Prayer for the church body

“Prayer meetings were the arteries of the early church. Through them, life-sustaining power was derived. The condition of the church may be very accurately gauged by its prayer meetings. So is the prayer meeting a grace-o-meter, and from it, we may judge of the amount of divine working among a people. If God is near a church, it must pray. And if He is not there, one of dying first tokens of His absence will be a slothfulness in prayer!” Charles Haddon Spurgeon

When is the last time you prayed for your church body? What about your pastor? Staff? Leadership? Have you prayed for your Sunday School teacher? Have you interceded on behalf of issues taking place in your church or decisions that need to be made?

Our churches are under the attack of the enemy like never before. Our leaders and each of our brothers and sisters in Christ need our prayers. We are the Body of Christ and we must lift one another up! Let’s use these prayers for the church – both your local church and those around the world. 

A Prayer for Good to Prevail over Evil

“‘As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:20

Lord, what the enemy means for evil against our church body, we believe You can use for good. Remind our hearts of this. When we are being attacked and crushed from all sides, remind us of Your faithfulness to use everything for Your good and Your glory. May we not fear but trust in Your provision for our church family. May we not only be readers of Your Word but believers and doers. Increase our faith, Lord.

A Prayer for Unity as a Church Body

“I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

God, help our church body to walk in a manner worthy of the calling You have given us. Help us in all our interactions with one another to have humble and gentle hearts. Grant us patience for one another, bearing with one another in love. Grant the Body of Christ unity. May we walk humbly with You, God, allowing You to show us our wrongs.

A Prayer to Seek the Lord

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.” 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Lord, You have told us in Your Word that You hear our prayers. We are crying out to You, we are humbling ourselves before You and seeking Your face. We come together as a church body to seek You. We repent and turn from our wicked ways, thank You for hearing us. Thank you for Your forgiveness and healing.

A Prayer to Pursue Peace

“So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Romans 14:19

Father God, You desire peace and unity and encouragement for our body of believers. Help us, Lord, to pursue what makes for peace and for building one another up. To pursue the things You will lead to peace and unity. Give us discerning hearts to know Your will and give us the courage to be obedient. Lord, we know that without You and Your Holy Spirit indwelling each of us, we cannot do any of these things. But, with You and for Your glory, grant our body peace and unity.

A Prayer to Follow Jesus

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Luke 9:23-24

Lord, You have given us what seems like an impossible task with this passage. You have asked us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow You. Even when our spirits are willing, the flesh is weak. You know our hearts, Father. Help us, with Your Holy Spirit, to examine our hearts and hear from You. The longer we walk with You, the more we look like You. We desire to become more and more like You, less selfish and more selfless, willing to deny ourselves in any and all situations. You have told us that when we lose our life for Your sake, we will save it. Save us from ourselves, God.

As we lift up these words for our churches, let us come before God with humility and a willingness to obey. Let us put others first and serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we seek God first, putting aside our own desires. May we become intercessors for our brothers and sisters in Christ. May we pray more and criticize less. May we be encouragers and uplifters.

Candace Crabtree is just a broken mama thankful for grace and new mercies every morning. She and her husband live in East Tennessee where they homeschool their 3 kids. Candace also enjoys teaching piano, coffee, good books and blogging at His Mercy Is New. On her blog, she shares encouragement for weary women from God’s Word along with resources for learning to pray the Scriptures. 

Publication date: July 7, 2016

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.

Prayer for Healing

Prayer for StrengthPrayer for ProtectionMorning PrayersGood Night PrayersSinner’s PrayerPrayer for ForgivenessPrayer for GuidanceIntercessory PrayerPrayer for PeacePrayer for FaithPrayer for Love

prayer for the church body

Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to find start your day with a prayer read today’s prayer and sign up to receive by email.

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Let’s pray for Frank:

i am looking for a church to repent, attend, and worship. I am divorced with 3 kids. Life is sad. i worked odd jobs to support them to school. Sometimes I felt its better to die.I am writing this with tears in my eyes now.I would like to go to a church but I have no friends to rely on. Although there is many church, but still feel uncomfortable going alone. I wish there is a christian friend.

