How do you make a room full of Christians, especially ministers, feel guilty?

Mention prayer.

With that in mind, the 2013 Ministry Intensive gathered hundreds of christian workers together at St Andrew’s Cathedral to study, and practise, prayer (the first of the four-fold policies of Sydney Diocese) .

“Our christian life, our prayer life, is a preparation for the life of heaven, for the life that we will live in eternity with God” Anglican theologian and historian Gerald Bray told the crowd. “We need to get on that wavelength now - so that when it comes, we can fit into it” he said.

Mr Bray admits Christians don’t avail themselves of the power of prayer as much as they should. “We don’t, I don’t think anyone does. I certainly don’t. I’m under conviction myself even as I’m speaking.” 

But why are most people are guilty for their lack of prayerfulness?

Mr Bray says “That’s because we are flesh and blood. Our concentration is limited , our whole sense of priorities and way of thinking - and that’s the message I’m trying to get across. We have to think differently”.

Also speaking at the one day intensive organised by Ministry Training and Development (MT and D) was Mark Dever, the senior pastor of Capital Hill Baptist in Washington DC.

Dr Dever believes personal modelling can help.  “I had a great professor at seminary called Christy Wilson. When I mentioned something to him that needed prayer he would immediately stop what he was doing and pray right then for that, out loud, with you. It was a wonderful practice and always stood as a good monument in  my life and memory to try to turn frequently to the Lord in prayer.” Dr Dever said.

Among the crowd was a group of four from the Church of England in South Africa. Led by the Presiding Bishop of CESA, Desmond Inglesby, the group will tour Moore College and will be present for the inauguration of Archbishop Glenn Davies on Friday.

The Director of MT and D, Bishop Peter Hayward says the intensive was significant as the first in the series working through the diocesan policies. Prayer, he says, is fundamental. “It’s the starting point. It's our launching point for how we relate to God and our dependance on him. Without prayer we end up in world where we control everyone and ourselves” Bishop Hayward said.

(main photo: Dr Mark Dever makes a point during his session)