Home Cell Guide (Sunday, 21st December 2018)
“…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” [James 5:16].
Dr. Peter Asiimwe preached to the three [3] ASC Congregations on the Topic: “Called to Pray without Ceasing” based on 1Thess 5:16-18 and Luke 18:1-7. He reminded the Worshippers that all Christians are destined to be like Jesus Christ who lived a life of Prayer and henceforth pray regularly even though their requests may take some time to be responded by God. The Preacher pointed out three [3] reasons why Christians should intercede without ceasing:
a) The whole purpose is to prepare the Church to be a suitable helper/bride for God through prayer as illustrated by Jesus who was a man of prayer. He prayed before dawn, prayed for his Disciples, went to solitary places to pray and spent the whole night praying, referred to His Father’s House as a House of Prayer; prayed on the Mt.of Olives and also prayed for His Tormentors while on the Cross at Calvary. Jesus’ primary business today is prayer [Hebrews 7:24-25].
b) He referred to the Church as a Legislative Assembly (Ecclesia]. The Preacher further challenged the Congregations that whatever is happening in Uganda today reflects a Church that has not invested into Prayers – hence the negative manifestations of the events we encounter! ‘So goes the Church so goes the Nation’, Dr. Asiimwe asserted.
c) All the congregations were urged to be Intercessors who regularly intervene and negotiate ALL difficult situations on behalf of God! Congregants were urged further to stand out boldly as advocates on behalf of their Family, Church and Nation.
Parishioners were reminded to be deliberate and strategic and always present their petitions unto the righteous Judge using His Word (Bible) as the perfect Constitution. [Isaiah 1:18]. In conclusion, Dr. Asiime pointed out three principles to use:
1) You cannot stand in the gap to pray for others when your life has gaps! Only when you have accepted Jesus Christ as lord can you lead others to Christ. Failure to do so prompts God to bring forth judgment upon the land [2 Chronicles 7:13-14].
2) Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH). Never to give up and be discouraged in prayer! God desires a certain quality and quantity/ volume of prayer from the Saints. [Rev 5:8].
3) Christians should pray in different watches of the day and night. An Intercessor ought to have quality time in prayer with the Lord.
Guiding Questions and Prayer Items
1) Study Daniel’s character as a man of Prayer [Daniel 9:1-19]. Allow some members to share how they have stood in the gap for their Families, Communities, Work Place, Church and Nation.
2) Prayerfully meditate on Ezekiel 22:30 and resolve to surrender whatever bothers you as an Individual, Cell, Communality, Church and Nation unto the Lord.