By Chuck Lawless
In the late 1850s, a global spiritual awakening began when one man in New York City established a noonday prayer meeting and called the city to prayer. Indeed, most awakenings have begun with a few praying people who invite others to join them.
With that historical backdrop in mind, I wonder what might happen if congregations begin to pray the following prayers for church leaders. Would you pray these prayers for church leaders today, and then invite others in your congregation to join you?
1. Pray they will keep their eyes on God.
King Jehoshaphat faced three combined enemy armies, and he did not know what to do – except to lock his eyes on God. That’s the answer any time we have no clue about next steps.
“For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.” (2 Chron. 20:12, HCSB)
2. Pray they will not take a step apart from God’s leading.
Moses prayed this prayer when God would send only an angel to lead His people after their fiasco with the golden calf. He would rather the people not start the journey if God Himself were not leading them.
“If Your presence does not go,” Moses responded to Him, “don’t make us go up from here.” (Exod. 33:15)
3. Pray they will beware of relying on their own strength.
David, who knew the Lord is the one who fights for him (1 Sam. 17:47), trusted in his own might when he took a census of the Hebrew armies. Recognizing his sin, he prayed a prayer most leaders need to pray at some point:
“I have sinned greatly in what I’ve done. Now, Lord, because I’ve been very foolish, please take away Your servant’s guilt.” (2 Sam 24:10)
4. Pray they will be wise in leading God’s people.
When Solomon might have asked for much more, he instead asked God to give him a “listening heart” as he governed the people of God. All of us who lead congregations need this wisdom.
“So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kgs. 3:9)
5. Pray they will weep over the sin and failures of God’s people.
In my experience, the best shepherds are those who genuinely grieve the spiritual brokenness of the people they lead. Like Nehemiah when he heard about the damaged walls of Jerusalem, they are themselves broken when they see the results of spiritual decline.
“When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (Neh. 1:4)
6. Pray they will know when to push away from the crowds to pray.
Ministry is time-consuming, and needs are ever before us. Nevertheless, leaders must have time alone with God to be renewed for the work – just as Jesus did.
“But the news about Him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.” (Luke 5:15-16)
7. Pray they will walk worthy of their calling.
If we pray more for church leaders today, it’s likely fewer will fall tomorrow. We must pray they walk in obedience and bear fruit, just as Paul prayed for the Colossian believers:
“we haven’t stopped praying for you . . . so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.” (Col. 1:9-10)
8. Pray they will speak the gospel boldly.
Paul wrote from a prison cell – his punishment for preaching the Word – but still he sought prayer support to continue his evangelizing. If Paul needed such prayer, surely church leaders do today.
“Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.” (Eph. 6:19)
9. Pray they will finish well.
Those church leaders who finish well PLAN to do so; that is, they choose from the beginning to stand against the devil and glorify God. Pray that your church leaders can one day echo these words of the Apostle Paul:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7).
What other ways might you pray for church leaders? As a leader, how would you like the readers of this post to pray for you?
Chuck Lawless currently serves as Professor of Evangelism and Missions and Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Seminary. You can connect with Dr. Lawless on both Twitter and Facebook.
