Prayer in the Cell Church

joelby Joel Comiskey

Karen Hurston, the missionary who worked with David Cho and wrote a book on Cho’s church, once said to me, “Cells are simply the conduit of the Spirit of God. they have no power in and of themselves.” The longer I walk on my cell journey, the more I believe Karen’s words. Karen observed this truth first hand at Yoido Full Gospel Church.

When I studied Yoido Full Gospel Church I was amazed at the power of prayer. Korean believers dedicate themselves to prayer and then reach out through cell ministry. In my cell church research, the number one principle in growing cell churches was the commitment to prayer.  I tell pastors to start with the prayer meeting before the first pilot group of a  transition or planting their first cell of a church plant.

When we transitioned our church in Ecuador we weren’t prioritizing prayer. Yet, as we began to visit growing cell churches around the world, we realized we had to change. We started a monthly day of prayer that eventually turned into a weekly day of prayer. If you’d like to know more about what we did, click here. At Wellspring, our church plant in Moreno Valley, we pray as a church on Thursday night and have a half-night prayer once per month. Of course, cells also emphasize prayer, but I believe that chuch-wide prayer is essential.

I agree with Charles Spurgeon when he said, “How can we expect a blessing if we are too idle to ask for it? How can we look for a Pentecost if we never meet with one another, in one place, to wait upon the Lord? Brethren, we shall never see much change for the better in our churches till the prayer meeting occupies a higher place in the esteem of Christians” (Spurgeon, C. H. 1996. A collection of Sermons).

I’m writing this blog on Easter Sunday. It’s a day to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Jesus is alive to answer prayer, especially when we come together to seek His face.  Jesus Himself said, ““Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20).

Comments?

Joel

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