Prayers That Avail Much

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 5:14-15

Sometimes I wonder if we don't make an unnecessary mystery out of prayer. John offers a fairly simple principle for answered prayer. Pray according to God's will. This is where the mystery comes in. So often we act as if we're not sure of what God's will is...as if its some big secret. Yet if we stop and think about it we'll realize that God's Word is full of examples of prayers that we know that we know are God's will. Then follows the far bigger question...why aren't we praying these kinds of prayers?

Some years back I did a personal Bible study and came up with the following list. These are 14 prayers that I could pray regularly with certainty that they were according to God's will. Enjoy these Prayers That Avail Much. And pray!

1. That we would be a people “after God’s own heart.” That our hearts would be touched by the things that touch the heart of God.
2. That God would place an increasingly deep burden for souls on our hearts and the hearts of the people of our church. That sharing Christ would be an increasingly common and natural occurrence.
3. That God would place a greater burden for the need of intercession and prevailing prayer on our hearts and the hearts of the members of our church.
4. That God would destroy any and all strongholds, spiritual blindness, complacency, and apathy in our hearts as well as among the people of our church, including any hindrance that would keep the unsaved from coming to faith in Jesus Christ.
5. That God would grant a spirit of cleansing, confession, and repentance in our hearts and the hearts of the people of our church of any and all sins, known and unknown.
6. That a spirit of love and unity with no division would prevail and increase among the ministries and the people of our church.
7. That God would send laborers into the ministries of our church in the form of members and volunteers new and old, for the laborers are few and the fields are white unto harvest.
8. That God would grant among our membership “a mind to work” and that everyone would feel that our task in building God’s Kingdom is a joy and not a burden. That a positive, sacrificial attitude of servanthood would prevail.
9. That God would grant us a spirit of personal revival, renewal, and vibrancy in our Christian walk including a deep and abiding hunger for God’s Word and daily time in His presence.
10. That we as individuals and as a ministry would hunger to spend increasing time as passionate worshipers. That we would learn the language of praise; praising God as David did, for who He is and for all that He has done.
11. That God’s character, deeds, name and glory will be increasingly magnified and exalted in our lives and among the people of our church.
12. That God would continue to bless and guide the spiritual leadership of our church. That they would increasingly hear His voice and obey Him with passion.
13. That a spirit of genuine excitement, enthusiasm, and passion for ministry and building God’s Kingdom would be generated and spread throughout the Body at our church.
14. That God would place a hedge of protection around us and keep us and those we love. That He might deliver us from evil as we endeavor to obey and serve Him.

The Danger of Safety

“…Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Mt. 16:25)

Among the many activities I enjoyed in my childhood (among them cub scouts, swimming lessons, children's concerts and vacation Bible school) there was one activity I endured with fear and trembling: Little League. Despite my awkward left-handedness and a lack of athletic talent or motivation, my parents felt it necessary to enroll me for three failed seasons; one year in pee wee and two in "the majors." From my perspective, Little League’s one saving grace was that at each game, for the bargain price of a nickel, I could purchase a pack of 5 Batman bubblegum cards from the candy lady.

I call these seasons failed because my tenure in right field consisted of one primary motivation; not to get hit by the ball. I remember vividly my brother, who was two years my senior, getting hit in the face by a baseball, at which point his entire nose disappeared for two solid weeks. I had no intention of becoming a similar facial casualty.

A moment ago I noted, a lack of athletic ability. The fact is, not to get hit by a ball which is coming straight for you, while simultaneously appearing to care about fielding the ball, actually did require a fair amount of athletic finesse. The key was waiting until the ball was just about on me, then leaping out of the way at the very last moment, reaching toward the ball with my glove hand, while at the same time protecting my face with the other.

Having inevitably missed the ball (and with the ball missing me), I would quickly turn around and chase it to the back fence. Then I’d throw it as far as I could in some direction. Typically this was straight up, with the ball ultimately landing about 10 feet in front of me.

All in all, my strategy of safety, combined with all the yelling from my team and the crowd (and the coaches), made for a rather stressful, albeit impressive maneuver. Though my coaches were less than impressed, my face remained safely in tact. I comforted myself with the fact that, though my baseball career was wanting, I did excel in team candy sales and was the proud owner of a complete set of Batman cards.

