by Rev. Casey Southerland
PMU Field Director in Cincinnati, OH
the Missions Banner, November 2022: Online edition
It has long been a practice of many Christians to pray the scriptures. We see it in the early church in Acts 4:24-30, when Peter, John and the disciples recite from Psalm 2 in their prayer for boldness in preaching the Word of God. Similarly, when thinking about how to pray for our church planters, I looked to Scripture. Paul’s example of his ministry to the Thessalonians has always been one of my favorite passages because of the apostle’s reflection on things he did, and things he did not do, when beginning his ministry in that city. In 1 Thessalonians 2, there are several helpful principles that can guide us in forming requests on behalf of our church planters. Our church planters are bringing the gospel into situations where both their teaching and lives are carefully considered, and it is important that we are faithful to regularly place them before our Heavenly Father. I hope the passages and petitions below will be a helpful guide and an inspiration to you as you seek to pray according to the Lord’s will for those taking the gospel of God into a community.
Dear God of Comfort and Might, I pray that you will help bring our church planters comfort from whatever great or small conflict they have endured in their past and give them boldness in You to faithfully speak the gospel in the place where you’ve called them to minister.
Gracious Lord, who abundantly provides for the sheep of your pasture, I thank you that you have entrusted these ministers with your gospel and affirmed it by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. May the hearts of these servants be kept from uncleanness and deceit and, whether in preaching, teaching, counseling, or simple conversations, may their words be marked by truth and light demonstrate an abundance of love but no fear of man. May their ministry display a full desire and devotion solely to please You, the One who has sent them.
God of All Glory, may these ministers be free of the desire for any praise from men, and when their position affords them opportunity to receive personal glory, may they direct that praise to You, the true source of every good gift and all the fruit of their labors.
Compassionate Lord, may the love and tenderness with which you care for your sheep, and even for my own soul, shape the way these workers in your flock regard your sheep and exercise gentle care over them on your behalf.
Dear Emmanuel, God who is with us, as you came and gave your life for the joy that was set before you, may these planters of your church give joyfully of their own lives to their families and to your flock. When they work long and odd hours, may their cup remain full of the joy that is found in you.
Oh Lord, may their lives be fitting examples to your children of a devoted life, and righteous living and treatment of others, and may they remain above reproach for your Name’s sake.
Finally, Lord, will you use their ministry of your gospel to call lost souls into your kingdom. May he engage souls with your Word fitly spoken. May he exhort faithfully, comfort the broken-hearted, and charge your people to joyful obedience to everything you command by your Word in every area of life.
Amen
