Prayer For My Friends At Church

7 Offering Prayers For A Church Service

Money, any topic, is an issue that needs to be addressed in the church.  Jesus talked more about money than anything else in the Bible.  If you are leading an offering prayer in your congregation, read through these seven different short prayers you can pray to God before you take up the offering.

The Cheerful Giver

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Father in Heaven,

We thank You today for Your blessings that you bestow upon us all.  Father, I pray for our congregation today.  Lord, may we all give with gladness and sincerity.  Father, no one ever gives a present to someone with reluctance and we should never give You what already belongs to You with reluctance either.  Bless these tithes and offerings this day.  We love You, Father!  Amen

Watch What I Will Do!

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. (Malachi 3:10)

O Lord,

We thank You for Your steadfast love and mercy on us.  Father, we believe that every word in the Bible was breathed out by You (2 Tim 3:16), and we believe Your promise that You will bless us when we are obedient to Your Word.  And so, without hesitation, we gladly give to You what is Yours.  Bless these tithes and offerings, Father.  We love You, Lord!  Amen

You Reap What You Sow

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. (Proverbs 11:24)

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for bringing us all to Your house safely today and we are so blessed by Your presence here today.  Thank You for Your love and mercy on us, Father.

  May we give not to become richer, though, may we give because we simply love You!  Accept these tithes and offerings today.  We love You, Lord!  Amen

Obey

Honor the Lord with your wealth. (Proverbs 3:9a)

Father,

We praise Your Almighty Name!  You have blessed our nation with immense wealth and opportunity.  Lord, You have commanded us to honor You with our wealth, and I pray that You will be honored greatly this day as we give to You what is already Yours.  Bless these cheerful givers and bless the tithes and offerings that they give.  We love You!  Amen

His Eyes See Your Intentions

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

O Lord,

There are some of us here today that didn’t want to come here.  There are some of us today that will give to the offering with bitter hearts.

  Father, I pray You will soften the hearts of those who are worried about giving You their money instead of spending it on themselves.

  Father, I pray that You will bless all who give today and show them Your love in a mighty way because of their obedience.  Bless these tithes and offerings, Father.  We love You!  Amen

The Tithe Belongs To The Lord

Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. (Leviticus 27:30)

Father,

We come to Your throne with humble hearts as we are so thankful for the blessings You give us daily.  Lord, We believe in the Book of Leviticus.

  Father, I pray that as we give You our offerings and tithes this morning that we all will think about the fact that the tithe is Yours.  It belongs to You.  May we never withhold what is Yours.

  Please accept these offerings and tithes with gladness, Lord.  We Love You!  Amen

Love Is Essential

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:3)

Dear Lord,

We thank You for another chance for us to meet together in Your house to worship You.  Father, we believe in the Book of 1 Corinthians and I pray that all offerings given today are love.

  We experience Your blessings every day and Your blessings are always given to us freely and with ultimate love.  Father, You loved us all of the way to the cross!  May we love You enough to give You what is already Yours.

  Bless these tithes and offerings today.  We love you!  Amen

Conclusion

Giving back to God is commanded, and is something that should be done with joy and cheerfulness.  As you approach your next church service, consider tithing if you don’t already.  You will be amazed at how God makes everything work out.  May God continue to bless you as you live a life worthy of the calling!

10 Prayers for Thanksgiving Or Praise

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as: Church Service, giving, Money, Offering Prayers, Prayer

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Источник: //www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/7-offering-prayers-for-a-church-service/

One Day I Prayed for Friends, and This Is What Happened

I have to tell you this story.

When I first got saved some relationships in my life changed. Friends didn’t seem interested in hearing about how Jesus saved me and blah blah blah. We started growing apart, and I actually lost friends.

It felt uncomfortable, and as a person who values friendship I wondered what would happen. My soon-to-be husband asked if I had prayed and asked God for friends.

Um, no.