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By Sandra Higley
1. Pastor – Lord, I lift up my pastor to You. Thank You for his servant’s heart. Keep him from losing heart when ministry gets tough. Help him prove faithful with the things you have entrusted to him. Teach him Your ways so that he knows You and finds favor with You as He leads us. Keep him open and honest before You and help him to represent the truth plainly. (2 Cor. 4:1; 1 Cor. 4:1-3; Ex. 33:13)
2. Elders – Lord, I lift up my elders (church board) to You. Help us respect and honor them as they direct the affairs of our church. May they wholeheartedly give their attention to prayer and ministry of the Word. Keep them above reproach, devoted to their families, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable and able to teach. May they be gentle and honest as they deal with people. (1 Tim. 5:17; Acts 6:4; 1 Tim. 3:1-2; Titus 1:7)
3. Deacons – Lord, I lift up my deacons to You. May they walk worthy of respect with sincere hearts. Keep them from indulgence and greed. Help them keep hold of truth. May they keep short accounts with You so that their conscience is clear. Bless their households with peace and respect. Fill them with Your Spirit and let them operate in wisdom as they carry out their responsibilities. (1 Tim. 3:8-9, 12; Acts 6:3)
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4. Adults – Lord, I lift up the adults in my congregation to You. May we live worthy of Your call on our lives. As we respond to that call, fulfill every purpose, every faith-filled act of service by Your power. May we be clothed in righteousness with hearts that sing for joy and delight greatly in You. We want to walk with You, Jesus, dressed in white, adorned with jewels. (Eph. 4:1; 2 Thes. 1:11; Ps. 132:9; Isa. 61:10; Rev. 3:4)
5. Children/Youth – Lord, I lift up the children and youth in my congregation to You. May the little ones remain humble examples of what we adults need to become in the kingdom. Let their conduct always be pure and right with reputations that show that they remember You, Creator God. Teach them to declare Your marvelous deeds. May they flee evil desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace. (Matt. 18:3-4; Prov. 20:11; Eccl. 12:1; Ps. 71:17; 2 Tim. 2:22)
6. Seniors – Lord, I lift up the senior members of our congregation. Thank You for every gray hair attained by righteous living. We are blessed by their example and ability to train us. Help us to be humbly submissive as we benefit from their wisdom and understanding. Help them receive the strength and power You’ve promised to the weary and weak. May they put their hope in You and be renewed in the process. (Prov. 16:31; Titus 2:4; 1 Pet. 5:5; Job 12:12; Isa. 40:29, 31)
7. Lost Among Us – Lord, I lift up the lost members of our congregation. Let the gospel be presented to them not only through the sermon but also with power, the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. Teach us to make the most of every opportunity to share Your salvation. Help us to be the fragrance of Christ to them. We stand against the enemy and his attempts to keep them blinded to Your truth. (1 Thes. 1:5; Col. 4:5; 2 Cor. 2:15; 2 Cor. 4:4)
8. Worship Leaders – Lord, I lift up our worship leaders. Appoint people to this position who understand the splendor of Your holiness and praise You out of that understanding. Help them lead us faithfully in thanks for Your enduring love. Use their praise to defeat the enemy. May they be the true worshipers You are looking for who worship in spirit and in truth. Let them glory only in You, Jesus, so that they put no confidence in their own flesh. (2 Chron. 20:21-22; Jn. 4:23-24; Phil. 3:3)
9. Speakers/Teachers – Lord, I lift up the speakers and teachers in our church. May everyone who holds that position—pastors, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, guest speakers—rightly divide Your word of truth. Let them admonish and teach with wisdom. Reveal the mysteries of Your word to them and encourage them to speak those mysteries courageously and fearlessly. Let them speak with a spirit of faith that springs from their relationship with You. (2 Tim. 2:15; Col. 1:28; Dan. 2:47; Phil. 1:14; 2 Cor. 4:13)
10. Women’s Ministry – Lord, I lift up our Women’s Ministry. Encourage our older women to train the younger in family issues. Teach our women to be virtuous—women with gentle and quiet spirits who put their hope in You. Let this ministry produce women who feel Your passion for them and who choose to spend time at Your feet. Train them to contend for the gospel side by side with the men. (Titus 2:4, 5; Prov. 31:10; 1 Pet. 3:4, 5; Ps. 45:11; Lk. 10:38-42; Phil. 4:3)
11. Men’s Ministry – Lord, I lift up our Men’s Ministry to You. Use this ministry to build our men in their faith. Teach them to be in right relationship to You and each other, to love their wives sacrificially and to instruct their children with patience. Encourage them to hold each other accountable as they carry each other’s burdens. May they speak the truth in love to each other even when it’s hard. (Jude 1:20; Titus 2:2; 1 Tim. 5:1; Eph. 5:25, 6:4; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:15; Prov. 27:6)
12. Youth Workers – Lord, I lift up our Youth Workers. Let these young men and women set an example in their speech, life, love, faith and purity. Cause them to be strong, alive-in-the-Word overcomers. Help them to have discernment as they deal with the young people in our church. Help them to notice any youth who lack judgment so they can teach them to value Your life-giving principles. Pour out Your Spirit on them. (1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Jn. 2:14; Prov. 3:21, 7:7, 7:2; Joel 2:28).
