The Aroma of Prayer

I never grew up thinking I would join the prayer ministry. Even today, bible studies/ teachings/ seminars are probably more popular than prayer meetings at most churches. A good friend I met for tea today said that many churches today are more focused on feeding the mind than the heart. Hmmm.

Anyway, in my 20s, when I had settled back in my homechurch after 5 years overseas, I drifted in and out of different ministries, trying to find my giftings and where God wanted me. In all, I probably tried 7-8 ministries over a number of years. Yet, none seemed to ignite true passion. None seemed to say, Yes, this is Home.

Then one day, I read Ps Jim Cymbala's "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire". Ps Cymbala is the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle; which is today home to the world-famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. His book is the story of how when he first pastored the church, it was a decrepit, motley crew of a handful of people; who were dregs of society. Even the ushers were stealing the Sunday offering. It left him at his wits' end. Then he sensed God saying that he was to make the prayer meeting more important than any other meeting in the church - even the Sunday service. That book so pierced my heart - and I saw how much sense this made - that I immediately enrolled myself in the Wesley prayer team. And when I did, that felt like Home! :) It was the best thing I did. And it has been the most exhilarating ride with God - to know that He speaks to us; He loves us; He bids us to come boldly to the throne of grace!

Last night, I re-listened to one of Ps Cymbala's sermons on Mp3 - "The Aroma of Prayer". He is still one of the best teachers on prayer, because he is a practitioner. His whole church is run on prayer. He doesn't teach from theory; he teaches from a life lived out believing wholeheartedly that prayer should be central to every church.

To listen to Ps Jim Cymbala's sermons "The Aroma of Prayer", "My House Shall be Called A House of Prayer" and "Calling On the Name of the Lord", click here.