At first it sounded a little desperate. Besides, I had no trouble meeting people.

But it wasn’t just about meeting more people or about making more “friends.” It was about praying for the right people; about having friends who God knew would be good for me.

How Do You Pray for Friends?

I asked God if He would bring loving Christians into my life. I didn’t know what else to pray, so that was it. And despite the words, I believed God knew the desire of my heart.

But how would it happen, and when?

Months went by and not much changed.

It was around then that my husband and I started looking to connect with a local Christian married couples group. We were newly married and our church didn’t have one at the time. We found a Christian church nearby that had one and asked if we could join them sometime.

We ended up loving the people in the group so much that we checked out their church. Welcoming hellos turned into warm hugs and invitations to dinner and ministry events and movie nights. When I first prayed for friends I imagined one or two, but in the course of a year, we gained an entire church family of 50+ people.

Our beloved church family sent us off with prayer and blessing, and hugs and kisses, but my heart was a little broken.

And So I Prayed for Friends… Again

The first year was a little lonely. I was that mom at preschool who no one recognized. I entered situations hopeful and excited, thinking it would be easy to make new friends, but nothing really happened. I didn’t connect as much with my old friends as I had hoped, but I trusted God had something in store.

Once again I prayed for friends. But this time I knew it wasn’t a desperate prayer… it was a necessary one.

While I grew impatient at times, sad and even a little depressed, it was important to wait for the right people. It was a quiet time of prayer and waiting and drawing closer to God.

The first place I met a new friend was at church. It’s a church with thousands of members, which sounds a great place to meet friends, but sometimes it’s hard to get to know people well when everyone is coming and going.

But at the end of one service in particular, a woman in front of me turned to leave with her husband, and there we stood after a great time of worship, both brushing away tears from our cheeks. We looked at each other and just laughed. Three years later this is one of my dearest friends– but so much more than a friend.

This family has become our family, and ours theirs. And one of the hallmarks of our relationship is laughter!

We continued meeting more and more brothers and sisters in Christ over the years–at church, kids’ parties, Bible studies and even just walking in the neighborhood–and as I’m writing this, I feel beyond grateful for the amazing women and families and friends the Lord has brought (and continues to bring) into our lives.

It’s by God’s hand that we meet these chosen friends. Encouragers in the faith.

Have You Prayed for Friends?

If you think that these things don’t happen to you, believe this:  You can pray and ask your Father in heaven who loves you for friends.

There is no secret to what I described above. I had a desire for Christian friends, so I asked God. You can too.

It says in 1 John 5:14-15, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

Could you use support in a certain area of your life?

Have you been burned by friends in the past and feel resigned to go it alone?

Ask God for friends. He knows exactly who you need and who needs you.

Because all good things come from God.

Источник: //goingbyfaith.com/i-prayed-for-friends-and-this-is-what-happened/

Powerful Prayer for a Friend [Quotes & Verses]

If there's ever any truth with humans, it's the fact that we're social creatures. So no matter your belief, rule system, you're bound by nature to seek out friends, and vice versa.

From all those people, you have a tight circle that only includes your closest pals. This session of prayers (courtesy of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher) goes to those friends.

Regardless if they're going through a hard time now, or they're the best in their class, these prayers cover all ends.

Bible Verse of the Day: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity – Proverbs 17:17

Prayers for Friendship

Friendship goes hand-in-hand with love; these prayers are a symbol of just that.

Prayer for a Friend in Need

Father in Heaven, I kneel before You today to pray for miracles. “Name” has always had my back, so here I am, praying that you comfort him in his time of need. At this point, I know there's no exception to your grace and ability, which is why I pray that You grant him/her a speedy testimony. Thank you for hearing my prayers Oh Lord, and In Christ's Name, I Pray, Amen.

