Let’s remember that our prayers matter. A book that made an impact on my prayer life was Dutch Sheets’, “Watchman Prayer.” In this book he gives an excellent explanation of the mysterious partnership we have with God through prayer.
He writes, “This is the God and family synergistically working together for the good in the earth. Second Corinthians 6:1 says, ‘And working together with Him’. Working together is the word sunergeo, from which we get the English word ‘synergism’ or ‘synergy’. Synergism is the combined action of two or more which have a greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects. I’ve been told that a rope made of three strands woven together is 100 times stronger than one strand. That’s synergism. Can you imagine God saying there is a synergistic effect when we work together with Him? All the multiplication of power must come from His strand.”
He continues in telling a story reported by Rusty Stevens of Virginia Beach, Virginia. “As I feverishly pushed the lawn mower around the yard, I wondered if I’d finish before dinner. Mikey, our six year old, walked up and without even asking, stepped in front of me and placed his hands on the mower handle. Knowing that he wanted to help me, I quit pushing.
The mower quickly slowed to a stop. Chuckling inwardly at his struggles, I resisted the urge to say, ‘Get out of here, kid. You’re in my way’, and said instead, ‘Here, Son. I’ll help you.’ As I resumed pushing, I bowed my back and leaned forward, and walked spread-legged to avoid colliding with Mikey. The grass cutting continued, but more slowly, and less efficiently than before, because Mikey was ‘helping’ me.
Suddenly, tears came to my eyes as it hit me: This is the way my heavenly Father allows me to ‘help’ him build his kingdom! I pictured my heavenly Father at work seeking, saving and transforming the lost, and there I was with my weak hands ‘helping’. He chooses to stoop gracefully to allow me to co-labor with Him.” (pg 56)
May we see this type a synergy take place within our relationship with God and the prayers we pray!
1. Need-Oriented Evangelism – “Father, break my heart …”
2. Inspiring Worship – “Father, give me a bigger picture of you…”
3. Passionate Spirituality – “Father, pour a spirit of generosity…”
4. Empowering Leaders – “Father, allow me to raise up and release leaders…”
5. Functional Structures – Father, grant me the courage to make the right missional decisions...”
6. Gift Oriented Ministry – “Father, help me focus on my strengths…”
7. Holistic Small Group – “Father, bless my life with life-long partners…”
8. Loving Relationship – “Father, help me build authentic relationships…”
9. Kingdom Advancing – Father, allow me to see my city transformed…”
Excerpt from Gary's book: NextSteps for Leading a Missional Church
