Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere (Ephesians 6:18, NLT).

There are many ideal habits within our faith but none more important than prayer. Without it we fast for mere discipline, celebrate in excess (or not at all), study God’s word for information, and attend church as if it were only a social club. Prayer is the conversation between us and God. It is the vital form of communication that attends to both the heart and the head. It is central to praise and petition, gratitude and giving, and imitation and intimacy. We know and love God when we spend time in prayer; likewise, we know and love one another when we hold each other up in persistent prayer.

As you can see there are thirteen Church of God congregations in Central California. Each church needs our prayers. As part of the body of Christ, we are privileged through the death and resurrection of Jesus to be united with a heavenly home and a heavenly mission. We are saved and being sanctified. We are ready for eternity but called to the task at hand. We are situated in particular locations and part of the Kingdom of God. This gives us opportunity to pray for ourselves, our families, our community, and the churches in the Central Valley.

This summer, make it a good habit to pray for one another. Save this list of churches and be reminded that your not alone and that you too are being prayed for throughout the months to come. Share the list with others so that we may all encourage one another to spend time with God. He hears our prayers and lovingly responds in His own way. Let’s do what we can on our end. Let’s pray.