As with most life lessons, this one is simple enough for a child to understand, (though often difficult to recognize in ourselves, and even more difficult to apply). The fact is, my fear of getting hit by the ball, and my subsequent efforts to avoid this at all costs, meant I wouldn't really learn what it meant to play the game. Not surprisingly, the effort I expended in my strategy could just as easily been channeled to overcome my challenges.

The same is true in life. So often in our desire to avoid being hurt, we develop a sophisticated series of responses designed to ensure our safety. The goal is to minimize and even eliminate any and all risk to our heart. Sadly, while successfully protecting us, the cumulative effect of these reflexes may also ensure that we never truly learn to live. All the while we are expending tremendous energy. Energy that could better be applied to courageous action.

In his book Turn My Mourning Into Dancing, author Herni Nouwen writes, “The great paradox is that it is in letting go, we receive. We find safety in unexpected places of risk. And those who try to avoid all risk, those who would try to guarantee that their hearts will not be broken, end up in a self-created hell.”

In The Four Loves C. S. Lewis observes:

“To love is to be vulnerable…If you want to make sure of keeping your heart in tact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket of your selfishness. But in that casket-safe, dark, motionless, airless-it will change. It will not be broken-it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable…The only place outside of Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from the danger of love is Hell.”

Jesus put it this way, “…whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Mt. 16:25)

Confessions of a Worship Leader (feautred article on www.ministryLIVE.org)

You must worship no other gods, but only the Lord, for He is a God who is passionate about His relationship with you. Exodus 34:14 (NLV)

As I have sought to walk in obedience to God's call on my life, I am often reminded that the role of a worship pastor is "to pastor a congregation in the area of worship." God's will extends beyond growing a worship ministry. He desires a worship pastor to build a ministry of worshipers.

A few years ago it occurred to me how easy it is to lose sight of all we are called to be and to do as worshipers of Christ and as worship leaders. I realized that it might be helpful to create a creed of sorts; a confession for worship leaders; something that would help us not to lose sight of who we are in Christ and what God has called us to.

The following is an attempt to remind us all (myself included) of God's will for worshipers and worship leaders. Following the reading are discussion questions for small groups.


I am a Worshiper

...I deeply desire to grow and mature as a passionate worshiper and as a worship leader. I know that, like all of God’s children, I was created to worship and to adore the living God.

My daily worship of God is a time of precious communion; priceless moments of adoration of my Lord Jesus Christ. As I pour out my heart before Him, like David, I long to speak the intimate language of worship and praise. In these moments I rehearse God’s goodness and His matchless character; I thank Him for His mighty deeds and His loving-kindnesses toward me.

This is the foundation not only of my day, but also of my role as a worship leader. I know that the task of leading God’s people in worship a high and holy calling. Worshiping God in the secret place builds within my own heart authenticity and consistency; which in turn adds vitality and integrity to my efforts to lead God's people publicly. I look forward each week to doing my part to usher God's people before His Throne. It is an honor and a joy for me to be able to serve God in this way.

I am jealous that God receives, as far as it depends on me, all the praise and glory that He deserves. I realize that, in the heart of a worshiper, there is no room for ego or personal jealousy. I have learned that only in humility and servanthood can the calling of a worship leader truly be fulfilled. Even so, I must confess that at times I struggle. For in my weakness, I too can desire glory. Still, I know that God will not share His glory with another... and any talents I may have are only gifts borrowed from God.

I am also careful to walk in love toward my brothers and sisters in the Lord, for this too impacts my ability to worship. I admit that this is a challenge at times. But I have learned that bitterness and unforgiveness are the mortal enemies of true worship. Therefore I must avail myself to the cleansing blood of Christ. For as I daily confess my sins, His righteousness covers me. Only in this way may I truly walk as a vessel, purified and useful to my Master.

I hunger that other believers in Christ might fully realize that they, too, are called to be passionate worshipers. In light of all that God has done for us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, how can we be passive? We must respond with abandon to the goodness and love which God has for us. I know that the Father deeply desires (and Satan fears) that believers would learn to fully walk in their calling as worshipers.

This is my calling. This is my passion. I am a worshiper . . .
and I am a worship leader.


I Am a Worshiper - Discussion Questions

Discuss the following questions:

• In your opinion, in what ways does this reading challenge the experience of the average Christian?

• What ideas or thoughts in these paragraphs are new or uncommon to many believers?

• What barriers do you think stand between most Christians and a deeper worship life?

• What do you see as two or three primary life motivations of this worship leader?

• How does a passion for worship impact this person’s character? Their relationships? Their world view?

