Bible Study

Is Prayer Profitable

Published

2 years ago

July 14, 2022

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Some persons like Job ask the question

“What is the almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit should we have, if we pray unto him? – Job 21:15

Have you ever heard this question being asked? Or maybe you have asked it yourself! What is the benefit of prayer? Why should I even pray?

While questioning our faith is not encouraged and certainly, we know all our questions will not be answered here on earth, a question like Job asked is not necessarily a bad thing.

Questions like these may be raised to attract attention to certain topics, in this case, prayer. It is important to ask questions, to cause us or others to reason and to seek answers. Job asked, ‘What profit should we have if we pray unto him?’ We will look at the answer in this post.

Is prayer profitable?

We are living in an age of the profit system. Everything we do is geared towards achieving gain for ourselves. Look back on your activities since you woke up this morning. Do you see that your every action is directed toward a positive gain or outcome for you? I brushed my teeth (action) so that I wouldn’t suffer from tooth decay (profit). I am browsing this website and reading this post (action) so that I can be blessed spiritually (profit). So, you see, it is only natural to ask what would I gain from praying? Is prayer profitable?

Now, let us first acknowledge that there is a large group of people who say “No, prayer does not profit him that exercises in it.” It is safe to say that they have that attitude because they are ignorant of the blessings of prayer. They expect prayer to be a magic wand and ignore all the other blessings attached to prayer. Let us look at some of these blessings.

Prayer connects us with God, the source of life.

“For with thee is the fountain of life” – Psalms 36:9

Without God, we wouldn’t even be alive, let alone have a fruitful life. How important it is then to stay connected to the giver and sustainer of life.

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being” – Acts 17:28

Prayer changes things, as nothing else can: Peter was drowning when he looked at the waves, and he called out to Christ. At that moment, he was saved! ( Matthew 14:30, 31). The blind man called out to God and he received his sight ( Mark 10:46- 48). The numerous miracles recorded in scripture are just a fraction of answered prayers. Because not only did many go unrecorded, but God also continues to answer prayers to this day.
Prayer brings us in connection with the holy spirit. This allows us to walk closely with God.
Prayer gives us peace. Once you have committed to God that burden which you cannot lift, the trust and faith it develops in you help you find peace and rest. Why do you trust? Because God has promised to answer prayer.

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

WHY PRAY?

So should you pray? Yes! And why should you pray?

Firstly, because God wants us to pray to him:

Jesus told the parable of the persistent woman for one reason; To encourage us to pray and not be discouraged even when it seems we are not getting immediate answers.

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that man ought always to pray, and not faint.” – Luke 18:1

The bible is filled with texts that encourage us to pray and these a just a few among so many;

“Pray without ceasing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” – Philippians 4:6

“I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” – 1 Timothy 2:1

Furthermore, prayer is the best way out of all our troubles, the best cure for all our worries and anxious cares. Who has not experienced the blessing of prayer when a load of burdens fell off from the one engaged in earnest prayer. This is not just about the prayer being immediately answered, but about the peace that comes from knowing that someone greater than you is in control and that he will work it out.

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

In addition, prayer closes the door to the Devil’s temptations and influence. It gives us direct access to the power of God and is so essential if we are going to overcome the Devil.

Finally, neglecting prayer is a sin. It is disobeying God’s command. Because as we have seen, God has asked us to pray and pray often.

Neglecting prayer is neglecting our relationship with God.

God longs to reach out to us and communicate with us every day as we study and pray. When our prayer times are not just focused on making requests, but rather on developing a relationship with God and hearing from him, then we will always find that prayer is profitable.

Bible Study

Christian Leadership and Personal Growth

Published

5 months ago

July 3, 2024

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Christian leadership is a very serious vocation that entails spirituality, character development, technical knowledge, and skills. For one to be a leader within the Christian ministry requires an intimate personality with God, Christ-like character, and devoted spiritual development. This article seeks to discuss how to create effective Christian leadership skills, personal development’s critical role in Christian ministry, and other aspects of growth that add up to a comprehensive and vibrant leadership experience.

Developing Effective Leadership Skills for Christian Organizations

Scripture and Prayer
If there is one thing that can be emphasized here it is the need for any Christian leader to be established on God’s Word. Studying the Bible generates knowledge that equips one with knowledge, direction, and understanding of the divine will of God. Joshua 1:8 proclaims, ‘Tie this Book of the Law to your heart and ‘Study it day and night, making sure that you don’t forget the words therein,’ so that one may be careful to obey all that is written for success to be achieved. Prayer life also helps leaders continually to be in touch with God, responding to prayer for direction and strength.
Exemplifying Christ-like Character
Religious leaders especially Christian believers ought to ensure that they practice what they preach in every facet of their lives. This includes expressing love, humility, integrity, and delegation of authority where you are leading other people. Philippians 2:5-7 The same is well illustrated here: ‘In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God as something to exploit to his advantage. He made himself nothing taking the form of a bondservant, being made in human likeness.’
Developing Emotional Intelligence
Self-awareness and social awareness are two main components of emotional intelligence (EI) that help leaders be successful. It is the ability to experience feelings and stimuli, to moderate the feelings within oneself as well as to modulate the feelings within others. Proverbs 15:18 states, ‘He who has no self-control is like a city broken into, its gates shattered to their foundations. ‘ A person with good equanimity can effectively manage problems, mend relationships, and create a healthy environment.

The Role of Personal Development in Christian Ministry

Continuous Learning and Growth
Personal growth in Christian ministry is a process of continued education and learning throughout one’s lifecycle. There are several ways of acquiring this knowledge including through the classroom, from a tutor, by reading, or by attending a conference or a workshop. Proverbs 1:5 promotes this endeavor: “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
Spiritual Disciplines
As for the practice, it is essential for a believer to undertake Christian disciplines of prayers, fasting, worship, and solitude. Such practices assist the leaders to be Spiritual as they seek God and pray so that they may be given guidance and strength to face their tasks in the ministry. Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Building Healthy Relationships
Relationally, healthy interpersonal relationships are crucial in the growth of individuals as well as in their faith. Just like being part of an assembly gives encouragement, makes one accountable, and gives opportunities to grow. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of community: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Additional Facets of Growth in Christian Leadership

Mentorship and Discipleship
Success in the leadership of the church is greatly hinged on the kind of mentorship and discipleship modeled in Christianity. Supervisors who have more experience can share their knowledge, give directions, and set a good example to new/succession leaders. Paul’s relationship with Timothy is a prime example, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:2, “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also”.
Servant Leadership
Real leadership is evident in Christians who have the humility to serve instead of dominating. It was the case when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples showing that a leader has to serve the people. Mark 10:45 underscores this principle: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Vision and Strategic Planning
Leaders need to have a vision, which is the capacity to develop a map of the future so that one can set goals and objectives.
They seek God’s direction and involve others in the process to achieve common goals. Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Conclusion

Christian leadership is a constructive and developmental process that demands devotion and discipline focused on spiritual growth. When these leaders know the Word of God, act like Christ, build empathy, and learn to be better people constantly, they can shape and lead people efficiently. Additional qualities such as committing to mentorship, servant leadership, and visionary leadership then complement this benefit by guaranteeing that the leadership equally propels the ministry and glorifies God. In this way, leaders achieve the purpose for which they were created and, in turn, help expand the kingdom of God.