Father, there are people all over the world who are hurting just like Frank. Holy Spirit, draw them closer to you. Move them to action and help them to tap into your body. Send people into their lives who can sharpen them as iron sharpens iron. Father, I pray against the spirit of despair that is hanging over Frank and I rebuke it in the name of Jesus.

Your Church is boundless, Father. It can do anything if its people are plugged into you. I pray that you would put leaders in control of churches across the world that are filled with your Spirit and have a passion for sharing your love and what wonderfully, powerful change can happen in a person’s life when they choose to give his or her life to Jesus. Thank you for your leadership, Jesus. We love you.

www.givenlife.com

Have you ever been reading your Bible and noticed how Paul prays such rich, kingdom-saturated prayers for churches?

  • For the church in Thessalonica: “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power” (2 Thess. 1:11; see also 1 Thess. 1:9–13).
  • For the church in Colossae: “We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:9–10).
  • For the church in Ephesus:  “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him” (Eph. 1:16–17; see also 3:14–21).
  • For the church in Rome (Rom. 15:14–33) and the church in Philippi (Phil. 1:9–11).

Of course, there’s far more where this came from. See Don Carson’s excellent book on the topic, Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation (Baker) , as well as TGC’s corresponding eight-session group study curriculum (LifeWay) .

Leading the Charge 

It’s comparatively easy for you and me to pray for ourselves, our families, and our friends. But how can we learn how to pray more fervently and consistently for our local churches?

For one, we just need to start doing it—and encouraging others to do so.

To help with that, here are 18 things you can pray for your church. They aren’t as rich as Paul’s since I wanted to keep them simple and Twitter-length. (Also because I’m not inspired.) Still, perhaps you could print out this article and pray two or three of the points below per day for the next week—maybe in your quiet time, maybe at the family dinner table.

Also, consider copying and pasting your favorite prayers below into Twitter or Facebook, led by the phrase “Pray for your church: . . .” Don’t insert my Twitter handle or TGC’s. You don’t have enough room, and it’s not the point. The point is to use your social media platform to encourage others to pray for their church.

Who knows? One day in glory, perhaps we’ll see all the good accomplished from believers being more deliberate about praying for their churches.

What to Pray For

1. That we would have unity amid diversity—loving those with whom we have nothing in common but the gospel. 

2. That a culture of discipling would form in which making disciples is viewed as an ordinary part of the Christian life.

3. That faithful elders would use Scripture to train members to do the work of ministry.

4. That a hunger for studying the gospel would form among members so that they can guide and guard one another in it.

5. That transparent, meaningful relationships would become normal and remaining anonymous strange.

6. The preaching of God’s Word—that it would be biblically careful and Holy Spirit imbued.

7. That elders would remain above reproach, kept from temptation, complacency, idols, and worldliness.

8. That the church’s songs would teach members to biblically confess, lament, and praise.

9. That the church’s prayers would be infused with biblical ambitions, honesty, and humility. 

10. That adult members would work to disciple teenagers and not just leave it to programming. 

11. That the church’s primary teachers grow in dedication to God’s Word even when no one’s watching. 

12. That it would grow in being distinct from the world in love and holiness, even as it engages outsiders.

13. That members would share the gospel this week—and see more conversions!

14. That members would be prepared for persecution, remembering to love, not curse, their persecutors.

15. That hopes for political change would be outstretched by the hope of heaven.

16. That giving would be faithul, as well as joyful, consistent, and sacrificial. 

17. That more members would use their careers to take the gospel to places it’s never been.

18. That members would be good and do good in their workplaces this week.

Can you think of something I didn’t include? Then pray it and share it! This is hardly the “official list” of the 18 most important things to pray. They’re simply what one guy thought of while sitting in his office chair.

