Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life, providing a direct line of communication with God. It is a powerful tool that can help us find peace, guidance and strength in times of need. The Bible offers a number of encouraging words of the benefits of prayer. In Matthew 7:7, Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” This verse reminds us of the importance of prayer and the promise that God will answer our requests if we come to him in faith. It’s in the pursuit that God refreshes the soul.
Here’s another encourage Scripture in Psalm 42:1-2, where the Psalmist writes, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” The deep longing that we should have for God and the desire to be refreshed in his presence is illuminated through these verses. Just as a deer longs for water to quench its thirst, we should long for the refreshing presence of God through prayer.
As we pray and gather on Friday, July 28, 2023 for Prayerfest, may these verses and those like it keep us anchored in this liberating truth: God wants to refresh us! When we are refreshed in His Presence, we gain strength to obey His will, fresh passion to pursue His purpose for our lives and share the Gospel to as many people as we can. Over the years, when I attend and plan events like Prayerfest, I’m keenly aware that God is inviting me to draw closer in relationship. God invites you to do the same.
As we seek God’s presence through prayer, we can find refreshing for our souls and the strength to live a fruitful life. Let us take the time to come before God in prayer, seeking His will for our lives and trusting in His promises to answer our requests. As we do so, we will experience the joy and peace that comes from being refreshed in His presence.
Rev. Ryan E. Faison, M.Div. is the Student Ministries Pastor at Christ Church in Montclair & Rockaway, NJ, providing leadership and oversight to the Children’s, Teen, College & Young Adults ministries. His ministry includes serving as a worship leader, an independent worship artist with his first single release, “Your Will in Me” and member of the preaching team. Ryan also serves as an event producer, leading the effort in national events such as Prayerfest, hosted annually.
Ryan is a graduate of Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ) as a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science. Ryan also holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Nyack Alliance Theological Seminary (Nyack, New York). Ryan serves as an adjunct professor at Pillar College, teaching theology, biblical and organizational leadership courses. Ryan serves on several boards including BASIC College Ministries (Rochester, NY). Ryan and his wife Kristyn serve in the worship ministries locally and regionally.
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Website: http://www.RyanFaison.com