Equipping Ministry Intercession Ideas, October 2023 Part F

(See the five previous posts. Also see downloadable Equipping Ministry Prayer Guide; Praying Through the Gifts at Your Church:  A Spiritual Gifts Prayer Guide; and Equipping Prayer Guide—Praying Scripture for Your Congregation)

A blessing for you today: 2 Thessalonians 3:5 says: May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Pray that we would adopt and develop the habit of seeing everyone as a growing disciple of Jesus. That we would be clear about invitation and expectations. That we would allow those who are burning out to take time away. That we would coach those who are over-serving—gaining space and place for others to step in. That we would come alongside those not yet connected—to find places where they can thrive.

Pray that we would be a people and a place of exhortation—grounded in LOVE. May we desire greater spiritual health and connection to Christ and His people—our church community. May we pray and work toward seeing everyone be engaged in effective, winsome, Spirit-filled ministry to others—with the goal of glorifying God and strengthening the church.

May we never be the place that expects people to “fill slots” out of a sense of obligation or desperation. May we never overlook those who seem burned out, jaded, too busy, or less engaged. May we work on aligning each person with their God-given spiritual gifts and calling and ministry needs, setting individuals and groups loose to accomplish God’s purposes.

Pray that our staff and ministry leaders would view ministry needs as discipleship opportunities—letting go of some outcomes along the way, while rejoicing as we see people grow and mature in their faith and walk with Christ and one another. Pray that the Lord would multiply ministry as people live into clear job descriptions and expectations--going above and beyond as they are inspired. Our hope is for this community of believers to live as the Body of Christ—each part equal and important and doing it’s part for the whole. Great diversity. Deep unity. Profound, inexplicable love.

Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for over 35 years. She currently serves as Equipping Ministries Director at her church.

Photo © Shirley Giles Davis.

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