I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:13-15)
2023 has been designated as a year of prayer by Buccleuch’s leadership. Prayer has always been vital to the spiritual welfare of God’s people from their very beginning. Whether we think of God’s promise at the dedication of the Temple in 2 Chronicles 7, or the devotion of the first Christians to praying together throughout the Book of Acts, united congregational prayer is God’s pattern for pouring out His blessing. Our desire is that 2023 (and beyond) sees Buccleuch stand firmly upon these truths.
To reflect on the testimony of the Bible or voices from church history is to recognise that second only to public worship, the corporate praying of God’s people is the most important activity in the church’s life. Revivals and renewal movements have come in response to God’s people praying together. People have been called and set apart for gospel ministry at home and abroad in response to God’s people praying together. Families, communities, cities and nations have been transformed as God has been pleased to answer the prayers of his people.
With all the other things we could (and should) be doing, why focus on prayer in 2023? One answer is simply this: Because we need it! You and I need it. Our church needs it. Our families, friends, places of work and education need it. Our communities, city and country need it. In all the many things we will devote time to, in this coming year we will highlight praying together as fundamental to us glorifying and enjoying God together, and fundamental to all of our work and effort for the kingdom of God. We are beginning out year of prayer with a short sermon series running at our 5.30pm services looking at Praying the Psalms with Jesus.
The evening services on the 22nd of January and the 19th of February will have a prayer focus where we pray together and individually. We are also dedicating the first Community Discipleship Group of the month to praying together. If you could like any more information please get in touch using our Contact Us page.