• What role does humility/servanthood play in the life of a worshiper? Why is this true?

• In what practical ways do you see a worshiping lifestyle drawing someone toward greater maturity in Christ?

• How does a heart for worship contrast with the role of “self” typically plays in our lives?

• How is Satan impacted by our worship of God? Why might it matter to him whether we live a lifestyle of worship or not?

• Is living a lifestyle of passionate worship really an option for New Testament believers? Why or why not?

Abundant Jesus

What is the abundant life?

As a young believer I was taught to define “abundant life” as abundance of material possessions. I have to admit that it was comforting to be told that God wanted me to bless me and prosper me. In contrast, much of what I had heard preached from mainline pulpits in this regard didn’t sound like good news to me. So when I heard some Bible teachers talk of a God who wanted to bless and prosper me, supply all my needs and add abundance to my life, it was a welcome message.

Unfortunately in today’s world it is common practice to handle truth, especially in the area of religious faith, as if we were going through a buffet line. I’ll decide what I like, what I hope is true, or what I can wrap my brain around. Then I’ll proceed happily on my way believing that what I hope is true, is true for me.

If we handled physical truth in this way the folly would be obvious. The one who jumped off a cliff for example would not be borne aloft simply because he didn’t believe in gravity. But when dealing with truth that is unseen it's easy to deceive ourselves.

So often when we read the Bible we are unaware of our personal frame of reference. My reading of John 10:10 focused on the word "abundant" but Jesus as it turns out focused on the word "life."

I enjoy the fact that Jesus is always careful to define, and at times redefine the words He uses. As I was meditating on John 10:10 the other day the Spirit began to walk me through some other “life” verses.

"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life." John 6:63

“When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Col. 3:4

“Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

As we consider the question of defining abundant life we must remember that the one who spoke of abundant life Himself had nowhere to lay his head. He’d left His throne in glory and then called us to come and follow Him.

It also stands to reason that if anyone lived the abundant life, it was the apostle Paul. Yet he was beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned, stoned and left for dead. Yet Paul laid claim to a vital kingdom building principle: learning contentment whether experiencing material abundance or material lack.

Jesus himself challenged the idea that abundant life was synonymous with material wealth. “Then he (Jesus) said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15

So what is the abundant life? You’ve probably figured it out by now. Let’s look at an equation of two profound spiritual truths.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

When you add "I come that they might have abundant life" + "Jesus said He is the life" you discover that Abundant Life = Abundant Jesus.

In my personal experience I’ve found that abundant life is abundant Jesus. Abundant Life is a person, not a material lifestyle. When I apply this truth to my material possessions I find that…

God will bless me with…
…the things that will enable my growth and maturity in Christ (both good and bad).
…the things that will help advance His larger Kingdom agenda.

The Worship Leading Choir

A few years back I embarked on a journey that would distinctly change my life and challenge the direction of my ministry. Everywhere I turned (and I turned a lot of places) growing churches were opting to cancel their choir (and instrumental) programs. Newly planted churches were choosing to go with a praise band only. Many traditional churches with long histories of choral music were shrinking and even closing their doors.

Ironically, although growing churches spoke a great deal about discovering your gifts, then using them to glorify God, without a choir (or larger instrumental groups), in many settings only a small percentage of select musicians had this opportunity. I had to believe God had a better plan.

Surprisingly, on every hand I also saw God moving mightily in the area of Biblical worship, birthing an intense desire for passionate worship among His people. As I continued to pray and seek God it became clear to me that the problem wasn't choir as a concept. It was more how it functioned that was at issue.

Most churches (and colleges) are familiar with choirs as performing organizations. Yet as I searched God's Word, try as I might, nowhere could I find a performance model of a choir. What I did find in God's Word were choirs and instrumental groups whose sole responsibility was 1) to worship God and 2) to lead others in worship. God was the audience, the choir and musicians were the prompters, and the congregation were the actors, as it were, responding in worship.

When this realization began to sink in, it changed my perspective significantly. I decided to embark on a six month research sabbatical. As I traveled the country I was looking for churches that were growing, contemporary, evangelistic, yet still had choir as a centerpiece. And every time I found one, I found a new (or rather very old) paradigm; a worship leading choir!

My friend Dave Williamson of Worship Leading Choirs International contrasts this very Biblical concept of the choir with more traditional models...

