Prayer

PRAY LESSON 4

Church Growth

“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”
– Acts 5:42 

Adoration: God, I praise You for Your sovereign control over all things. What You plan happens – and no event or person, not even Satan, can stop Your plans and purposes from being accomplished.

Confession: Please forgive me any time I, like Ananias and Sapphira, am more concerned with my reputation and being known for holiness rather than actual self-sacrifice and a holy life. (Acts 5:1-10)

Thanksgiving: Thank you, God, that You have a gracious purpose in the suffering and problems I face. Thank you for having a plan, even in my life’s most painful events. (Genesis 50:20; Romans 5:3-5; 8:28; 1 Peter 4:12-14)

Supplications:

Global: Father, I pray nothing – not pain, disgrace, disunity, discontent or distraction – will threaten or silence the witness of Your Church. Please help all Christians around the world to “never stop teaching and proclaiming the good news.” (Acts 5:42)

Local: Lord, please allow my church and BSF class to be marked by the Holy Spirit – with unity, generosity and a bold witness (Acts 4:32-37). Please send us a fresh filling of Your Spirit so we may grow in strength and joy even in the midst of problems and persecution.

Personal: Father, like the early Church, please use my trials to draw me closer to Christ in faith and love and to draw unbelievers to You. Help me to know Your comfort and joy in my suffering and to keep my eyes on the goal: Your glory, Christlikeness and eternity. (Philippians 3:13-14)

“When they heard this, they raised their  voices together in prayer to God …”

– Acts 4:24a

“When they heard this,

they raised their voices

together in prayer to God …”

– Acts 4:24a