Day 17: Church
yesterday you interceded for your family. Today you will intercede for your church. Write down the time and place where you are completing this Soul Workout.
Warm-Up:
Pray:
“God, the Church is the hope of the world. I will stand in the gap for my church as it carries Your truth into the dark places. May we clearly communicate Your story and finished work on the cross in a compelling way. May we be a bright beacon of Your love. May we carry Your will on our backs to see it done on earth as it is in Heaven. May I never forget that I am a member of the body, Your church.”
Round 1:
Read 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Peter 5:1-3; Acts 2:42-47 and Revelation 3:7-8. Underline what stands out to you in each passage.
Round 2:
Before we can intercede for our church, it’s important that we forgive hurtful past church experiences. Be careful with this round.
Write down how you need to forgive the Church for past hurts and offenses.
Complete healing from past church wounds could never happen in one simple round of a Soul Workout. That being said, writing something down for this round could begin to free you up just enough to pray for your church. If you are not ready for this or cannot identify any past hurts, skip this round.
Round 3:
In your journal, write out some names of leaders at your current home church. These may be staff members or volunteers. Add ministries to your list such as children’s ministry, youth ministry, weekend services, etc.
Burn Out:
Take as much time as you need to intercede for your church. Here are some great things to pray.* Pray through a few or all of them. Come back to this list often and stand in the gap for your church:
That the church stays true to God’s message – and proclaim it whether or not it’s convenient. (2 Timothy 4:2)
That the church would be deeply committed to seeking God in prayer. (Colossians 4:2)
That the church will boldly share Jesus. (Acts 4:12)
That the church will worship God in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
That the church leaders will follow Jesus and serve humbly. Pray for protection of their witness and example. (1 Peter 5:1-3)
The church would be dedicated disciple believers into maturity. (Colossians 1:28-29)
For more people to serve Jesus, building His Kingdom. (Matthew 9:37-38)
That church leaders would equip believers for service. (Ephesians 4:11-12)
The church remains faithful when facing division or persecution. (Revelation 2:8-11)
The church would patiently endure despite weaknesses. (Revelation 3:7-13)
That the church will trust Jesus to grow the church, in His way and in His power. (Matthew 16:18)
Sometime this week:
If you are able, fast this week. Choose a day and fast a meal, two meals or the whole day. During the time you would normally eat, take some extra time to focus on God through prayer or reading. If you are not sure if fasting is okay for you, consult your doctor.