The worship leading choir...
...is not primarily about performance; it is primarily about worship.
...is not about being slick, it is about passion.
...is not about acquaintanceship; it is about family.
...is not about momentary emotion; it is about eternal significance.
...is not about competition; it is about servanthood.
...doesn't view talent as primary; it does view character and faithfulness as primary.

As I continued to explore the whole idea of a worship leading choir, the Lord has allowed me some wonderful experiences. During my sabbatical I "happened" upon one of the most dynamic worship leading choirs, right in my own back yard. It was at Riverside Baptist in Denver, Colorado. Their amazing director, Joel Allen, invited me to join their choir (when I was not traveling) and observe it from the inside out.

At my first rehearsal the choir president welcomed me. As we sat down he proceeded to tell me that the main point of their choir wasn't the music, it was brokenness. He proceeded to share how, through a series of trials within their ministry god had knit them into a family of worshippers. A refreshing perspective, to say the least. That Christmas I was blessed to participate in a nationally televised concert with the Riverside Choir and a CD project entitled Hope Has Come, featuring artists Geron Davis and Kindred Souls.

A few summers back I had the opportunity to be part of a live recording project at Saddleback Church. Worship Leader/Song Writer Tommy Walker recruited 125 worship pastors to fly in early to Saddleback's annual worship conference, to form a mass choir for his CD project, Breakthrough. It was an amazing experience with 125 worship pastors in the choir and 4,000 worship pastors in the audience!

But I must say my most formative and transforming experience was as director of the choir at First Free Church in Rockford, Illinois. Over the last five years we have come miles in our understanding and experience of what it means to lead others in worship and adoration of the Living God. In that context we have not only been able to record two CD projects, but have had the honor of leading worship alongside artists such as Geron Davis, Dave Williamson, Charles Billingsley, Steve Green and Sandi Patty, among others.

The following Thoughts for Worship Leading Musicians were pounded out in the crucible of experience (though a few are borrowed from my friend Joel Allen!).

Thoughts for Worship Leading Musicians

1. Don't just rehearse the music, rehearse the worship!

2. A song will never mean more to the people than it means to you.

3. God transforms us as we are committed to spending time in daily worship.

4. As you sing and play, don't forget to engage your heart!

5. Don't let people just sit there! Draw them in!

6. Your depth of expression is a reflection of your testimony and witness.

7. A life of obedience is the foundation of passionate worship.

8. God expects us to be committed to "cleaning the inside of the cup."

9. Worship without passion is a contradiction in terms.

10. Take the message of each song we sing and make it personal.

11. God expects us to fulfill His command to forgive as we have been forgiven.

12. What will it cost you to convey this song with total authenticity?

13. There is nothing worse than a boring choir!

14. God's worth remain constant, regardless of how we are feeling on a particular day.

15. God challenges us to walk in humility, seeking the last place.

16. Our goal is to turn passive observers into active participants.

17. God is the audience, we are the prompters, the congregation, the actors.

18. Our calling is to help facilitate a Throne Room Encounter.

19. Not just a worship ministry, but a ministry of worshipers.

20 God blesses us as we are committed to lives of servanthood.

Today many contemporary churches are beginning to rediscover the concept of the choir, including some of the fastest growing and largest in the country. In many settings, having a choir is an entirely new concept. However, this time the emphasis is not performance, but worship.

How to Deal with Spiritual Crisis

featured article on www.ministryLIVE.org

“Which is the best response in the midst of a crisis; to begin to worship or to stand on the word?” To be honest, this question from my brother confused me a bit, partly because I had never considered there to be a dichotomy between holding fast to God’s word and praising him in the midst of trial. But beyond this was a more subtle question. Does the proper response in the midst of a crisis ensure our deliverance?

Those who emphasize standing on the word point to passages such as Joshua 1:8

This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you might be careful to do according to all that is written in it.…for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8.

In a similar fashion many turn to 2 Chronicles 20 when teaching on praising God in the midst of trials. Three armies were coming against God's people. As King Jehoshaphat and the people sought the Lord they said, "We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on You." God assured them that "The battle is not yours, but the Lords. Stand and see the salvation of God." The next day, as they went to the battle field, they placed the singers in front of the army, where they began singing praises to God, "For His mercies endure forever." As they sang, God began to route their enemies and they began destroying one another.

A similar example is found in Acts 16. Paul and Silas had walked in radical obedience to God, yet in spite of this they found themselves beaten, imprisoned and apparently forsaken. How did they respond? They began to lift up hymns of praise. At midnight, in the midst of their praise, God sent an earthquake and delivered them.

