A Culture of Believing Prayer and Intercession

by Conference Minister Ron Hamilton

In a complex world it is often the simple things that provide the greatest challenge. I have found that to be true in my life, and understand that there is no greater challenge to my spiritual growth than the simple words of 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Pray constantly. Other familiar versions read, Pray without ceasing. These words are followed by the teaching, Give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This helps us understand that we are to make prayer a part of the fiber of our lives and pray in every circumstance of life.

We believe that the Lord has called us to develop a culture of believing prayer and intercession in the Conference. This is a core value that drives the ministry of the CCCC in this generation and is the foundation of all that we do together. The Biblical basis for this outcome includes these words:

“The Church is to come before Him continually with spiritual sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:15), the sacrifice of our own lives (Romans 12:1), and fervent intercession for one another and for His Kingdom to come in this world (1 Peter 5:7; James 5:13–18; Matthew 9:36–38).”

The starting point of developing a culture of prayer and intercession is the daily lives of our pastors and their families. We are challenged to begin each day with prayer and include prayer in all of the activities of our lives. Husbands and wives should pray together and teach their children how to pray. Families are strengthened as they pray over their relationships, their schedules and activities, their finances, and all of their plans.

Prayer then extends to our life together as the Body of Christ. Church prayer must go far beyond a part of the order of worship and an agenda item in our business meetings. Prayer becomes the source of strength for a church as groups gather for prayer on a regular basis. The plans of a church honor the Lord when church leaders make prayer a regular part of their business and decision-making processes. Church ministry is made effective as members pray over their programs and works of outreach.

We then gather as members of the Conference and join together in prayer. Our leaders support each other as they pray together and seek God’s wisdom for the life and ministry of the Conference. Pastors gathered in fellowship and community pray for each other and ask God to strengthen and guide their lives, their families and their ministries. Our public gatherings are characterized by times of sincere prayer and intercession.

We have built prayer into the core and fiber of the ministries of the CCCC. Our Conference Care ministry focuses on prayerfully supporting our pastors and church leaders. Our Church Development ministry emphasizes that prayer is the first priority for a church that wants to refocus its ministry. Our mission of Church Multiplication is driven by prayer for our planters and the mission field that they are reaching.

It’s a simple but profound truth, “Pray constantly!”