The local church is God’s chosen vehicle for expanding His Kingdom throughout the world. Around the globe, there are millions of local churches where the Word of God is presented to the body of believers so they can go out and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. While God has chosen the local church as the greatest tool for world evangelism, it’s important that those of us who attend these churches pray for church leaders, their families, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Pray These Verses
Colossians 3:3-4 (NIV)
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV)
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you but being examples to the flock.
Colossians 1:28-29 (NIV)
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I am asking You to bless the church that I attend. I believe that our pastor and the leadership team at my home church have been divinely called by Your purpose in their lives to fulfill a mission. I ask that You open doors for them to share the truth of the Gospel with those who do not yet believe while also relying on Your Word to encourage those of us who are already members of Your family. Bless our pastors, deacons, elders, teachers, and others who are over the flock that You have placed at my home church. Help them to remain eager in their calling, even when they experience moments of frustration. Help my home church to remain focused on You, boldly proclaiming and teaching everyone with all wisdom so our body of believers can become mature in Christ. I ask these things in His name, Amen.
Thank God
Heavenly Father, thank You for the church that You have placed me in. Thank You for my pastor and the leadership team at my church who provide us with sound Scriptural teaching and preaching. Thank You for the worship leaders who usher us into Your presence through song each week. Thank You for my brothers and sisters who are such a vital part of my life. Thank You for still believing in the local church and choosing at as the vehicle in which You spread Your Gospel to the world as a whole. In Christ’s name I praise You for these things, Amen.