Based on these and other examples, many believe that by definition praise is an opportunity to express their faith in God's power, when facing life's challenges. Just as Job prayed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 13:15).

We note in each of these examples that both praise and worship and standing on God’s word are central. In fact there is a strong Biblical precedence for proclaiming God's mighty deeds in the midst of trial, as a means of bolstering faith and giving Him glory. David practiced this throughout the Psalms (set to music), as did Stephen when he was on trial in Acts 7.

Many who teach on speaking or singing the word also see these responses as a means of spiritual warfare. In these discussions they point to Paul's statement…

"We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of this present world, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12)

From this perspective praise and prayer are seen as closely related. One example is Daniel who prayed for 21 days before an angel arrived in response to his cry (Dan. 10). The angel declared that, though he was sent the moment Daniel began to pray, he was delayed in battle with heavenly forces. The implication being that Daniel's faithful intercessory prayers were instrumental in his victory.

It is important to balance this discussion and understand that nowhere in the Bible does it state that our praise controls, releases or forces God's hand. I guarantee to you that Paul and Silas’ motivation for praising the Lord from prison was not that by praising God they would ensure their deliverance. Rather it was a passionate love for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Yes, God responded by delivering them, but what about Steven and James?

The reality is that God delights in the praises of His children. As a result it’s true that, in His sovereignty God often chooses to affirm and move in the context of His praising people. It’s also true, as in Stephen's case, that at times deliverance and victory may not be fully achieved until we have passed this life. Just as with Stephen and the saints in Hebrews 11, at times the fullness of God's promises may not be fully realized until after death.

However this is no way reduces our reason to praise His name! One would have to have a very limited, temporal perspective to call this bad news. Sacrificial worship indeed is laying up treasures for the life to come.

“For eye has not seen no ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love Him!” (1 Cor. 2:9)

“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.” (Jas. 1:12)

Consider Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. When faced with a firey furnace, note their response.

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Dan. 3:17-18

I submit that worshiping God and standing on His word is always the right choice; a way of expressing our unwavering faith in Him. I also submit that God will respond by implementing His unique and sovereign will in each circumstance. Praise puts me in my proper place and God in His. And that’s a good place to be.

In closing, I come back the original question. I am reminded of the verse in Revelation 12:11 that states that "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death."

My Soul Thirsts for Thee

“My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,
In a dry and weary land where there is no water.” (Ps. 63:1)

For years I have read this verse and marveled at David’s passion for God. How he draws such a beautiful analogy, comparing God with water and the condition of his soul with a parched and arid desert. What a spiritual giant David was! O, to have that depth of spiritual desire!

However, not long ago I woke up on morning around 3:30 a.m. with a completely new thought concerning this passage. My soul thirsts for Thee. What if, instead of simply proclaiming his passion for God, David had received a greater understanding concerning the true nature of the appetites in his heart and life?

We know that ultimately the deep longings of our soul has only one true source of satisfaction. My soul thirsts for Thee. After testing many avenues, had David come to a greater realization of what his heart had truly been yearning for all along?

Think about it. Often, when our hearts are denied love, fulfillment, significance; we experience an emptiness; a hollowness in our souls. The thing we really yearn for is not all the failed substitutes our flesh may turn to. What we truly hunger and yearn for is God, Himself. Jesus is the Living Water we thirst for in a dry and weary land.

“Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" (Jn. 7:37-38)

So, if God Himself is the One we truly hunger for, why would not we, as David, live in constant awareness of this intense hunger? My guess is that, much like Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes, our flesh teaches us early in life to experiment with a variety of substitutes. As children our natural desire for God is often pure and unfettered. Yet over the years the temptation of worldly substitutes can serve to deaden and muffle the natural cry of our heart for the Living God.

Jeremiah notes the natural inclination of the human heart. In Jeremiah 2:13 we read,

“My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

It is this fleshly process that can effectively harden our heart and deafen our ears. Sadly, over time, the passionate love God originally planted in our heart may recede to a faint echo. That is why a sudden crisis or tragedy can often serve to awaken this inner need. It is when we are starved of counterfeits that our true hunger can once again emerge.

What if we called an all-out fast on anything that might dull our hunger for God? What if we starved ourselves of any influence or distraction or substitute that might dull our natural thirst for Him? Isn’t it time we rejected our self-made cisterns; broken cisterns that can hold no water, and exchange our counterfeits for the Living Water. My soul thirsts for Thee.