The point is for all of us to start praying more intentionally for our churches, and to encourage others to do the same.

www.thegospelcoalition.org

The 7 Prayers of Jesus for the Church from John 17

INDEX / OUTLINE

1. Glorify Jesus through the Church Worship Prayer 2. Fortify & Protect your Church Protect the Leaders Against Demonic Plots Take up Spiritual Weaponry The Persecuted 3. Unify the Church Leadership Relationship Reconciliation Marriages & Families Diversity Reconciliation 4. Sanctify the Church  For Holiness Preaching the Truth of God’s Word 5. Multiply them by Sending the Church into the World Raise up workers Church Ministries & Missionaries For Gospel Opportunities Prayer for Revival For Prodigals to come Home 6. Fill the Church with your Joy Increased Faith Generosity & Financial Freedom 7.  Reveal your Presence in the Church Increased Presence Dependence Upon and Release of the Power of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 16:18  Lord Jesus you said “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (ESV)

Mark 11:17   And you’ve also said  “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” That includes ___________________ (the name of your church). Therefore in accordance with your word I/we pray that you would make ___________________ a praying, prevailing house of prayer for all nations!  

Psalm 127:1  “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” (KJV)

We pray –please build and guard ___________________ according to your will, plan and purpose!  In Jesus name!

Isaiah 9:6 I/We thank you Jesus that the government of the church is on your shoulders. Colossians 1:18 And you are the “head of the body, the church . . . the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything might be preeminent.” (ESV)

Ephesians 1:22  Since “God has put all things under feet and appointed to be head over everything for the church.”  (NIV)

I/We pray that you would rule and reign and have your way with our church. Since you have passed that authority on to us and commissioned us to rule and reign with you in heavenly places. (Luke 10:19 & Ephesians 2:6)

Matthew 16:19  We at ___________________ therefore take the keys you have given us to the kingdom of heaven and as your church we purpose to bind on earth be bound in heaven, and loose on earth be loosed in heaven.” (NIV)

Ephesians 3:10  We do so with the intent that “through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” (ESV)

Praying the 7 Prayers of Jesus for the Church

Father, we come now in Jesus name to pray for ___________________  using the prayer that He prayed to you in John 17.

1.  Father, GLORIFY your Son Jesus Christ through ___________________ Church!

John 17:1 “Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.” (NIV)

Father, may your church be a glory to your name!

John 17:4 We pray that you might be glorified as ___________________  engages in “finishing the work you given it to do.” (NIV)

Father give clarity of vision to the leaders of the church as to the work you have given _____________________ to do.  For you’ve said “Without a vision the people cast off restraint.” (Proverbs 29:18 ASV)

May the mission and vision for this church was created be fulfilled!

Matthew 5:14  Make your church to be the “light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”  May its chief end be to glorify Jesus that you may be glorified!

WORSHIP  (Glorifying God)

Your word says that “Whoever offers praise glorifies me.” (Psalm 50:23 – KJV 2000)

John 4:24   Fill ___________________ with anointed praise and worship for “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth.” (ESV)

Help us to “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.” (1 Chronicles 16:29-30 NIV)

Inhabit the praises of your people as we enthrone you with our worship and declare the glory of your name. (Psalm 22:3)

PRAYER:

Mark 11:17 & Habakkuk 2:1Make ___________________ Church to be “a house of prayer for all nations” so that our community, state, nation and the whole “earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”  (NIV)

Ezekiel 22:30  Raise up intercessors at ___________________  who will “build up the wall and stand in the gap before you for the land that you should not destroy it.” (KJV)    

Raise our church up to pray for your kingdom to come and your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven that your name may be adored and glorified. (Matthew 6:10) Pause now to wait upon the Lord and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as to further specific prayers He would have you pray.

2. FORTIFY and PROTECT ___________________  Church by power of your name. 

John 17:11b, 12 & 15   “Protect them by the power of your name” that none will be lost.  “Do not take them out of the world but . . .  protect them from the evil one.” (NIV) Keep your people and your church safe in Jesus mighty name!

