honest, forthright, and prayerful man.  We had a blast in the seminar.  I never thought I could have so much fun talking about prayer and being convicted of my prayerlessness at the same time.  But I did.  His teaching showed me, at least I think it did, how I was using the cards wrong.  Primarily that I was not taking the time to really observe (look at what's going on), think and feel it, and then act by praying.  I wasn't entering into the story God was weaving and I certainly wasn't hanging on through the more difficult times.  He showed how asking and abiding in Christ brings with it a great result--joy in Christ (John 15:1-17).   

    When I got home, though my voice was sore, I couldn't help but share what I learned with Erin and tonight I plan on sharing more while we are out to dinner celebrating her birthday (she loves it when I talk and share my heart).  I would encourage any of you, if you have any sway over your church's calendar--do a Prayer Life seminar and have Bob come and lead.  You will not be disappointed.  Before that--go get the book by Paul Miller.  Also, please be praying for me that I would implement the things I learned and that I would be freed up in my relationships and my vocation because I have learned to consistently go before my Father, who has all power and authority, in dependent prayer.  I desire to be a man of prayer--pray that God increases that desire as I learn to live in my helplessness and rejoice in it because when I am weak, He is strong.  

For more info on the seminars go to seejesus.net.