Our family has been to New York on several occasions, before 9/11 and afterward. Like so many, we visited the site of Ground Zero and the moving memorial. A place that drew my attention was St. Paul’s Chapel, which was a place of rest and refuge for weary first responders and recovery workers. The pews in the church had the marks of firefighter boots, those who had collapsed in exhaustion and grief. The floors were scuffed from those wearied from hours of digging and searching. The Apostle Paul encouraged the church to serve others (Galatians 5:13-14; Philippians 2:3-8; Colossians 3:23-24). I praise the Lord for the work of His churches as they serve the mission of Christ among our neighbors and the nations.
As we seek to advance the Gospel together, let’s be praying for churches. I invite you to join together in praying ten specific Scriptures…
1. 2 Timothy 4:2—Pray that the church will proclaim the Word of God without apology.
2. Colossians 4:2—Pray that the church would devote itself to prayer.
3. Acts 4:12—Pray that the church will boldly share Jesus as the only hope for salvation.
4. John 4:24—Pray that the church will worship God in spirit and in truth.
5. 1 Peter 5:2-3—Pray that our leaders will serve humbly as godly examples to all.
6. Colossians 1:28-29—Pray that the church will labor and strive to present everyone mature in Christ.
7. Matthew 9:37-38—Pray that more workers step up to faithfully serve.
8. Ephesians 4:11-12—Pray that our leaders equip the saints for the work of ministry.
9. Revelation 2:4-5—Pray that the church does not lose its first love.
10. Matthew 16:18—Pray that we will trust Jesus to grow the church.
SBCV exists to come alongside local churches. Let’s be praying and seeking God’s face. God is able!
