Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 NIV
I met a pastor the other day who lives just off the road of one of my school bus routes. I told him that he gets prayers from me almost everyday as I have my own version of prayer-driving in lieu of prayer-walking. He thanked me, but added quickly to continue to pray for his church. I asked for specifics, which he gave me a couple of prayer points. The next time I passed his house, I felt emboldened to pray even more intentional blessings for him.
Some questions or thoughts to motivate you to ask blessing prayers for the churches in your community or city.
- What thoughts arise when you think of different congregations within your community or city?
- Are you praying for them to prosper and grow in grace and peace?
- Is there a rumor or sad event about a specific church that has limited your prayers?
- How many churches do you pass as you travel to your work that could be prayer points for you?
- Ask God to increase your prayer vocabulary for blessing churches, including your own. What types of things would you pray for and how long would that take?
- Do you speak well of other churches in your community? In not, why?
- Does your church intentionally partner with other congregations to reach the lost in your city?
- Do you engage in praying with friends from another congregation to ask God to bless their pastor and ministry?
The devil is known as the accuser and slanderer of the brethren, the people belonging to Jesus. He loves to point out all of the frailties, sin, shortcomings, failures that happen to churches. When we bless other churches, we are standing with Jesus. When we gossip and point out the bad things, we are standing with Satan.
Let’s grow in our love for one another. Let’s believe and act in the power of prayer for blessing and unity among the church of Jesus. How many churches will you pass this morning on the way to your church? Offer a prayer for the pastor and his congregation. I think that would bring a smile to Jesus’ face.
Blessings Love y’all