L.I.F.E. by Ashley Pichea: How to Pray for Your Church

This will be the final post in the How to Pray for... series. I hope you've been encouraged and challenged as you've considered how you pray for others. Be sure to read the other posts in the series if you've missed them:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I thought about how to pray for your church, I thought of Paul's encouragement in Philippians (thanks to Becky!) to live in unity with one another, seeking each others' best interest above your own:

As we seek to fellowship with one another, Lord, I pray that our church would be united in spirit, intent on one purpose. I pray that no one will do anything from selfishness or empty conceit, but that in humility of mind, we might each regard one another as more important than ourselves. I pray that our church would not only look out for our own interests, but we might care for the needs of others outside our congregation. Let our love be reflective of Your love for us, Lord. (Philippians 2.1-4)

Prayers for your church leaders are also vital, not only for your pastor, but also for those in leadership positions:

Lord, I pray that you would bring our church leaders that follow hard after You. I pray that they would have integrity and honesty. I pray that they would seek to serve You, not themselves. May our leaders reflect Your values not only in the church but also in their homes and their workplaces. I pray that our church leadership would keep their eyes on You. (1 Timothy 3, etc.)

Additional Scriptures to pray include:

Let all things be done for edification. (1 Corinthians 14.26b)

Romans 12.4-6

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. (Romans 12.10)

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. (Romans 12.18)

Colossians 2.2-3, 8

How do you pray for your church?

Labels: ashleypichea, How To, Prayer

2 Comments:

At October 27, 2010 6:32 AM , Becky said...: I think you about covered it! I think it's so important to pray for the church to be a light to those in darkness...for us to be able to provide something to the unbelievers (and "un-churched"). That the anointing would be present during the services and events, that would draw people in and break the yokes and remove the burdens in peoples lives...otherwise, it's just some nice music, and (usually) friendly people...and they just go about their lives and not really receiving Christ.
At October 27, 2010 6:52 AM , apichea said...: Exactly - pray for authenticity and REAL relationships (both w/ people and God). If it's all about routine or putting on a show, we're doing more harm than help. Let's pray for our churches to be places where Christ is known and be in the process of making His known to others!