"Ministry" means different things to people who possess unique callings and various gifts.

For some, the call to ministry means a call to preach, to teach or to visit the sick. For others, "ministry" might mean to lead worship, to teach a Sunday school class or to counsel others.

"Ministry" can be translated into writing songs, publishing books, or even sharing one's faith in the marketplace.

However, for a vast majority of people, the term "ministry" simply means to pray. Prayer emphatically can hold a life-long call to ministry.

Ministry is not always standing in front of people every Sunday nor does it equal being the man or woman of God in charge of a megachurch or of a country chapel. Oftentimes the most effective and life-changing ministry is staying on one's knees.

The call to minister primarily through prayer is a serious call, a valid service and requires a lifetime commitment. Often we mistakenly believe that the primary call of ministry must include preaching in front of a congregation or making spiritual decisions that impact a large group of people.

Is your ministry simply a ministry of prayer? Have you been called to a lifetime of service on your knees? 

The ministry of prayer can move more mountains than long-winded preaching is able to move.

The ministry of prayer can heal more broken lives than can expensive events.

I believe that prayer is able to usher the presence of God into situations and events more effectively than can never-ending meetings.

The hand of God is moved by men and women of God who are devoted to prayer.

"Continue in prayer, and be watchful with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2).

Of all of the ministry activities, events, preparations, meetings, visits and appointments that we find ourselves devoted to, the most important devotion we embrace must be a devotion to prayer.

What exactly is prayer? Prayer is not worrying on your knees nor is it an opportunity to twist God's arm on a matter.

Prayer is talking to God. Prayer is worshipping God. Prayer is listening to God. Prayer is an appointment with God.

Prayer is hanging out with the King of the universe! And never forget that you have His full and undivided attention!

Prayer is snuggling into all that He is and resting in that place. Prayer is aligning oneself with the will and counsel of God Almighty. Prayer is calling on the name of God.

Prayer is discovering the will of God in the Word of God and then reminding Him of what He has already promised.

Prayer is ministry.

Never think that if you are called to be an intercessor that it is a "less-than" ministry or a minor contribution to the kingdom of God today.

Seas are parted when people pray! Loaves and fish are multiplied when people pray! Chains are loosed and others are set free when people pray! Minds, bodies and relationships are healed when a warrior prays!

Prayer is able to raise dead ideas and long-lost destiny from the grave of frustration! Demons run and the plans of the enemy are frustrated when God's people pray!

The will of God is ushered into the atmosphere of earth when people pray!

What greater ministry could there be than all of that?

Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written five books: No More Ordinary, Holy Estrogen!, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart and Defiant Joy! Her most recent book, Refined: Finding Joy in the Midst of the Fire, will be released on Aug. 1. Her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman's Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. 

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