Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NASB
Have you ever considered using your church bulletin, or weekly church email, as a prayer prompt?
Think about all the people behind just a single short page of information – the pastor and their family, the financial team processing gifts, the missions team organizing a mission trip or community outreach, the children’s minister preparing for the children’s Christmas program, and the person who put the information together in a format that is accessible and visually appealing!
Have you ever considered using your church bulletin, or weekly church email, as a prayer prompt?
Think about all the people behind just a single short page of information – the pastor and their family, the financial team processing gifts, the missions team organizing a mission trip or community outreach, the children’s minister preparing for the children’s Christmas program, and the person who put the information together in a format that is accessible and visually appealing!
What was radical for Christ to say in the first century is still radical for us to live by now! In our culture obsessed with being a passive consumer, being an active, giving participant and servant allows us to divest of our personal preferences and walk in the unity of the Spirit.
Pray for Unity
Pray for believers in the Church to be ONE in all things, as Paul instructed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.” It’s not “The Missions Team” vs “The Prayer Ministry” all competing with the Sunday School teachers! Instead, we complete each other and all press forward toward discipling fellow believers, serving with generosity, and sharing the Gospel.
Pray for Gospel-Readiness
Pray for those serving in the Church to overflow with the Gospel and the faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
Whether we are at midweek youth activities, community outreaches, or even internal team meetings in the local church, it is our responsibility to share the Gospel with those who don’t yet know Jesus and continually uplift fellow believers with the hope and truth of scripture!
Pray for 'Holy Multiplication'
Pray for believers serving in the Church to bring others along, disciple them, and raise them up to cultivate their God-given gifts, just as the early church did. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” Acts 13:2. May we never rob one another of the opportunity to grow and serve by over-committing; may servants delegate and labor together to allow all parts of the body to be strengthened.
Would you pray with me now?
Lord, You are the head of the Body! Thank You for making each member of the body individually gifted, created to work in unity with one another; complementing the abilities of my brothers and sisters in the faith. I pray that You would raise up willing hearts and hands in the Church to actively serve one another and serve in the communities You have purposefully rooted each church in for the sake of the Kingdom. May believers in the church serve with integrity; being honest, humble, and sincere in every interaction, overflowing with the Gospel whether interacting with fellow believers or people who don’t yet know Christ as Savior. I pray that believers with different gifts would honor one another and build each other up, as we complete, never compete. Pour out a culture of discipleship in the Church, with mature believers bringing up others to stand firm in the Word and finding ways to grow their gifts in serving You. Lord, bless those who faithfully serve the Church in the big, public ways, and those who serve in the quiet, unseen ways – I know both are just as valuable. Teach me to always serve with a joyful heart and diligent hands. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Peace and blessings,
Amy Parks
Communications Director