United in Prayer: Day 19

“For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.” 

Psalm 67:1-7

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After the excitement of a church plant’s grand opening, the real work of starting relationships begins. Leaders are needed for ministries, programs, relationship building and the planning that occurs between Sunday services. It’s this transition that provides space for the leaders of the church to create and build a community where God is worshiped and praised. The community of a church is vital to its mission and vision. Each will influence the other. Our community drives the mission of the church, while the mission calls to those with the same heart to become part of the community! 

When leaders put the work in to develop a church community that praises God, it’s felt across the larger community of the city they’re in. Rather than glorifying itself, the church works together to make God’s name known across the city through the way they live their lives and the work they do for others. As God blesses our church plants, they are called to bless their communities. But, it all begins with the leaders of the church modeling the way for everyone else!

Today, as most of us will be in church, gather with some fellow believers and spend time praising God for all the ways he has been gracious to us, so that we can reflect his glory to those around us. Pray as a group for new churches that are in various stages of maturity. Ask God to fill them with the fullness of his Holy Spirit, so that they may be a blessing to their communities. 

Praying for Starting Churches: 
Gracious and loving God – you have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. You alone are righteous and just. We are filled with joy at the thought of your goodness and love and forgiveness. We desire to magnify your name that you might be glorified and that many will come to faith in Jesus.

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If you've enjoyed this excerpt from our United in Prayer guide and would like to join us for our 21 Days of Prayer, we invite you, your church leaders, pastors, staff and congregation to unite with us. To access all of our resources and let us know that you are praying with us, click here: converge.org/21-days-united-in-prayer