The Power Of Prayer

Dear Families and Friends

Last week I had the opportunity to take part in the College Principal Tours. It is always very encouraging to see many parents looking at Emmaus, and humbling to receive such positive feedback. Connecting with old scholars who are seeking a similar schooling experience for their children is always a highlight. Our student leaders who help with the tours are to be commended for the way they promote and present the College.

Being part of the College tours reinforces our core purpose and the pulse of the College. Our ongoing commitment to the mission of providing quality Christian education within a community of faith without compromise, is essential for us to fully realise the Vision of the College, ‘Inspiring Hearts, Inspiring Minds’.

In staying true to our call, prayer is essential. Each morning, before school starts, staff meet together for either devotions, prayer or worship. It is a tremendous way to begin the day and provides an opportunity to bring about a unified approach. As a College community it is as important as ever to cover the College in prayer as we seek to stay true to God’s call for Emmaus.

The power of Prayer cannot be underestimated:

"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado

"God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil." - Mother Teresa

"Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty." - E.M. Bounds

Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:13b-25, paints a picture of Christian community to the Thessalonians and a call to pray continually.

"Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 16 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us."

May Emmaus continue to grow as a Christian Community, continually praying for one another as we seek to see God’s kingdom established firmly in our hearts. Please continue to pray for staff and students in our College community, as we enact the Mission and see the Vision of the College realised.

Mark Potter
Deputy Principal