Playing Church
“Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” -Daniel 10:19, NIV
“Spiritual factors prove to be all-important in human history.” -Joyce G. Baldwin
“The contemporary church has much to learn from Daniel… In many churches and Christian organizations, personality is more highly prized than wisdom and understanding; weaknesses are resolved by new programs, not by faithful prayer; opposition is overthrown by growth in numbers rather than in depth and quality. The foundations are rarely examined because we are so engrossed in the business of creating visible activity… - Sinclair B. Ferguson
One of the dangers of being a part of the church is that we learn the mechanisms of how to ‘do’ church without prayer. In other words, we can master the human activity that ‘feels’ like church without any spiritual depth. The spiritual depth comes in prayer. But, prayer is often the last thing we think of because, prayer isn’t overly attention grabbing. Moverover, prayer is mysterious and often involves listening in silence for God to speak or act. I won’t speak for others but, silence and listening are not muscles I use enough in everyday life, let alone with God in prayer. Often, the songs we sing in worship are telling of our theology on a street level. The church has very few modern songs about prayer or praying. On its own, that might not mean a lot but, given all the other indicators, it should probably be heeded as a warning light on the dash board of the church. It is my hope to grow and to lead our church family in growing strong in prayer. We do well by learning from Daniel’s example. Here was a man who was serious about prayer. It was his habit (Daniel 6). He also had intense seasons of prayer (Daniel 9 +10) and moments of prayer (Daniel 2). Not even the threat of death kept Daniel from prayer (Daniel 6:11). It seems that he knew what I all too often forget; without prayer, God’s work and ways will not be accomplished. Let us re-double our efforts in prayer. Let us become a house of prayer for all nations. Let us be people who pray and do not give up. God will reward those who seek Him diligently. He did Daniel and He still does today.
Application Questions:
What time(s) of day will you set apart for prayer?
How can you unlearn the business model of church as activity?
In what way can you learn to listen in prayer as much as you talk?