Prayer for a Friend in Pain

Verses in the Bible have shown how You made happiness great sorrow and wanting. Father, we want You to perform the same kind of miracle in “Name's” life. He/she needs a comforter, and You're the best. I pray because I prefer him/her happy and because he/she wishes me the same. Thanks for listening to us God, and In Jesus Name I Pray.

Prayer Message for a Friend

“Name” is one of my best friends, and today God, I pray for on behalf that You continue backing his/her progress. Oh Lord, without You, we're next to nothing, but through You, we have everything. Be with him/her, so everything he/she needs is provided at a moment's notice. I exalt Your Name and might Father, and in Jesus Name, Amen.

Pray for Friend's Success

Success is a cliché at this point, but I still have only You to answer these prayers Father. I pray for “Name's” financial restoration.

Make provisions for him/her, so that he/she will never be left wanting for anything. You're our Lord, our God, and in only You we have faith to deliver us from all tribulations.

Thank You for having our backs, thank You got the testimonies, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Prayer for Friendship Restoration

Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Lord, this verse has never been truer in my case. Deep down, I know “Name,” me, or anybody else has his/her flaws.

That's what makes us human and thus, why we need You. Lord of Hosts, I pray that You rekindle the flame between me and “Name.” We need You to help us keep this miracle, that we call friendship.

Amen.

Prayer for a Friend in Need of Healing

Lord, I am here today to pray for my friend who needs your intervention. He/she is sick, praying and hopeful for a speedy healing, so we pray God that You grant it to him/her. Asides You, there's no other Father that listens. Thank You for Your grace and the answered prayer, Amen.

Prayer for Friendship and Love

Father, You who reign in Heaven is the only God I have to thank for life. So my prayer is for guidance on choosing the right friends. Lord, I pray that You teach me how to create healthy and meaningful relationships full of love. I thank You for listening to me today, and In Jesus Name, Amen.

“Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still with me, and my children were around me, 6, when my path was drenched with cream and the rock, poured out for me streams of olive oil” – Job 29:4-6

Insightful Bible Verses in Friendships

“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered,  or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared” – Proverbs 22:24-25

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” – Colossians 3:12-14

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.

Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” – John 15:12-15

Источник: //www.holylandprayer.com/prayer_for/prayer-for-a-friend/

11 Special Prayers For Friends

When a friend is in need, the best thing you can do is get on your knees and pray to the Lord for their relief or healing. These special prayers for friends will offer them the encouragement and healing they need to find peace.

Prayer #1

Dear heavenly Father, You created us to be social beings and You designed us to build up special relationships and friendships with those that pass along our way – sometimes family members and at other times strangers that simply walk into our lives or cross our path.. and who remain bound up with us for the rest of our time on earth.

Lord I lift up those who do not have any special friend or who desire to have someone significant or important in their lives – not simply as a marriage partner but a friend, a kindred spirit – a special person with whom they can build up a trusting relationship, and who will share in their joys as well as their sorrows.

Look down in pity on those that have such a longing in their hearts and give them the desire of their heart we pray.. so that together they can encourage and edify each other in the faith, and unite together in praise and worship with the God who in His loving-kindness drew them into each others lives.

We ask this in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Prayer #2

Heavenly Father I lift up my dear friend who has contracted a serious illness – and Lord You know better than I the difficulties and problems that this is causing.

Help us all to turn to You in this time of deep distress and surround my dear friend I pray, with Your comforting arms of blessing and pour into all our hearts Your peace that passes understanding.

Strengthen our hearts, and calm the fears of all concerned, with the blessed hope that we all have in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord I place the life of my dear friend into Your safekeeping and pray that Your hand of blessing would carry us all through the coming days and weeks – and Lord I ask that Your healing touch would be upon this dear one, whom we all love so deeply.

Lord Your healing hand has not lost its power and Your arm has not lost its strength – and so we pray that You would reach out and flood healing into the broken body of our friend and that You would bring wholeness to their soul – and Lord, we do praise You that no matter what the outcome may be, YOUR grace is sufficient for all our needs and that Your love for each of us has not diminished of any of its grace.