13. Behind-the-Scenes Workers – Lord, I lift up the people who work behind the scenes at our church. Thank You for every nursery worker, parking lot attendant, office volunteer, building janitor, etc. who have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Bless them for the obedience and generosity they have displayed—may You receive praise as a result! Keep them in an attitude of humility that comes from wisdom and wholehearted service to You rather than to be noticed by others. (1 Cor. 16:15; 2 Cor. 9:12-13; Jas. 3:13; Eph. 6:7)
14. Children’s Ministries – Lord, I lift up our children’s ministries to You. Create an atmosphere here that encourages our children to find You. Let the teachers be careful to remind each child of the marvelous things You have done. Cause everything they learn about You to become a part of them forever. May they consistently choose life and blessing each day because of the training they receive in our church. Keep them walking in the truth. (Mk. 10:14; Dt. 4:9; 29:29; 30:19; Prov. 22:6; 3 Jn. 1:4)
15. Prayer Focus – Lord, I lift up the prayer focus in my church. Make us into a house of prayer. We desire to be clear-minded and self-controlled so that we can pray first, always, continually and thankfully. May everyone recognize that this is Your desire for all and not just a few. Use us to stand in the gap for others. Let there be prayer ministry among us that is powerful and effective. (Mk. 11:17; 1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Tim. 2:1; Eph. 6:18; 1 Thes. 5:17; Phil. 4:6; Ps. 32:6; Ezk. 22:30; Jas. 5:16)
16. Spiritual Level – Lord, I lift up the spiritual temperature of my church. Revive us! Refine us so that we burn hot for You. Give us singleness of heart and action so that we always fear You and follow Your precepts. Pour out a spirit of Josiah on us so that we turn to You heart, soul and strength. Open our minds to understand Your Word so that our hearts burn within us. (Ps. 85:6; Rev. 3:14-18; Jer. 32:39; Ps. 111:10; 2 Ki. 23:25; Lk. 24:45, 32)
17. Spirit-Led – Lord, I lift up the issue of our willingness to be led by Your Spirit. Holy Spirit, show us any way we are grieving, quenching or resisting You. Convict us and lead us to level ground. Help us keep in step with You as we live by You. Reign in us so that we experience Your freedom. Lead us into grace, life and peace. (Eph. 4:30; 1 Thes. 5:19; Acts 7:51; Jn. 16:8; Ps. 143:10; Gal. 5:25; 2 Cor. 3:17; Gal. 5:18; Ro. 8:6)
18. Spiritual Gifts – Lord, I lift up the use of spiritual gifts in our church. We eagerly desire spiritual gifts that You’ve given for our common good. Help us understand the various gifts and how they work. Teach us to use what we’ve received to serve others and faithfully administer Your grace—whatever form that takes. Help us exercise our gifts in love. Remind us to keep fanning into flame the gifts You’ve entrusted to us. (1 Cor. 14:1, 12:4-7; 1 Pet. 4:10; 2 Tim. 1:6)
19. Love/Unity – Lord, I lift up our love for one another as a body. Help us purify ourselves by obeying the truth so that our love for each other will be sincere, deep and from the heart. May our love for one another prove that we are Your disciples. Give us a spirit of unity so that we may glorify You with one heart and voice. Help us accept one another as we clothe ourselves in love. (1 Pet. 1:22; Jn. 13:34-35; Ro. 15:5-7; Col. 3:14)
20. Finances – Lord, I lift up our church finances. May we sow generously into our church without reluctance or compulsion. Make all grace abound so we have all we need for every good work You’ve assigned us. Make us rich in ways that result in generosity on our part so You will be praised. Keep reminding us of your promise to throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out blessing on all who bring the whole tithe into Your house. (2 Cor. 9:6-11; Mal. 3:10)
21. Outreach/Missions Projects – Lord, I lift up our outreach programs. Remind us to do good and share with others as a pleasing sacrifice to You. Keep us outwardly focused so we don’t become self-absorbed. Help us teach one another to be faithful ministers of Your Son. Enable us to meet people wherever they have a need. Help us minister faithfully as we proclaim the gospel so that the ones we reach might become an acceptable offering to You. (Heb. 13:16; Phil. 2:4; Col. 1:7; Jude 1:23)
22. Single Parents – Lord, I lift up the single parents in our church. May they know You as father to the fatherless and defender of widows! Let us be a real family to them when they are lonely. Show us ways to include them and minister grace to them. Stir up practical ideas in us that show Your love and care. Help them relax in Your grace and provision which is more than enough for every weakness and need. (Ps. 68:5-6, 25:16; Matt. 25:35-40; 2 Cor. 12:9; Phil. 4:19)
