For Seventh-day Adventists, prayer has always been at the heart of our daily walk with God. We are a people of prayer, recognising that our greatest strength is found not in our own abilities, but in God’s power working through us.
Prayer is the most effective evangelistic tool we have. Prayer changes people and circumstances. It changes not only the person we’re praying for—but the one praying as well. Prayer opens the way for God Himself to do things He might not otherwise do.
In Luke 11, Jesus’ followers saw something in the way Jesus related to His Father, and they were inspired to seek His guidance with prayer. They asked Him a question that needs to be repeated today. We need to ask it often. Their request was life changing: “Teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1-13).
Elizabeth Alves, in her book Becoming a Prayer Warrior, says, “Prayer was the priority in Jesus’ life. He considered it more important than physical rest, and He was commonly pictured praying all night. Talking with the Father took priority over His social activity. Every major event and every minor decision in Jesus’ life was shrouded with prayer.”
Our greatest danger is not that we stop praying, but that we settle for a mediocre prayer life. Unfortunately, for many, it’s already happened. For others, it is happening. My challenge for you is to live like Jesus. To bathe your life in prayer. To prioritise prayer above all else. To pray deeply as Jesus did. For Jesus, talking to His Father was consistently His number one priority.
Church members across the South Pacific Division are invited to unite on September 4-6 for a special OneVoice27 prayer weekend. We’re encouraging individuals, families and churches to seek God’s presence and guidance as we join the global OneVoice27 movement.
Throughout the weekend, churches will be encouraged to hold prayer services, small groups, family worships and personal prayer times, uniting believers in a shared mission for revival, digital evangelism and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Everyone is also invited to participate in a 48-hour prayer vigil and encourage friends and family to join as well.
Through prayer we will gain a greater insight into how God is leading OneVoice27—an initiative that encourages believers to use every available communication channel, including social media, YouTube, internet platforms, radio, television, podcasts, print and digital media—to proclaim the life, ministry, salvation and soon return of Jesus Christ to diverse audiences around the world.
Our time of prayer together as a united church will remind us of the need for a deeper relationship with Jesus. It will remind us that OneVoice27 will only be possible if we humble ourselves and seek His face.
Prayer is the foundation of OneVoice27. Prayer is the foundation of every successful mission. Before we communicate the gospel, we must first seek God’s direction. My prayer is that every church member will be inspired by the Holy Spirit to use whatever gifts, platforms and opportunities God has given them to introduce others to Jesus. See you on September 4-6 on Zoom.
Pastor Pablo Lillo is the South Pacific Division OnceVoice27 coordinator.