PROTECT THE LEADERS

Lord protect and defend the leaders of ___________________ Church  the pastor, the elders and deacons, staff, other five-fold ministries of the apostle, prophet, evangelist and teacher.  (Pray for them by name.)

Zechariah 13:7  It is written “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” (NIV)

Lord Jesus, protect our shepherds from being stricken by evil and the fiery darts of the evil one.

Matthew 6:13  “Lead not into temptation, but deliver from evil.” (ESV)

Psalm 75:7  “It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.” (NIV)

Lord raise up and sustain Godly men and women to shepherd your flock.  Keep them humble, holy and hungry for you and for your righteousness.  Free them from self-serving and seductive ways, from the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life and from the love of money and the accolades of men.  

AGAINST DEMONIC PLOTS

We stand against, bind and cut off every demonic plot and assignment of the enemy against ___________________ . Expose all unrighteousness, darkness, division, deceit, manipulation and control, false prophecy and false teaching.  Deliver the church from secret destructive sins. ways and schemes. 

Bring into the light the secret things done in darkness. 

Ecclesiastes 12:14   “For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil.” (NIV)

1 Corinthians 4:5   “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” (NIV) ( also Matthew 10:26)

Prevent evil from befalling your chosen, righteous and innocent ones.  Rise up and defend the weak and powerless.   Thwart the plans of every demonic power, schemer of wickedness, sower of discord, disgruntled and offended, mentally deranged, demon possessed, drug, alcohol and chemical influenced, conspiracy theorist, mass murderer, terrorist, arms fanatic or religious radical.

Psalm 140:8   “Do not let evil people have their way.” (NLT)

Psalm 55:9   “Let the wicked be caught in the evil they plan for others.” (NLT)

Psalm 10:2  “Lord, confuse the wicked, confound their words.” (NIV)

Raise up your church, empower and motivate your church so that. . .

Matthew 16:18  “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  (ESV)

Silence very enemy voice so that your people will hear the voice of the good shepherd. (John 10:3)

TAKE UP SPIRITUAL WEAPONRY

God move upon ___________________  to take up the spiritual weaponry you have equipped them with. 

2 Corinthians 10:4   “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”  (ESV)

2 Corinthians 10:5  In the name of Jesus we “cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (KJV)

May the people of ___________________  put on the full armor of God as they take their stand against all the powers of darkness, always praying…

Ephesians 6:10-18   “in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, alert and always on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (NIV)

Psalm 68:1  I/We declare: “Let God arise and His enemies be scattered, let all who hate Him flee before Him.” (NAS)

Isaiah 54:17  “Let no weapon formed against ___________________  prosper and every tongue that accuses in judgment condemned. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. (NAS)

THE PERSECUTED

Protect, keep and deliver all those who are being persecuted for righteousness sake by the power of your name.

Matthew 5:10   You’ve said “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” (ESV)

Strengthen them to not compromise but rather grow strong in their faith giving glory to God.   Remind and encourage them that they are blessed to be partaking in Christ’s suffering and that…

1 Peter 4:12-14   “the Spirit of glory and of God” rests upon them. (NIV)

Father, sustain and strengthen all those who are suffering.  Comfort them with the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the hope of eternal life. May they find peace and joy in their faith relationship with you. (Romans 15:13)

Isaiah 61:3  “Give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (American King James Version)

Pause now to wait upon the Lord and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as to further specific prayers He would have you pray.

3.  UNIFY our Church!

May your people as members of your body at ___________________  hurch be brought to complete unity with one another as you Father are in Jesus and Jesus is in you. (John 17:11c, 21-23)

Fulfill the Psalm 133 promise in our day! 