23. Help for the Hurting – Lord, I lift up those who are hurting right now. May they come to know You as El Roi, the God who sees them. For every situation of rejection, help them feel sonship. Bind up the brokenhearted! In every area of bondage, set the captives free; in every case of mourning, replace it with Your oil of gladness. Comfort them so that they will have a ministry of comfort to others. (Gen. 16:13; Ro. 8:15; Isa. 61:1-3; 2 Cor. 1:3-4)
24. Freedom from Besetting Sins – Lord, I lift up every one of us who struggle with sin issues. Keep us from the enemy’s scheme of condemnation. Grant us repentance so that we can escape the trap of the evil one. Thank You that sin was done away with on the cross and that we are no longer slaves to it. Help us to throw off everything that entangles—help us run the race with perseverance. (Ro. 8:1; 2 Tim. 2:25, 26; Ro. 6:6; Heb. 12:1)
25. Kingdom Focus/Priorities – Lord, I lift up our priorities as a congregation. Give us ears to hear what Your Spirit is saying to our church. Open our eyes to see things as You see them. Help us move beyond issues of immediate need to pursuing Kingdom issues. Bring us to a place where “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is more than just words we say. (Rev. 3:22; 2 Ki. 6:17; Matt. 6:25, 33, 10)
26. Growth through Evangelism – Lord, I lift up our church growth to You. Add to our number daily through new converts. Birth spiritual children through us. Let our actions win people over without words. Use us as Your agents to rescue people from darkness and bring them into Your Son’s kingdom. We long to be worthy ambassadors in this ministry You have entrusted to us: that of proclaiming Your message of reconciliation to a lost world. (Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 4:15; 1 Pet. 3:1-2; Col. 1:13; 2 Cor. 5:20)
27. Our Neighborhood – Lord, I lift up our community, especially the surrounding neighborhood. Let us love these people as we love ourselves. May our concern for their needs override other things that take our time and focus. Rebuild and restore areas that have been devastated. Renew our community—send Your peace and prosperity into this place where You’ve planted us. Bless each individual home and family. Build each house from the inside out; watch over our city. (Gal. 5:14; Prov. 3:28; Isa. 61:4; Jer. 29:7; Lk. 10:5-6; Ps. 127:1)
28. Connectivity with the Church in Our City – Lord, I lift up the Church in our city. Thank You for creating the body as one unit made up of many parts. Help us understand the value of each part as You have arranged them. We confess that we’ve minimized other parts. Forgive us, for we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body. Help us to work at being one: concerned about one another—suffering with and rejoicing with other congregations as appropriate. (1 Cor. 12:12-26)
29. Connectivity with the Church in Our Nation – Lord, I lift up the Church in our nation. We humbly unite and confess as one people—one Church called by Your name—that we have sinned. We’ve operated out of acquired wealth thinking we could do it on our own—but we are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. We seek Your face, O God! Thank You for hearing and forgiving us. We wait on You for the healing of our land! (2 Chron. 7:14; Rev. 3:17)
30. Connectivity with the Church around the World – Lord, I lift up the Church universal. Father, we claim the power of Your name over us so that we will be one, as You and Your Son are one. We want Your joy in full measure just as Your Son, Jesus, prayed for us. Help us live as though we are not of this world; sanctify us by Your word. May we be brought to complete unity so that the world will know the truth of the gospel. (Jn. 17:11-23)
31. Protection from the Enemy – Lord, I lift up our need for protection. Protect and deliver us from the evil one. Help us be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves as we deal with the wolves around us. Show us how to test every spirit to see if they are from You. Help us recognize the enemy’s disguises and schemes so that he won’t outwit us. (Jn. 17:15; Matt. 6:13, 10:14; 1 Jn. 4:1; 2 Cor. 11:14, 2:11)
–Written by Sandra Higley when she was the director of member relations for the Church Prayer Leaders Network. Sandra is currently the editor of Real Life Downloads from David C. Cook Publishers.
