The Kentucky Baptist Convention would not exist without churches. The health of our local churches will inevitably effect the health of our state convention and even the national convention. I know no better way to keep our convention healthy and our churches healthy outside of prayer meetings.

Here’s 5 reasons why every KBC church needs to have an active prayer meeting.

1. Jesus tells us that God’s house is to be a house of prayer (Matthew 21:13). Prayer is not absent from our local churches. Some would argue that we already have enough prayer in our congregations, but the truth is we are severely lacking in this area. We may pray before the offering and before the service, but are we collectively crying out to God together? I would suggest a special service be set apart just for praying.

2. Prayer requests deserve to be prayed over. Many times we collect names for our prayer list but we never actually pray for them. We may spend 10-20 minutes collecting names only to then pray a prayer that does not specifically mention the requests offered. James tells us if anyone is sick they should call upon the church to pray for them (James 5:14-15).

3. We may be lacking resources or revival because we are not praying. Again, James tell us that we have not because we ask not (James 4:2). The Lord will provide our needs but he waits for us to offer them. James would also say that we have not because our motives are wrong so we need to pray for things that are within God’s will. When this happens, we will experience God’s provision.

4. Our missionaries need our churches to pray for them. We are so grateful for our missionaries that are serving all across the world because of the International Mission Board and North American Board, and they need us to pray for them. Missionaries face many challenges that will attempt to hinder the gospel. Paul would urge all churches to pray for God’s word to go forth (1 Timothy 2:1-3) and I encourage all KBC churches to pray for our missionaries.

5. Churches may die if they don’t pray. This is a sad reality but a real one. Without a vital connection to the Holy Spirit, churches may lose their candle stick. Churches that return to their first love will experience a dynamic power within their congregations (Revelation 2:4).

I challenge you to begin a prayer service in your church. Invite people to prayer, call on the Lord, wait on the Lord, and lead your church in the value of prayer.

Kenny Rager is a Kentucky Baptist Convention church planter of Life Community Baptist Church in Owensboro and is currently first vice president of the KBC.