Psalm 133:1-3  “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!  It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.  It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (NIV)

LEADERSHIP In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that all the leaders, staff and members of ___________________  might…

1 Corinthians 1:10   “agree with one another in what say, that there be no divisions among , but that be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (NIV)

Unify the leadership and church body around the vision and mission you have given them for…

Proverbs 29:18   “where there is no vision people cast off restraint.” (ASV)

Ephesians 4:1-3   May everyone in ___________________   live a life “worthy of the calling have received completely humble and gentle; patient, bearing with one another in love, every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (NIV)

Romans 12:9   “Let love be genuine” among them so that …

John 13:35  “By this all people will know that are disciples, if have love for one another.” (ESV)

RELATIONSHIP RECONCILIATION

Lord, where there are broken and frayed relationships, release your wisdom and a Spirit of forgiveness, healing and reconciliation.  Where there are offences, may all those in ___________________  live and practice Matthew 18, going to one another one-on-one. (Matthew 18:15-17)

Ephesians 4:15 May they listen to one another and seek to “speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” (NLT)

Galatians 6:1  When “someone is caught in a sin” we pray for brothers and sisters “to restore that person gently. But watch , or also may be tempted. (NIV)

Ephesians 4:32   May your body “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave .” (NIV)

Lord I come against the work of the flesh and spirits of division and divisiveness, against gossip and backbiting, suspicion and accusation,  selfish ambition, sowing of discord, control and manipulation.  Break the powers of darkness over ___________________  in Jesus name.

MARRIAGES & FAMILIES

Father we pray a blessing upon the families in ___________________  of which you are the Father and…

Ephesians 3:15  “from whom every family in heaven and earth derives its name.” (NIV) May you bless each family according to Psalm 128.

Psalm 128:1-4   Let them fear you and walk in obedience so that they may “eat the fruit of labor and blessings and prosperity will be .”

May each “wife be like a fruitful vine within house; the children olive shoots around table.” (NIV)

Ephesians 5:25, 22   May husbands love their wives, “just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” and may wives support and “submit to husbands as to the Lord.” (NLT)

Hebrews 13:4  “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” (ESV)

Malachi 4:5-6  God we pray that you would release the Spirit of Elijah to “turn the hearts of the fathers (parents) to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” (NIV)

Help parents to train their children to walk with you, disciplining them in love, but not exasperating or provoking them to anger. (Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 29:17 & Ephesians 6:4)

Deuteronomy 6: 7   May parents teach God’s word and ways “again and again to their children, talking about them when they are at home, when they are on the road, when they are going to bed and when they are getting up.”  (NLT)

DIVERSITY RECONCILIATION

Lord break down the walls of racial, gender, economic, education and age division and separation.  Make ___________________  an interracial, multicultural  and intergenerational expression of the Body of Christ. 

Galatians 3:28 I/We declare  “For all of who were baptized into Christ have clothed with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for all one in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Mark 11:17  Make ___________________  to be “a house of prayer for all nations” where representatives from every tribe and tongue can pray, worship and work together in unity for your purposes to be fulfilled in the earth. Pause now to wait upon the Lord and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as to further specific prayers He would have you pray.

4. SANCTIFY ___________________  Church in the truth of your word.  (vs. 17)

May your people be truly sanctified, made holy by being set apart, consecrated and dedicated wholly to you. (John 17:19)

1 Peter 1:16   For you have promised  “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (NIV) Purify the Church so that we can receive and release God’s Power! 

FOR HOLINESS

Therefore Lord establish ___________________  as your holy people so that we will keep your commands and walk in obedience to you.  (Deuteronomy 28:9) May we so conduct our lives as members of God’s household that we demonstrate to the world that…

1 Timothy 3:15   “the church of the living God the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (NIV)

John 14:21  Lord Jesus you have promised:  “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (NIV)

2 Corinthians 7:1  “Therefore, since we have these promises” help ___________________  to keep your commandments and “purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” (NIV) Hebrews 12:14   Motivate the church to “make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (NIV)

PREACHING THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD

Lord we thank you for the sanctifying and transforming power of your word at __________________ .

Psalm 138:2   “Exalt above all things your name and your word.” (ESV)

2 Timothy 3:16-17  May your word be taught, preached and lived without compromise at ___________________  .  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  (NIV)

Let it permeate every aspect of the life of the church. Anoint your word to go forth from the pulpit and every class and bible study of ___________________  and not return empty. 