Comfort and bless this dear friend of ours and may each of us know with assurance that You are in control, and that nothing can happen of which you are unaware – we pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Prayer #3

Thank you Lord for the wonderful connection we share as friends. I am so grateful for the incredible bond that has grown between us, and for the sanctuary your grace provides for us to dwell within.

I ask for a deep kingdom blessing to be given to this wonderful person.
May you provide such goodness in their lives. I pray that the hopes and dreams they have shared with me may be fully fanned into flame by your Spirit.

Lord, you are the foundation of our friendship for it is with you that we walk daily. Thank you that in your kinship and family we find unity and strength. Amen.

Prayer #4

Loving Father I have a friend whose character is being attacked and falsities are being said about them. I am concerned for them as this is a difficult and painful thing to face but I am also concerned that the worry of all that is going on in their life will be detrimental to their health.

I pray that You will give my friend Your peace that surpasses comprehension and that in Your time and Your way You will diffuse this unpleasant attack. Amen

Prayer #5

Lord – thank You for friends and friendships and for the wonderful way that we have been designed by You to interact and compliment each other and to be there to quietly support and encourage in times of sadness as well as joy. Father I do thank You for this very special friend that you brought into my life at a time when he was most needed and for the close bond of fellowship that has been growing between us ever since.

Lord I lift up this treasured friend of mine and thank You for the great blessing that he has been in my life and for the wisdom and discernment that You have been gracious to bestow on him.

Thank You for his faithful witness, personal testimony, understanding heart and spirit of encouragement.. and thank You Father for the unique contribution he is making to the furtherance of Your kingdom. May he grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus and may he be enfolded in Your love and peace and hear You say, well done good and faithful servant, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Prayer #6

Heavenly Father how good it is when Christian brothers and sisters live and grow together in union with each other and in love with the Lord Jesus. I thank You for every member of our church and the friendships that have developed between us.

May we individually and collectively be filled day by day with a knowledge of You and may we all grow together in love and be filled with all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that together we may walk worthily of the Lord and live godly in Christ Jesus.

Keep us from all foolish arguments or bitternesses, which can so often destroy the gracious fellowship that You desire of all Your children. Bind us together in love, by the power of Your Holy Spirit and give each one the gifts and graces that are needed and as You see fit.. so that together we may minister to each other as we unite together to worship You. We as this in Jesus name, Amen.

Prayer #7

Dear Lord Jesus, I come to You with a heart – broken and full of sadness, knowing that my dear friend has gradually been drawn back into the world and seems to have forgotten the commitment that they made to Christ, some time ago, and all that He has done at Calvary to save us from our sins.

Father I neither know what to say or what to do to help, but we seem to be drifting further and further apart, almost to the point that there is a barrier erected between us. Oh Lord my heart is so sad and I ask You in Your grace and mercy to help in this time of need. Look down on this dear friend and I pray that you would reach down and turn their hearts back to You.

Lord I know that this must grieve Your heart so much more than mine and so, by Your grace.. I pray that whatever it takes that You would draw them back to Yourself – I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, who died that we both might live.. bring back this straying sheep to Your fold and into Your arms of love – I pray in Jesus name, Amen

Prayer #8

Dear Lord, I praise and thank You for my special friend and the bond of friendship that has developed between us.

Lord it reminds me of the precious closeness that David had with Jonathan or of the deep affection that Ruth and Naomi built up between them, and I thank You from the bottom of my heart for this dear one that has become so special to me – particularly at this time of my life.

Lord I lift up my dear friend to You and pray Your grace and love would surround and protect them and that showers of Your blessings would descend upon them. Lord I pray that they may grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and I ask that they draw ever closer to You with Your unbreakable cords of love and grace.

Strengthen and encourage, and unite us together more and more as together we become increasingly rooted and grounded in You and to Your glory. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ my Saviour, Amen.