Note: This guide can be purchased in packs of 50 for your church. Click here for more information or to purchase.
(C) 2004, 2012, 2016 by Church Prayer Leaders Network. www.prayerleader,com. This guide can be photocopied or emailed freely as long as this statement and website is included on the bottom.
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SUPERNATURAL CHURCH GROWTH INTERCESSORY PRAYER GUIDELINES BY PASTOR DAVID O. OYEDEPO “Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day’ or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.” – Isaiah 66:7-8A. Thanksgiving 1. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for your mighty hand that is behind the continuous growth of this church – John 6:44
2. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for supernatural increases that we experienced all through the year – I Corinthians 3:6
3. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for the mighty rushing wind of the Holy Ghost that continued to draft multitudes into this church all through the year – Act 2:4, Numbers 11:31
4. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for your divine visitation in our midst all through year resulting in signs, wonders and divers miracles Zephaniah 3:17
5. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for destroying all interference of the devil against the continuous growth of this Church all through the year – Revelation 12:11
6. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for unusual strength and fresh oil upon your servant, the Apostle over this Commission in driving the church growth agenda of this church all through the year – Psalm 89:20-23
7. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for turning all our new converts of the year into active disciples of Christ thereby bringing others to Christ – John 4:29, 39
8. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for impactful outreaches, both as individuals and as a church all through, leading to massive salvation of souls – Psalm 118:23
9. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for sending your reaper-angels to draft multitudes of men and women into this church all through the year – Matthew 13:39
10. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for the breath of the Holy Spirit upon all our fliers and tracts, turning them into anointed sickles of harvest, thereby drafting multitudes into this church all through the year – Joel 3:13
11. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for massive retention of our new converts all through the year – Ecclesiastes 3:14
12. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for firing up the zeal of your house into the heart of every member towards the full delivery of Wonder Double Prophetic Agenda all through – Psalm 69:9
13. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for rewarding all faithful stewards in this church over and again all through the year – I Corinthians 3:8
14. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for granting hitch-free movement for all worshippers into this church all through the year – Psalm 105:13-15
B. Praying for Explosive Church Growth 15. Father, in the name of Jesus and by the blood of the Lamb, give us the heathens for our inheritance and the uttermost part of the earth for our possession all through this year – Psalm 2:8
16. Father, in the name of Jesus, cause your acts in this church to be noised abroad as in the day of Pentecost, thereby drafting multitudes into this church all through this year – Acts 2:6, 41
17 Father, in the name of Jesus, release your reaper-angels to take over our harvest field, appearing to all our contacts in visions and revelations, thereby drafting them into this church – Acts 10:3, 34-35
18. Father, in the name of Jesus and by the Mystery of the Passover Blood, let every captive ordained for eternal life this year be released and established in this church – Acts 13:48
19. Father, in the name of Jesus, let your master reaper angel, cast his sharp sickle into our harvest field, to thoroughly reap every soul ordained for salvation all through this year – Revelation 14:14, 16
20. Father, in the name of Jesus and by the blood of the Lamb, we cast out every evil beast seeking to manipulate our new converts, new members from being established in this church all through this year – Ezekiel 34:25
21. Father, in the name of Jesus, send your reaper-angels into our harvest filed, thereby mobilizing multitudes into this church for their salvation and deliverance all through this year – Matthew 13:39