Isaiah 55:11  Let it “accomplish what desire and achieve the purpose for which send it.” (NIV)  Confirm your word with accompanying signs.  (Mark 16:20)

Release your guidance and a clarity of calling, purpose, mission and vision to ___________________  and every person who calls this their home. Pause now to wait upon the Lord and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as to further specific prayers He would have you pray.

5. MULTIPLY us by SENDING us into the world with your message.  (vs. 20)

Father send your people into the world the way you sent Jesus into the world, that the world may believe that you sent Him. (John 17:18, 21)

Matthew 24:14  For the gospel of the kingdom must “be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (NIV)

Matthew 28:19:20 And Jesus commanded us “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (NIV)

RAISE UP WORKERS Luke 10:2  “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers from ___________________ Church into his harvest.” (ESV)

God, raise up, equip and release your people to minister both within and without the church!  Give them confidence and boldness to serve you.

Proverbs 11:30  “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.” (NAS) We claim this promise and the promise that Jesus will make us fishers of men.  (Matthew 4:19)

Make your church fishers of men!  Give them wisdom in their relationship to share your message.  Raise up and release the ministry of the evangelist.

1 Peter 3:15  May Christ be so revered in our hearts that we will “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks to give a reason for the hope have.”

And help us to “do this with gentleness and respect.” (NIV)

FOR CHURCH MINISTRIES & MISSIONARIES

(List various church Ministries and Missionaries for whom you want to pray regularly.)  

PRAYER FOR GOSPEL OPPORTUNITIES   (Open Eyes, Open Doors, Open Mouths, Open Hearts) Lord Give us:

1) OPEN DOORS to share your message “so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ” with clarity.  (Colossians 4:3-4)

2) OPEN EYES to see the opportunities in our relationships that you give us to share our faith.  I pray that we may “be active in sharing our faith, so that we will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.”  (Philemon 1:6)

3) OPEN MOUTHS to share boldly without fear or hesitancy. (Ephesians 6:19-20)

4) OPEN HEARTS of those who hear our message so that it “may spread rapidly and be honored.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1) Lord through our Prayers, Proclamation and Lifestyle, would you please add to the church daily those who are being saved. (Acts 2:47)

PRAYER FOR REVIVAL

Send revival to ___________________  that will overflow into our community with righteous living, good deeds and evangelistic witness.

Psalm 80:18, 85:6  “Revive us so we can call on your name once more.”  “Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?” (NLT)

May your people go forth into their neighborhoods, workplaces and the marketplace with boldness to evangelize our city and county for your glory.

Isaiah 43:4-7  You promised to be with us and give people in exchange for us. Bring us spiritual children from the east and gather them from the west.  We say to the north, “Give them up!” and to the south, “Do not hold them back.”  Bring us spiritual sons from afar and spiritual daughters from the ends of the earth – bring to salvation everyone who is called by Your name, whom You created for Your glory, whom You formed and made. (NIV)

Bring conviction of sin, righteousness and judgment. (John 16:8)  Release the fear of the Lord which is the hatred of evil and the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 8:13 & 9:10)

Isaiah 64:1, 3  “Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains would tremble before You!” … For in the past “when You did awesome things that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled before you.” (NIV)

Habakkuk 3:2  “Lord (we) have heard of your fame and stand in awe of your deeds.  Revive them in our day, in our time make them known!  In wrath remember mercy!” (NIV)

Send revival!  Mark the boundaries of this city/county for salvation!  Open the eyes of the blind and use us to let your light shine into the darkness, in Jesus mighty name! (2 Corinthians 4:4-6) F

OR PRODIGALS TO COME HOME

God we pray for those who have wandered from the faith, for the prodigals including wayward children and unfaithful spouses.  We thank you God that you are a loving, waiting father who longs to run to and embrace the prodigals who return home to you. (Luke 15:11-32)

We thank you God that your kindness is meant to lead us to repentance.  (Romans 2:4)

Lamentations 3:22-23  Because of your “great love we are not consumed, for your compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (NIV)

Hosea 2:6  We pray that if necessary you would “block path with thorn bushes” and “wall in so they cannot find their way.” (NIV)  Let them eat husks with the pigs so that they will…

Acts 3:19  “repent then, and turn to God, so that sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (NIV)

Pause now to wait upon the Lord and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as to further specific prayers He would have you pray.

