Although a concerted effort will be made to promote prayer in the forthcoming year, what better advocates do we need than Jesus telling his disciples they should always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1), and Paul's letter to the Romans (10:10-12): "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." If you haven't heard or used the word "zeal" in a while, it means intense enthusiasm. Wow, can you imagine having conversation with our Lord with such passion. Although this message is brief, please know that I believe prayer is essential in our lives. Whether before meetings, before meals, or before rising each morning, take time to go to God for his blessings, for developing relationships, for lighting your path, for sending His Son.

As "good Christian men" it ought to be incumbent upon each of us to promote prayer in our daily lives, whether gathering as a group, with friend/s, your spouse, family or with neighbors. We couldn't have better prayer advocates than Jesus of Nazareth or Paul of Tarsus as to how and why we should be faithful in prayer! It is our continued purpose to emphasize prayer in the district in this new year!

John Wesley thought prayer essential, the "grand means of drawing near to God. A way to offer praise, to seek God's fortifying grace, and to ask God's blessing on others."

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

"In everything, by prayer and petition. with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6