PRAYING FOR YOUR CHURCH

In anticipation of the gathering of the saints for worship on this Lord’s Day, we need to pray. As the old hymn aptly states,

“Brethren, we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God;
Will you pray with all your power, while we try to preach the Word?
All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.”

That we should pray is indisputable. Yet, what exactly should we pray for—some general prayer for blessing?  General prayers are often generally unanswered. Paul gives us some specifics:

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 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, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:15-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬).

Meditate on these truths, then bow and pray with fervency and faith that God will do this among His people. We do not even have to tack on, “If it is Your will,” for we know it is!  The will of God is expressed in the Word of God.

What a difference this will make in your life, and in the worship experience of the congregation!  Such a prayer for your preacher is vital. Spurgeon was a pretty decent pastor, yet he said, “No man can do a truer kindness in this world toward me than to pray for me.”  If he needed prayer, I assure you that your pastor does!