[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 six: Discipling All Generations

One of the really remarkable things about our little church is the diversity we have. Ethnically, experientially, and certainly generationally. This is something that is missing in much of the modern church; all generations worshiping together and discipling one another. We have single adults, young couples, young families, growing families, and a share of empty nesters as well.

As we make our way through this sixth week of Revision 2017 (and our final prayer emphasis) it is this generational strength we want to ask for help to preserve and grow. We desire to be a church that lives Psalm 145 in all that we do.

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness." Psalm 145:4-7 (ESV)

One generation to another, commending the works of Christ to each other. Disciples preaching the gospel to each other and giving the account of God's faithfulness for generations to come.

As we pray this week let us focus on these things:

That all generations would feel welcome and find "family" here.
That we would disciple across generations, young to old, old to young, glorifying Christ.
That we would be equipped to raise up leaders for the church and to send out to disciple in other contexts.

Lord, we thank you for the church you have built in San Diego among us as a diverse group of people. For your glory continue to broaden our diversity and make us a church for all generations that our family would grow and all members would feel at home. By your Spirit, forge new relationships and help us to disciple one another in the gospel. Equip us to train and bring up leaders to continue the mission of making disciples, knowing Jesus and making him known. Amen.

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.

Revision 2017: Discipling All Generations

Revision 2017: Ministry Direction