Praying for Churches in My Town

I’m on day 23 of 30 in praying for the churches in my town. It began on the first of November at the Lord’s direction not knowing that others were beginning a month of posting each day what they were thankful for.  When I began my prayer quest, I had no idea what to expect.  I know some of the churches well, having attended and ministered in them in years past or I am currently worshiping with them. When praying for some I got distinct impressions how to pray, with others, nothing. It doesn't seem to be as important how I’m praying as the fact that I am praying.  A simple prayer of blessing or a pointed intercession both are accomplishing what God intended, especially in me. I’d like to share just a couple of things that have happened for me as a result of this God-given task.

                I believe that above every other benefit for me has been a renewed awareness of the combined footprint the church of God has in this small town. It’s very easy to get focused on what our church, our ministry, or our denomination is doing in the area and forget that we are not the only ones touching lives. In the apartment complex where I live, a Lutheran church in the general neighborhood has began a weekly Bible study, did several children’s activities this summer, and has some Christmas activities coming up.  They have a beautiful building to worship in but meet in the new community room at our complex when they come here to minister. They have added a welcome Godly presence in a neighborhood that has a lot of single parent households as well as its share of drug and domestic violence activity. Another church has also been planted on our side of town that focuses on those believers in recovery and the non-churched as well. The pastors have a heart to see the lost saved and new believers grow in the grace of God as they face their addictions and grow past them in Christ. They meet in a school cafeteria by design to be able to put what resources do come in back into the community. Now on the surface, these two churches are as opposite as day and night. One has an older congregation and liturgical worship, and the other has a younger congregation, very contemporary praise band and open worship format.  Their target and approach are very different but they each add to the footprint in a unique way that builds the kingdom. I think of churches I've never been in on the other side of town. I think of denominations whose ways are not like mine. They contribute to the footprint, too. Every toe on the foot, every finger on the hand, every organ in the body is important.

                For me, acknowledging the larger church of my community in my prayers has been a blessing. I have a week to go and will probably start the cycle again next month. I take as much time as needed to pray for each day’s assignment, as the Holy Spirit leads me. As I check my daily list to see who is on for the day, I realize that my doctrinal stance and Christian experience are at odds with some I pray for. But I pray anyway. I pray because I know God has a plan for each church in my town. I pray God will bless the pastor and leadership and reveal Himself to them in a greater way. I ask the Holy Spirit to stir every pot and bring His goodness out of every congregation. I ask that Jesus be glorified in everything they do. I pray for them the same way I pray for myself.