We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth. Col. 1:3-6
Dear heavenly Father, we bring our church families before you today, with all their brokenness and messes, issues and needs. It’s not only a privilege but also a calling to pray for your Bride.
For until the Day Jesus returns, the church is your chosen means for revealing your glory, extending your grace, and advancing your kingdom. No wonder she is constantly being assailed by the world, assaulted by darkness, and attacked from within.
In keeping with Paul’s prayer for the churches in Colossae, we ask you to inundate, saturate, and liberate our churches, by the gospel of your grace—new church plants and aging communities alike. The gospel must be central to everything. There’s no other story, motivation, or resources adequate for the calling you’ve given your beloved people. If the gospel’s not “in play,” then at best, we will simply play church.
By the riches of the gospel, bear great fruit in our midst, Father. Deepen and strengthen our faith in Jesus. May his beauty capture our hearts; his “It is finished,” fuel our worship; and his name be the most heard, loved, and trusted name in our churches.
By the power of the gospel, make us great lovers, Father. By your mercy and grace, give us love for all the saints. May your welcoming heart and transforming love permeate our churches. Teach of how to conflict redemptively. Don’t let us ever get used to loving poorly.
By the hope-filled gospel, liberate our hands, hearts, and resources, for the work of your kingdom, in our cities and among the nations. With us or without us, the gospel will continue to bear fruit and grow throughout the world. We want it to do so with us, Father.
Father, by your grace and for your glory, revive us, transform us, and free us for your sovereign and saving purposes. So very Amen we pray, with longing hearts, in Jesus’ exalted name.
