The Ministry and the Value of Prayer

"Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as

we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

Romans 8:26

It is so easy for most of us to think that being in ministry equates to our vocation only. Contrary to popular belief, this notion is furthest from the truth. If we put God first in all that we do, then we are in fact, ministers because ministry is not a place, but a condition of the heart of the minister.

Ministry is an act of service. if we call ourselves Christians by putting God first in all that we do while simultaneously having a heart posture of service, then we are also ministers. When we put God first, we are no longer in control because He is now leading us. By giving Him control, we then become a vessel that He uses to fulfill His purposes on Earth.

Prayer is also a ministry. Prayer is an act of service in which we bring either ourselves or others to God and it is a way for us to commune with our creator. Prayer is not transactional, but relational. it is designed for a heart posture of submission and dependence. it is also selfless and other-worldly. The act of prayer shows us that God is God and we are not. Prayer quiets our souls, calms our fears, builds our faith, and increases our dependence.

Recently, I watched the film, " I Still Believe." The film ( which debuted in 2020) is based on the book of the same name by the singer-songwriter, Jeremy Camp. This true love story is about Jeremy and his first wife Melissa who passed away of ovarian cancer at the mere age of 21 on February 5, 2001. Melissa, an avid lover of God, His word, and words herself, kept many journals from the age of 17 until the time of her death. These journals were filled with heartfelt prayers regarding Jeremy, her cancer journey, as well as her very evident and unwavering faith and devotion to God. At one point in the journal, she wrote, " If one life were to be changed for seeing me go through what I am having to go through, then it will all be worth it." She even thanked God for giving her cancer just so people could see Jesus in her. Nurses and doctors in the hospital were also moved by her faith and bountiful joy at the time and some even came to Christ because of it. During the time of the movie debut, Melissa's mother decided to publish Melissa's journals titling it, Melissa...If One Life. These journals and these prayers, since having been published, are still changing lives today. After watching the movie, I downloaded these two books because I was inspired by this story and most of all inspired by her faith and prayer life. Melissa and I were the same age, too. Just four days apart. However, it is important to note, that when coming across stories like this, while inspired, we can easily find ourselves in the trap of self-comparison if we are not careful. It is easy to want to be like Melissa and make her into an idol by putting her on a pedestal, especially as a Christian. Regardless, we must remember that Melissa was just a woman who loved Jesus and wanted to live for Him. Likewise, we must not compare, but instead be ourselves while living for Jesus, too. He made us on purpose, for a purpose, with purpose, to live on purpose.

Prayer changes things because if used properly, it has the ability to people from a life of passive in-action into a life of bold action. It causes a chain reaction and better yet a ripple effect. It can change generations, too for years and years to come. However, we have to remember though for prayer to change things, that it starts with one. One heart that is undeniably and shamelessly devoted to Him.