American Reformation Church Prayer Journal 53
ARC Prayer Meeting
As some of you may be aware, the American Reformation Church is currently doing a series called the ARC Marks. The one we are concentrating on currently is the virtue of love. Based upon the truth that God is love, we are seeking to be a loving church. Part of the message last week briefly mentioned the different love languages. They are:
• Words of affirmation: giving compliments, soft answers, or encouragement
• Quality time: Spending time with someone without distractions
• Physical touch: Expressing affection through touch
• Acts of service: Doing things for someone that you know they would appreciate
• Giving gifts: Loving others by giving presents
God’s word also recognizes three different words in the Greek language that define love.
1. Eros: which is romantic, passionate love-Song of Solomon
2. Phileo: the love of friends and siblings- Jesus loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary
3. Agape: parental, self-sacrificing love that seeks the welfare of others-God so loved the world that He gave…
The mere fact that we gather together to pray and intercede indicates to a certain degree our love for God and for others. First, we demonstrate our love to God by keeping His word and obeying His commandments. One of the clear marks Jesus placed upon His church is the call to prayer and intercession.
Jesus stated, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves’ ” (Matthew 21:13). Clearly, Jesus is pointing out the obvious, the Temple provided religious cover for those who were making merchandise of men’s souls, but what about robbing God by not interceding for men and nations? Just like Malachi warns of robbing God by refusing to give unto the Lord’s work in the earth (Malachi 3:8-12), can the church rob God by declining our duty to pray?
Secondly, to be a loving church, we must be a forgiving church. In other words, it is hard to bear grudges, harbor unforgiveness, and express hatred towards those we pray for in communion with God. One of the most loving acts we can do for one another is to pray for one another in Jesus name!
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