As we approach Father’s Day, I believe this is the appropriate time to discuss what happens when men pray. In the second chapter of First Timothy, Paul encourages a prayer to be the answer; the expected results are an atmosphere conducive to Christian discipleship and a demonstration of fruitful evangelism. In the second half of the chapter, Paul addresses first the men and then the women about issues specific to each gender. Paul spoke specifically to the men about the matter of prayer; it seems he didn’t need to raise it with the women. Sounds familiar to what happens in the body of Christ now perhaps? Or was this just an issue in Paul’s day?

Paul stated “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1 Timothy 2:8 KJV) He tells us that men should pray everywhere and anywhere. I am reminded, in the book of James, that when men pray there is power and authority. James tells us that “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:13-16 KJV)

Let us look especially close to the b section of James 5:16, James tells us that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16b KJV) When a righteous man prays there is effective power that God delivers through the Holy Spirit working through the man.
In most churches in America and maybe across the world there are way more women in church than men. That does not mean the men are to sit back and let the women lead out in every facet of ministry. It is not time for men to be passive church members. It is time for men to take leadership positions. Not leadership positions in the church but a leadership position in pray. I challenge every man to pray 15 minutes more a day, then 30 minutes, then an hour, then two hours, and so on. I believe if you add more prayer to your life you are guaranteed to see the power of Jesus change your life and the lives of your family members forever.

Remember, never stop praying men! Paul tells us that in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. He commands us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)

So I tell you again men and everybody for that fact, pray without ceasing!

Thanking you for reading another Bishop’s Buzz. A buzz is not a buzz unless you share it!

God Bless,
Bishop Adam Blackstock