22. Father, in the name of Jesus, let there be manifestations of apostolic order of signs, wonders and mighty deeds in our services all through this year resulting in massive influx of souls into this church – Acts 5:12, 14
23. Father, in the name of Jesus, let this Church continue to experience supernatural growth after the order of the Acts of the Apostles, thereby turning this church into a city without walls all through this year – Acts 13:44
24. Father, in the name of Jesus and by the Blood of the Lamb, we destroy all interferences of the devil against the continuous growth of this church all through this year – Revelation 12:11
25. Father, in the name of Jesus, invade all our services with notable miracles, thereby drafting multitudes into this church all through this year and beyond – Acts 4:16
26. Father, In the name of Jesus and by the blood of the Lamb, we disarm all forces of opposition to the continuous growth of this Church – Revelation 12:11
27. Father, in the name of Jesus, send your reaper-angels into our harvest filed, mobilizing multitudes into this church for their salvation and deliverance all through this year and beyond – Matthew 13:39
28. Father, in the name of Jesus, we destroy the gates of hell that may resist the influx of souls into this Church all through this year – Matthew 16:18
29. Father, in the name of Jesus, empower every Cell in this church for supernatural growth resulting into further replication of the cell all through this year – Jeremiah 30:19
30. Father, in the name of Jesus, turn every cell into a solution center where every member’s need shall continue to be supernaturally met – Zephaniah 3:17
31. Father, in the name of Jesus, turn every cell member into a sign and a wonder, thereby drafting more souls into the cells and into this church – Zechariah 8:23
32. Father, in the name of jesus, let every cell minister be empowered by the Holy Ghost to effectively drive the cell replication agenda of the year – Acts 10:38
C. Praying for the Increase of the Word 33. Father, in the name of Jesus, we decree the release of fresh and life transforming Word in all our services, that will gather and retain multitudes in this church all through this year – Psalm 23:2
34. Father, in the name of Jesus, let there be a continuous flow of the Word through our Pastors, leading to supernatural impact on the lives of all worshipers – 2 Thessalonians 3:1
35. Father, in the name of Jesus, let there be a continuous increase of the Word from our altar all through this year, leading to supernatural growth of this church – Acts 6:7
36. Father, in the name of Jesus, unveil the right Word to your people in every service resulting in turnaround testimonies for every worshipper all through this year – Job 6:25
37. Father, in the name of Jesus, send us the Word in season in every service resulting in all round rest for every worshipper all through this year – Isaiah 50:4
D. Praying for our New Converts 38. Father, in the name of Jesus, we decree the liberty of all our new converts from all forms of bondages, spells, enchantments and generational curses, so they can abide in this church – Numbers 23:23
39. Father, in the name of Jesus, let your angels protect and preserve all our new converts and new members from all assaults of the enemy, so they can abide in this church – Exodus 23:20
40. Father, in the name of Jesus, let the voice of the Holy Spirit silence every voice of the stranger seeking to manipulate our new converts and new members from coming to this church and being established here – John 10:5
41. Father, in the name of Jesus, open up the glorious destiny of all our new converts all through this year, thereby leading others to salvation – Romans 8:29-30
42. Father, in the name of Jesus, give every one of our new converts and new members in this church a testimony of “once I was blind, now I can see”, so that they can be established in the faith and in this church John 9:25
E. Praying for Fruitful Outreaches 43. Father, in the name of Jesus and by the blood of Lamb, we destroy all satanic strongholds against the salvation of all that are ordained unto eternal life across our harvest field all through this year – Acts 13:48
44. Father, in the name of Jesus and by the blood of the Lamb, grant supernatural wisdom to everyone on the go for Christ all through this year, thereby leading many to salvation – Proverbs 11:30
