[Revision 2017 is forty plus days of prayer for spiritual renewal in us as individuals and as a church that we might be used to bring renewal to our neighborhoods. We will conclude with our Good Friday celebration just before Easter.]
Week Five: Ministry direction
This week we turn to the Lord in seeking direction and clarity on where to put our resources in pursuit of our mission and ministry. May the Lord grant us vibrancy in our disability, students, children's, and groups ministries. And that he would make clear to us as a congregation new areas of ministry we should lean into. Also in this prayer is the equipping and sending of leaders within the church to spearhead new ventures as we make Jesus known in San Diego and beyond.
"Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." Psalm 25:4-5 (ESV)
As a young replant of a church there can be a longing to see the return of ministries that once existed and at the same time a clean slate to build new ministries as the Lord desires and equips (our new disability ministry being a prime example). Heading into this new season of life at the church we don't want to put our plans ahead of the Lord's and we are seeking confirmation and unity in our ministry focus.
We very much want to keep the posture of the church in Jerusalem when faced with the threats of harm and even death, they seek direction and power, not for safety but for boldness to proclaim Jesus. "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:29-31 (ESV)
Likewise, we want God in his sovereign power to give us boldness in the declaration of Christ and the path of ministry he has planned for us to take.
Lord, we ask that by your Spirit, you would confirm for us the ministries you have established at Grace Church and give us a vision for new endeavors to make much of your name. Equip us to lead and serve and build the church you have planned in San Diego. Amen.