"This 20-80 law (discovered by Uilfredo Pareto, the Italian economist) can be applied to intercessors in a local church.
However, my research shows that more than likely the vital few intercessors are something like 5 percent of the church members in the average congregation provide 80 percent of the meaningful intercession.
I am fully aware that a statement like this can rub some the wrong way for several reasons.
Some will say that it should not be true and that larger numbers of Christians should do the praying.
Others will say that the 95 percent who do only 20 percent of the intercession are not 'trivial.' I can only agree with the above.
Nevertheless, given appropriate disclaimers, my guess is that it is just as true in your church as it is in Mine.
Only a rather small number of the church members are recognized by themselves and by others in the congregation as outstanding pray-ers.
The late Waymon Rodgers, who pastored a large church in Kentucky, told the story of a man in his church coming up to him and saying, 'I want the keys to the church. I would like to pray in the church.'
When Rodgers told him that the church was open every day at 8:00 A. M., the man responded, 'I used to get up and go to work at 4:30 A. M. Since I have retired, I want to give that time to prayer and fasting.'
As any pastor knows, it would be a big mistake to say to the congregation, 'If he can do it, anyone can do it,' and attempt to force every church member to pray from 4:00 to 7:00 every morning.
It is much more realistic to recognize that man as one of the vital few when it comes to the prayer ministry of the church.
Who are these vital few? They are the people who have the gift of intercession."
Today’s post - The Vital Few, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 40, 41) By Regal Books
The next post is to be 8/1, Understanding Spiritual Gifts, from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD.
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Today, my book, "Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse" is FREE on Kindle!
Let’s pray: Father, may we be found faithful in supporting our spiritual leaders in prayer daily. Move on us to pray from time to time throughout the day. Bring to mind each of them, so we can breathe a prayer for them and their families. Make us aware of the need to keep them in our prayers, as they are human too, and need Your help. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.
Today’s Bible
verse: 2 Chron. 6:14 "And said, O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like thee in heaven, nor in the earth; which keepeth covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee wth all their hearts."
Today’s quote:
Another good quote: Our Daily Bread – “Character is the sum total of all our thoughts, words, and deeds.”
Another good quote: Our Daily Bread – “Character is the sum total of all our thoughts, words, and deeds.”
Our thought today: Members gather on purpose to seek God, to see Him move in their midst, and to hear His Word shared by leaders in their church.
Tomorrow’s post: The Basic Principle of Prosperity Dr. Charles Stanley
A popular post: Lessons from 3 Men and a Frog: Prayer Note #88 Tenacity is important.
A popular post: Lessons from 3 Men and a Frog: Prayer Note #88 Tenacity is important.
Samples of Jean's crafts & craft blanks
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Today, my book is free on Kindle!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/ Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse my book with new title and cover for women contemplating marriage.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DP77URG/ Kindle addition
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