“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV
Jim Cymbala is the pastor of Brooklyn Tabernacle Church in New York. The church has over 16,000 members and 6,000 people regularly flock to the services. There are so many people that the church now has four services to accommodate the growing spiritual family.
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is internationally known. They’ve won four Grammy Awards and launched the careers of dozens of singers.
But if you looked back at the church decades ago, you wouldn’t see some dazzling success. Instead, you’d find a humble man by the name of Jim Cymbala. He wasn’t a pastor, and he didn’t go to seminary school.
The church services weren’t filled with people. In fact, the church had a membership of fewer than 20 people. The congregation couldn’t even afford the mortgage for the building they had purchased.
So what’s the secret of their success? According to Jim, it’s simple: prayer. In his book, Jim talks about the church’s prayer program and how they pray for people around the world. They pray around the clock for the needs of others and for their own needs, never ceasing to seek God.
Prayer:
Lord, fill me with a desire for You! Turn me into a prayer warrior and show me how to intercede for others. Let me take every need and want to Your Throne. In Jesus’ name, Amen.