Heavenly Father I waited patiently for You, and You have listened to my cry. You have lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; setting my feet on a solid rock and gave me the ability to stand firm. You have put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to sing to You. Because of my testimony and others like me many will see and fear You and put their trust in You. We are blessed when we place our trust in You. Many are the wonders you have done and the things You have planned for us. No one compares to You, my God and my salvation. [Psa. 40:1-5]
Holy Spirit I lift up before You all of the people who will be baptized in our churches this summer. Help them to understand that this represents dying to their self and now living anew in You. Help them to also know that this represents a testimony before the congregation and all other who witness the baptism that they are now fully committing their lives to following You as best as they can. Holy Spirit fill and baptize them with Your Spirit also, so they can understand their unique gifts and ministry that they bring to the body. Let them hear and know Your voice.
Holy Spirit help each of our churches to start to regain lost ground and begin to fellowship with each other the way You intended us to do. Help us to not only keep each other accountable to Your principles, but to encourage each other in our walks of faith so that we all move and grow and apply what we learn from each sermon and lesson we hear. Help us to build a community that is grounded in prayer and Your word, but is active and allows Your Spirit to use them within the community to bring true change to our part of the world. Let our lives, our actions be stronger than our words. Let us be the pitchers that pour out Your Spirit to bring about Your power of change and love. Help us to honor Christ’s words when he said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to my Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” [John 14:12-14]
Finally, brothers and sisters, pray that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. I have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things He commands. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance….Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, 16 In Jesus’ name, Amen.