Why Pray?

A call to prayer! At our annual business meeting, Pastor Rory described a problem with the sale of the church’s property in Menomonee Falls. For those of you who weren’t there, let me summarize it.

HSI Developers wants to buy the land and build upscale multi-family townhomes. The village trustees, however, prefer single-family houses. For the sale to go through, the board must change its mind and approve the HSI proposal.

This would benefit Victory. We could revitalize our Brookfield building and grounds with the proceeds.

Pastor Rory pointed out that the property has rock strata and a low water table underneath the surface. These create big problems for basements. So townhomes (built on slabs) would work, but homes would face a lot of trouble.

In keeping with Pastor’s request, please pray for the church to have favor with the board and that the HSI plans will find approval. James 4:2 reminds believers, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Let’s ask the Lord for His grace. He will not fail us!

But we can fail God. How? We let Him down when we neglect prayer. We also displease Him if we pray for the wrong reasons. James 4:3 says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

During the discussion of the land issue, I tried to put myself in the position of the Menomonee Falls officials. How did they see this situation? What was their goal?

They prize the development of downtown. Cities like Wauwatosa, Waukesha, and Delafield have charming downtowns. I suspect that Menomonee Falls wants to join them!

Pastor explained that the village board members envision new apartments and condos downtown. They’re concerned that townhomes on the property would compete with this scenario.

I don’t believe that the HSI plan challenges what the village administrators intend. But I believe that they feel it does. What effect should this have on our prayers?

How about we pray for the development of downtown Menomonee Falls? How can the HSI proposal aid that development? Well, the property tax dollars can be devoted for urban improvement, can’t they? As we pray, the Spirit will show us creative options.

It’s proper for us to ask God to give us favor with the city council. It’s also right to give them favor by empathizing with their concerns. This reflects the heart of Jesus; this attitude the Father will bless.

Why pray? Because our leadership is calling for it. Because our situation requires it. And because when we do, we learn about God, others, and ourselves.