Much prayer, much power! Little prayer, little power

Most Christians believe in and practice prayer. We have prayer lists at home and church. Prayer chains that are activated by phone or email get the “word” out as quickly as possible.

At Southridge Baptist Church, a new (not really “new” but new to us) method came about at a men’s breakfast early one Thursday morning. Joe Dayringer led the meeting and encouraged the men to pray for me, as the new pastor, and they agreed. Someone made a suggestion that our prayer be specific and while daily prayer was good, perhaps a prayer team each day would be a way to pray for me. Someone found the story of holding up Moses’ hands in Exodus 17 and read it. Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands, while the battle raged in the valley below. When Moses’ hands dropped, the enemy defeated the Israelites. However, when Moses’ hands were held high, the Israelites defeated the Amalekites.

Someone suggested an “Aaron and Hur” prayer team for me, every day of the week. Fourteen men would be given the specific assignment of holding my hands up in prayer – two men each day of the week. On the spot, almost half of the “slots” were taken by the men in the meeting. Within a short time the entire list was completed.

Now, daily I attempt to send an early morning email to the “Aaron and Hur” prayer team. Included in that email are praises and prayers, so they can know how to pray specifically for me. Requests usually begin with “That I be “clean and close” to the Lord,” and include additional pastoral or personal requests (with no more than five requests).

One man tells me that he prints the prayer list and carries it in his pocket, praying for me during the day. What a blessing that is!

When temptations come during the day, or when doubts arise, or when the enemy throws the “kitchen sink” at me, and when I remember my “Aaron and Hur,” victory is more than possible because of the prayers of faith. I’m profoundly grateful for these two prayer warriors who everyday pray for me. And pray for me often during the day!

Since the development of a personal “Aaron and Hur” prayer time, 14 men have been enlisted to be prayer partners for our Associate Pastor Reuben Phelps. And, recently, the prayer team for our Director of Missions Calvin Brown, was completed from pastors and laymen in Concord Baptist Association.

“Aaron and Hur” prayer teams have the privilege to help others stay strong in the fight. We know the battle belongs to the Lord, and it is always His strength that keeps us strong. The privilege, the responsibility and the accountability that comes from being a part of a prayer team is awesome!

Praying for others is something we believe in and practice. Thank God for prayer warriors. (Ron Zamkus is senior pastor of Southridge Baptist Church, Jefferson City, and can be reached at ron@southridgechurch.org.)