45. Father, in the name of Jesus, we decree the release of reaper-angels to the highways and hedges, compelling the influx of multitudes into this church all through this year – Matthew 13:39
46. Father, in the name of Jesus, let the Holy Spirit continue to ‘Whistle’ across our harvest field, thereby compelling the ingathering of multitudes into this church all through this year – Isaiah 5:26
47. Father, in the name of Jesus, let your reaper-angels appear to all the unsaved across our harvest field in visions and dreams of the night, pointing them to this church for their salvation – Acts 10:3, 34-35
F. Praying for our Sunday Services 48. Father, in the name of Jesus, release your reaper-angels to wait upon all new converts of the year and every challenged Winner, mobilizing them to appear in this church next Sunday for their restoration and breakthroughs – Matthew 26:53
49. Father, in the name of Jesus, let the Holy Ghost come down as a ‘Mighty Rushing Wind’, drafting unprecedented multitudes into this church next Sunday – Numbers 11:31
50. Father, in the name of Jesus, let the ears of every unsaved soul across our harvest field continue to hear the compelling sound of the Holy Spirit this week and be drafted to this Church this coming Sunday – Isaiah 5:26
51. Father, in the name of Jesus and by the blood of Lamb, we decree hitch-free movement for all worshippers in and out of church this coming Sunday – Psalm 105:13-15
52. Father, in the name of Jesus, release your reaper-angels to take over our harvest field, appearing to all our contacts in visions and revelations, thereby drafting them into this church for their salvation next Sunday – Acts 10:3, 34-35
53. Father, in the name of Jesus, let the Holy Spirit breathe upon all our fliers and tracts, thereby drafting multitudes into this church next Sunday – John 6:63
54. Father, in the name of Jesus, let the Holy Ghost sweep across our harvest field with strong waves of convictions and conversions, thereby drawing multitudes into this church next Sunday – John 16:7-8
55. Father, in the name of Jesus and by the blood of the Lamb, as you gather multitudes to our special services of next Sunday, grant every worshipper an encounter with your Word for their desired turnarounds – Isaiah 9:8
G. Praying for Leadership 56. Father, in the name of Jesus, renew the apostolic seal upon your servant, resulting in signs, wonders and mighty deeds amongst the people – 2 Corinthians 12:12
57. Father, in the name of Jesus, endue leadership at all levels, with wisdom from above, resulting in the continuous growth and expansion of this church – Isaiah 33:6
58. Father, in the name of Jesus, endue the Apostle over this Commission with divine wisdom, in leading this ongoing revival – Ecclesiastes 10:10
59. Father, in the name of Jesus, renew the prophetic unction on the life of your servant in our midst, as you continue to confirm every Word of His mouth this year – Isaiah 44:26
60. Father, in the name of Jesus, continue to unveil the pattern for the sustenance of this on going revival to your servant, as he leads the flock this year – Hebrews 8:5
Jesus is Lord! TAGS: intercessory prayer for church growth, prayer points for church growth pdf, praying for church, prayer points for the church with bible verses, prayer and fasting for church growth, prayer points for the church leaders, prayer points for church revival, intercessory prayer points for the church
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Sometimes in the midst of headline news, uncertain times, and constant debates that affect our future, it’s hard to even know where to begin.
We just know we have a deep ache in our hearts that cries out for God’s mercy, and a longing to see him heal our land.
But in all of the battles, defending our views, or pointing out differences, we have to ask ourselves one question… Have we prayed about it as much as we’ve talked about it?
God never leaves us to fend for ourselves, wrestling with worry, consumed in fear, or tempted towards hate. He reminds us He is with us and will help us. He reminds us He hasn’t lost control, but has a plan, and His purposes will prevail.
There’s no magic formula in praying verses and words, but there is power through the Spirit of God. And there’s power in His Truth to bring forgiveness, healing, renewal, and restoration – no matter how uncertain things may seem. God promises that His Word will not return empty, without accomplishing great things.
Prayer + God’s Word = Power – the pathway for Him to do miraculous things.
