Renewal through prayer

"Renewal through Prayer" was the topic of Monday morning's sermon, given by Victor Wall, moderator of the German Paraguay conference.

"History is silent about any great revivals that do not begin with prayer," he began. Repentance, a change in lifestyle, the impact of that lifestyle on society, and a new evangelistic zeal are integral to renewals. In order for renewal to take place, "we need to pray biblically." Biblical prayer is comprehensive and complete, more than simply venting our hearts to God. Wall called MBs to take their lead from Scripture, using the Psalms and the Lord's Prayer as examples. Prayer relates us to God and others, transforms us, and reveals the purposes of God.

Wall pointed out that Mennonite Brethren today can learn much from their Anabaptist and Mennonite Brethren forebears. They were a "people of the way", who believed and followed the way of the Scripture. They also lived a communal spirituality. "Renewal outside of, above or alongside the church will not have the continuity which it could have," Wall cautioned. Wall also noted that the early forebears were a peacemaking community. He lamented that MBs today are not as faithful to this biblical principle, "for we know that a relationship with Jesus and a relationship with our brother have a lot to do with one another." Wall also noted that early Anabaptists and MBs were missionary oriented, giving their lives for the gospel.

"Dear brothers and sisters," Wall concluded, "let's pray for renewal, that we will be able to be a movement like we have seen in the early church, in our early fathers…a community authentic, spiritual and ready to confront this world." CA

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