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PRAYING FOR THE CHURCH

By Dr. Barry L. Davis

www.mindofchrist.net

 

 

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, {21} that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21)

 

1. We have the Potential to Reach the World

2. What Jesus Wants for the Church - Matt. 28:19-20; John 17:9-24

          A. That People Would Sense the Glory of God

          B. That We Would Follow the Word of God

          C. That We Would Be United in the Love of God

          D. That We Would Go Forth in the Mission of God

          E. That We Would Experience the Joy of God

3. How Can I Pray for My Church?

          A. Pray Continually

          B. Pray Strategically

          C. Pray Geographically

          D. Pray Powerfully

                   1) Pray for believers to experience true worship

 

·        Pray for an outpouring of God's glory in your church as people acknowledge Him, not only with their lips but with their lives

 

·        Ask God for a spirit of worship to manifest itself at your church.

 

2) Pray that believers will know, accept, & obey the Word of God

 

·        Pray that God's Word be preached continually at your church.

 

·        Pray for spiritual discernment & understanding among the people

 

·        Ask God to make you obedient to His Word

                  

3) Pray for unity in the church

 

·        Pray for humility among your church's leaders & among the body of believers

 

·        Pray that a spirit of repentance will rise up among all your members

 

·        Ask God to break down all racial, cultural, & denominational walls.

 

4) Pray for souls to be won to Christ

 

·        Ask God to continue impressing the vision of winning the lost to Christ among your church's leaders & members

 

·        Pray for workers for the harvest -- believers who will consistently share their faith

                  

5) Pray for joy in the hearts & lives of believers

 

·        Ask God to reveal your church's potential to your leaders & the members.

 

·        Ask God to bring joy to your leaders & members