As the North Carolina Conference of the Global Methodist Church, we are on the move in a new season of being sent to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are seeking to make discipleship normative through worship, word and witness so that we make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
With such a task, where do we start? How do we begin to live as the sent ones, to share the Gospel, to spread scriptural holiness? What do we do first of all? We Pray.
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone…” (1 Timothy 2:1).
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we take it all to the Lord in prayer.
Prayer is the first thing we do.
John Wesley put it this way: “God does nothing except in response to believing prayer.”
In prayer we connect with the will of God.
In prayer we seek the power and direction for the calling He gives.
In prayer we learn to listen to the voice of God.
Let’s stand in the gap and intercede for each other, for our churches to stand firm in the faith and strength to say on mission and remember that we put Jesus first. He is our One Thing.
Let’s pray that our message is clear and reflects that the Gospel is of first importance. It’s why the Church exists. With new churches joining us, district realignments, organizational structure changes and General Conference, we believe that Jesus Christ is the only way we will accomplish all that we are called to. And through Him, we believe that it will be accomplished.
Will you especially join me over the next 40 days beginning Wednesday, July 15 and then throughout the time of General Conference, August 30-September 6 for prayer for our NC delegation as we go to Johannesburg, South Africa. You will find a prayer guide at this link 40 Day Prayer Guide on the GMC website: The Beauty of Holiness.
While we know that the fellowship and worship with brothers and sisters from around the world will usher us into the presence of the Lord, there is also work to do.
There are decisions to be made.
There is a need to refine for the future of the GMC.
There are bishops to elect.
Bishops will be deployed to new areas.
One to each of eight areas. One to Area 8 to which we belong.
Pray for our brothers and sisters in our Area Committee on the Episcopacy, ACE 8 as we work together, sharing our next bishop. The conferences are Allegheny West, Heartland, Kenya, Malawi, North Carolina, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
These are just a few of the areas to take up in prayer. Oswald Chambers explained the work of prayer this way: “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work,”
That is why prayer is a “first of all” work.
It is the greater work of the disciple.
Prayer is also a privilege.
I am thankful for all the prayer warriors holding me and our conference before the Lord in prayer.
It is also a privilege to pray and lift you all to the Lord. That is where the work begins and it is the greater work.
Throughout the NC GMC Conference, let’s commit to prayer for one another, first of all.
I’ll be there with you…in prayer.
In Christ,
Rev. Kari Howard
Conference Superintendent