He hears our prayers, He knows our needs. There’s great power in uniting together, turning our hearts towards Him, and praying on behalf of our nation.
7 Vital Prayer Points:
1. That our nation would turn back to God. May God help us. We need him desperately to renew our hope and restore our land. We need his forgiveness and healing. May His Spirit sweep across our nation and draw many out of darkness. May believers everywhere draw close to Him and seek his face like never before.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chron. 7:14
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” Ps. 33:12
2. That we would be faithful in praying for leaders and those in authority, knowing that their decisions directly affect us too. May God give them wisdom and courage as they lead our nation. May He give them a desire to listen for his voice and follow his ways. May God in His mercy, appoint principled, godly men and women into positions of authority in our nation.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Tim. 2:1-2
“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Prov. 29:2
3. That we would recognize God’s Sovereignty over all. His word reminds us that He is the One who ultimately has the power to position all those in leadership, and to remove them. Some may ask, “If God’s going to do whatever He chooses, then why even pray?” More than anything, God desires our hearts to be set on Him. And He chooses to work on behalf of His people. His word reminds us there is great power in prayer as we join together in unity and seek to follow after Him.
It is “God who changes the times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Dan. 2:21
“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Ps. 33:11
4. That we would recognize the real battle is not fought against what is seen, but what is unseen. The real enemy is not a person or political party, but is Satan himself, and his dark forces that oppose God and fight against Truth. The enemy’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, and he wants nothing more than to see us waste our energy and time just battling one another. Let’s stay aware of his evil plans and stand against his attacks through the power of Christ and His Word.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph. 6:12
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Cor. 10:4
5. That we would not succumb to worry, fear, or defeat. That we wouldn’t grow so weary that we just give up, and tune out. Our voices are important. Now, more than ever before. Headline news stories can often incite fear and worry as we think about the future. We don’t have all the answers. We feel powerless to change what we believe needs to be changed. We look around us and see dark days and evil often seems to be winning. But God’s words still remain true in it all. He is the Answer. He’s the Light that breaks through the darkness. He’s the One who sets free and has the power to restore our nation.
“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Ps. 112:7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7
6. That we would pray for those in authority who are unjustly attacked and accused. That God’s protection would cover His people, that He would surround them with favor as a shield. That the plans of the enemy would be thwarted and truth would be made known. That as believers, we would be discerning and quickly recognize what is real and what is a lie.
“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn…” Is. 54:17
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” Psalm 125:1-2
7. That our hope would remain in the Lord. That we would recognize His great Power. That we would trust Him and believe that He is Able, and nothing is impossible with Him. He alone is where our real hope is found, not in our leaders, not in the economy, not in the condition of our nation today, or even in the future of tomorrows.
“Look at the nations and watch– and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Hab. 1:5
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” Hab. 3:2
Whoever your candidate of choice may be, we can rest in this – God has a plan. He’s not pacing heaven’s floors, worried about who will win or what the latest polls show. He’s called us to pray, to be salt and light, and to have a voice. We can trust that the outcome is in His hands.
Remembering this truth on which our nation was founded. We are “One Nation under God.”
Our hope comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth.
And He gives us the strength to keep moving forward.
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him.” Ps. 62:5
Dear God,
We thank you for your great power. We praise you that you have set us free from the clutching grasp of sin and death.
Would you be with your people, extending your grace, granting your freedom, giving your protection, and empowering with your strength. We ask that you would cause an awakening of your presence as never seen before. We ask that your Name be proclaimed, that all plans to silence Truth would be thwarted and crushed.
We pray that many would come to know you as Lord and Savior, we pray that many would see your Light, we pray that you would open blind eyes and release those still imprisoned.
We pray you would unify your people for the glory of your Name, that believers everywhere would rise up and stand together.
We pray for all those in authority, that you would give them wisdom and discernment as they lead. We ask that you would appoint strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people.
We pray that you would heal our land, and shine your face on us. Our times are in your hands.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor’s wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead’s facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at
Publication date: January 28, 2016
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