I put a lot of work into my sermons. I love public speaking, and I always feel honored when people take time to listen to me. Last week I head a message on-line by Francis Chan (picture above), a pastor in California. He seemed to be coming back from vacation and was addressing his church for the first time. The opening words have really affected me. He in essence told them, “I have been praying for you this summer, does that mean something to you? Or am I just the guy who speaks to you once a week.” Francis went on to say, “I am starting to realize that my prayers for you are more powerful than my speaking.”
These statements are really sticking with me right now. As a pastor, my speaking means so much because I have access to the most people during one time period. In addition to this, as a minister I am judged and evaluated primarily by my speaking. This reality causes me to put speaking as the supreme priority, but Francis’ words have reminded me that prayer is the pinnacle of my call.
God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times – Romans 1:9-10
1 comment:
Thanks for telling me about Chan, Jackie. I never realized the connection between "Jackie" and "Chan"
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