The focus of prayer
The most important service for the church is also the most lacking, prayer. It was a hallmark of the life of Jesus, so much so that his disciples begged Him to teach them to pray. And He did. In so doing, He demonstrated the order of priority in prayer. His teaching showed how important it was to pray for the kingdom of God to come, for the dominion of God to become manifest reality.
In the article Discover why you should pray and how, I explained that “Every good plan of God for us must emerge from the womb of prayer. We pray to release God’s power into our circumstances and the circumstances around us.”
The church is the agent of the expansion of God’s kingdom in the earth. And so must be bathed in prayer for the will of God to be done through it. Its circumstances will be greatly altered by prevailing prayer from believers.
More than ever, we need strong local churches focused on the business of the kingdom, winning souls, making disciples, teaching them to live in obedience to God. A strong church is of necessity a praying church.
Every believer has a part to play in this prayer endeavor. We are to pray that His kingdom come, in all its ramifications. It behoves us to be praying people, not gossiping people or critical people, no praying people. We do not lambast the church wash the dirty linen of the church in public on social media, we get on our knees and pray.
Here are five prayer points that any Christian can pray for their local church. They deal with the ministry of the Word and the expansion of the kingdom.
Feel free to write them down and every where you see ABBA HOUSE, just insert the name of your church.
1) Prayer One
Father, in the name of Jesus, cause that Your word preached in my church spread far and wide, drawing large numbers of people to Christ from all walks of life, thereby leading to a spectacular growth in the church.
Acts 6:7
So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith. (NIV)
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. (HCSB)
2) Prayer Two
Father, in the name of Jesus, as Your Word is preached, grant revelation to every member of the church, that they may be equipped with divine understanding to fulfill all your purpose for their lives.
Psalm 119:130
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. …133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; Let no sin rule over me. (NIV)
The revelation of Your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced…133 Make my steps steady through Your promise; don’t let any sin dominate me. (HCSB)
3) Prayer Three
Father, in the name of Jesus, give every member of the church the right words to present the gospel, thus empowering them to be effective soulwinners.
Ephesians 6:1919
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel (NIV)
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. (HCSB)
Related article : 20 powerful prayers for you and your church
4) Prayer Four
Father, in the name of Jesus empower every member of this church to preach your Word with boldness as we ought.
Acts 4.29
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. (NIV)
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness, (HCSB)
5) Prayer Five
Father, in the name of Jesus, as we preach, confirm your Word, stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders, leading to an influx of multitudes into the church.
Acts 4.30
Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus (NIV)
…while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus. (HCSB)
6) Prayer Six
Father, in the name of Jesus, awaken in each member of the church a spirit of prayer, that you may move on our behalf, and bring about a multiplication of the sheep; that Your name will be glorified. Let multitudes enter and abide in this church this year.
Ezechiel 36.37
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Once again I will yield to Israel’s plea and do this for them: I will make their people as numerous as sheep, as numerous as the flocks for offerings at Jerusalem during her appointed festivals. So will the ruined cities be filled with flocks of people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” (NIV)
“This is what the Lord God says: I will respond to the house of Israel and do this for them: I will multiply them in number like a flock. So the ruined cities will be filled with a flock of people, just as the flock of sheep for sacrifice is filled in Jerusalem during its appointed festivals. Then they will know that I am Yahweh.”» (HCSB)
7) Prayer Seven
Father, in the name of Jesus, endue our leaders with divine wisdom to serve You with strength, that this house may be built and strengthened.
Proverbs 24:3-5
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. (NIV)
There you have it, seven simple prayers inspired by God’s Word that you can pray easily. Make a habit of praying every day for your local church and for your Pastor. Pray in particular for the salvation of the lost. That is why Jesus came, that none may perish. Enjoy this adventure in prayer. I will be posting more prayer topics at a later date.
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Here is another article on prayer you may like, it is in fact an excerpt from one of my books. Click on the image below to read it .