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By Ryan E. Faison, M.Div. (Student Ministries Pastor, Christ Church)
In our culture today, we have countless influencers and those making an impact on the broader society. Whether in the marketplace of entertainment, commerce, or ideas, influencers are serving as a stimulus for brands and initiatives that need greater exposure. Oftentimes, influencers must adapt to the constant growing trends that get the attention of an audience. With a world often consumed with follows, likes, and mentions, there’s a generation wanting for something more – with a greater impact than the latest craze.
Fads fade. The new “hot trend” will soon become cold. The constant chase for the new thing only ends in relentless frustration. Could it be that our generation is not looking for what’s next but what’s now? Could it be that our generation is looking for that which is beyond their experiences, intellect and circle? Akin to generations before, there are many young people who want to make an impact that lasts. Quite often, this craving pivots to the conversation of faith in God and its consequences to our current climate.
As a pastor and professor, I’m constantly asked how one person can make a generational impact. As a person of faith, I must first answer with one word – “prayer”. Prayer is beyond words. It’s an opportunity to connect with God – sharing your heart and hearing His. While I have found great benefits in engaging in the social media landscape, I find greater satisfaction and fulfillment in experiencing God answer prayer. I’ve discovered that one of the greatest impacts I can have on my generation is to engage in the devotion and discipline of prayer.
In prayer, I bring the concerns and affairs of our society to God. Whether directly or indirectly affected, the responsibility to lift up the burdens and challenges of others is a privilege and great honor. Our prayers should be coupled with faith, believing we will see what we’re praying for. This mindset and disposition demands a fighting attitude. Like a boxer in the ring, a protester fighting for a cause or a debater making a strong argument, our prayer life should contend for the promises of God for our generation.
Jude 3 puts it this way:
“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation. I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” (New International Version)
To contend means to engage. We cannot engage on the sidelines of life. We cannot engage without knowing who we are and whose we are. We cannot engage until we know our full authority in Christ. This contending attitude is most important in our prayer life -- looking to God for strategy, insight and revelation for a generation.
The notion of “thoughts and prayers” have received a bad connotation. And in many cases, this is valid criticism. Too often, the statement tends to represent a politically correct, passive response to real issues affecting our generation and our world. The criticism of those responding with “thoughts and prayers” is mostly due to the lack of inaction after we’ve prayed. We serve a living God with an active faith, intended to make a tangible impact right where we are. The onus is not on God. He’s ready to respond. The responsibility is on us to have the courage of conviction to obey His Word and follow His strategy.
This is primarily why we, at Christ Church, are hosting Prayerfest 2019 and our theme is “Impacting Our Generation Through Prayer.” This event on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 9 AM to 3 PM takes place at our Christ Church West Campus in Rockaway, NJ. Hosted by our lead pastor Dr. David Ireland, we welcome the presence of God, our featured guests Dr. A.R. Bernard (Christian Cultural Center) and David & Nicole Binion (Dwell Church), and thousands praying and interceding for our generation. It would be our honor to welcome you as we apply our faith and believe God for answered prayers!
It doesn’t take the most discerning eyes to see that our generation is struggling. Their challenged by the things they see with their natural eyes – chaos, destruction, sexism, racism, inequity, immorality and a nagging sense of apathy. As we build up on own faith in prayer, let’s show a generation what faith on display looks like! God knows our generation better than we do. Rather than striving to find the next strategy or the next big thing that will appeal to our generation, let’s seek God in prayer for wisdom. He invites our prayers. Let’s invite His presence.
ABOUT PASTOR RYAN
Ryan E. Faison, M.Div. is the Student Ministries Pastor at Christ Church in Montclair and Rockaway, New Jersey. Ryan serves as a worship leader, preacher, conference/retreat speaker and producer of such events as Prayerfest (a national annual prayer festival). Ryan teaches as an adjunct professor at Pillar College, focused on biblical education and leadership.
IG/Twitter: @RyanFaison | www.RyanFaison.com
LEARN MORE
Discover more about Prayerfest at www.Prayerfest.net and its host, Christ Church, at www.ChristChurchUSA.org.