6.  FILL ___________________  Church with your JOY.

John 17:13  “May they have the full measure of joy within them.” (NIV)

Give your church the joy that comes in doing your will (obeying) and serving you. Psalm 51:12  “Restore to the joy of salvation! (NIV)

Isaiah 61:3  Give them a “crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (NIV)

Isaiah 56:7  Bring them to your “holy mountain and give them joy in house of prayer.” (NIV)

INCREASED FAITH

Romans 15:13  Lord fill your church “with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (ESV)

Luke 17:5  We pray with the disciples “Increase our faith!” (NIV)

1 John 5:4  Give us an overcoming, victorious attitude for “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (NIV)

Give us faith for: Giving and Finances, Serving & Ministering, Health & Healing, Relationships & Reconciliation, Prayer & Intercession, Bold Witness & Evangelism and Breakthroughs & Miracles.

GENEROSITY & FINANCIAL FREEDOM

God you have said that you love a cheerful giver.  Release a joyful spirit of generosity into ___________________ . 

2 Corinthians 9: 8  Convince your people that you are “able to make all grace abound to , so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, may abound in every good work.” (ESV)

2 Corinthians 9:7Fill people with joy to “give as each one has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion.”  (ESV)

Break the 80/20 curse over the giving in this church. 

May your people at ___________________  …

Proverbs 3:9-10  “honor with their wealth, with the firstfruits of all produce, then barns will be filled with plenty, and vats will be bursting with wine.” (ESV)

Give each individual and each family a vision for personal financial freedom that comes through giving and tithing. 

Malachi 3:10  May your people be obedient to your plea for their welfare that says: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” (NIV)

Deuteronomy 28:8 We claim your promises for ___________________  that says “The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.” (NIV)

Pause now to wait upon the Lord and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as to further specific prayers He would have you pray.

7. REVEAL your PRESENCE and Glory at ___________________ Church.

John 17:24  Jesus you prayed “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” (NIV)

Father, according to Jesus’ prayer I/we pray for the body of Christ at ___________________   to Experience Jesus’ PRESENCE and have a REVELATION of His Glory!

Ephesians 1:17-19a  We keep asking that you would “give a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of , having the eyes of hearts enlightened, that may know what is the hope to which he has called , what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (ESV)

We cry out for discernment and lift our voices for understanding. (Proverbs 2:3)

INCREASED PRESENCE

Increase your presence amongst us in our services and wherever two or more are gathered together in Jesus name. (Matthew 18:20) 

Exodus 33:15-16  Like Moses we plead “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.  How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”  (NIV)

Psalm 16:11  “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  (NIV)

Be present in all your power to heal and deliver in Jesus name.  (Luke 5:17)

DEPENDENCE UPON AND RELEASE OF THE POWER THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Lord when you ascended into heaven you sent us the Holy Spirit to be with us, to  counsel and guide your church into all truth. Visit your people with the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit.  May the leaders yield to His guidance thereby creating an atmosphere where the gifts of the Holy Spirit are manifested and released for the building up of the body. Release a zeal in the church to excel in using spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 4:12)

Lord, you have promised that to each member…

1 Corinthians 12:7  “is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” that the body might encouraged and built up in love. (ESV)

1 Peter 4:10  “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”  (ESV)

Give boldness and faith to your people to use the spiritual gifts God has given them to accomplish the work of the church to reach our world. I/We particularly ask that you might release a spirit of prophecy, which is the testimony of Jesus’ presence, exposes the secrets of the heart and brings conviction that God is truly in our midst. (Revelation 19:10, 1 Corinthians 14:1 & 25)

Pause now to wait upon the Lord and respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit as to further specific prayers He would have you pray.

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