Prayer #9

Thank You Lord for the blessing of friendship and for the circle of love that surrounds all those that trusts in Your name. Thank You for the gift of fellowship and for the bonding of all those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour.

Thank You for the blessings we enjoy and for the love and grace that flows a river between us – when our hearts have been made clean before the Lord and we look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Help us to laugh with those that laugh, to weep with those that mourn – to celebrate with those who are joyful and to comfort those that need us to share in their pain.

Build us up in a bond of love and friendship. Protect and provide for those friends of ours that are needy. Nourish and enrich all our lives with the Word of truth and the Gospel of grace and may we grow ever closer to each other and to You, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Prayer #10

Dear Heavenly Lord, I thank You for my place of work and I come to You today to lift up each of my friends at work, in prayer to You. Lord I know that there is nothing that is a mistake or a coincidence in Your economy and I believe that You have placed me there for a specific purpose – help me to find that purpose out, in the lives of all with whom I work.

Help me Lord to demonstrate Your grace and friendliness towards my friends at work and may I conduct myself in a godly and friendly manner towards each and every one. Help me also to be able to share Your word at my work and be ready and willing to give an answer for what I believe.

And Lord I pray that Jesus Himself may be glorified in my life – such that many come to see their need of Jesus as their Saviour.. in Whose name we pray, Amen.

Prayer #11

Lord,

I am so blessed by this friendship, so comfortable to be real and to know I am loved. Thank you for the covering of your kingdom and the grace that we share.

I ask that I might always bring more of your truth, love and hope into their lives. May you mould and shape us as we pilgrimage together closer to your heart. Amen.

Check out this video of an amazing sermon from Dr. Stanley where he discusses the importance of having relationships with others as Christians.

About the Author of this Blog Post
Crystal Ayres has served as our editor-in-chief for the last five years. She is a proud veteran, wife and mother. The goal of ConnectUs is to publish compelling content that addresses some of the biggest issues the world faces. If you would to reach out to contact Crystal, then go here to send her a message.

Источник: //connectusfund.org/11-special-prayers-for-friends

Make a prayer list of friends

In doing personal evangelism coaching with some pastors these last few days, I found myself recommending one thing very often.

Make a prayer list of friends whom you’d to see following Jesus.

We might mentally agree to the the idea, but to actually make the list and use it may still be a challenge.

So let me give you a practical model to make your friends prayer list today.

The format of the prayer list I use

I use a leather bound journal for my devotional times.

A half sheet from an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper fits loosely in the back.

The journal’s clasp keeps it in place.

I choose this loose leaf format so that the list can change as life circumstances change.

I also choose the loose leaf format as I can move it around as a book mark in the journal.

This format also keeps it from being “forgotten” in a prior section of my journal.

Make A Prayer List of Friends

Here is one process to create your list, through filtering down one particular set of questions.

(From the post Do you have any non-Christian Friendships?)

Take a moment to look at your significant relationships.   Think of people you choose to spend time with on somewhat of a regular basis.

On a scratch sheet of paper, make a list of friends who immediately come to mind.  Try to name as many as possible in the next 60 seconds.

Write those names down.

Now look over the list.

1. Who goes to church with you? Cross them off this list.
2. Who attends another church regularly? Cross them off.
3. Who shows evidence of a relationship with Christ? Cross them off.
4. Who is left?
5. Do you have anyone left on the list?

You may find that you know some people who go to church with you, yet have no evidence of a relationship with Christ.  Feel free to add them or keep them on your list.

Write your prayer list for your journal

I then take this list and create the “clean” list for my journal.

As I write each name, I also ask God for how to pray for them.

Prayer is cooperating with God in a sense, and I want to pray in accordance with God’s will, so I ask the Lord for guidance about how to pray for my friends.

Beside the names on the prayer list, I’ll note specific prayer requests.

The idea is to get beyond the generic “I pray for Jose and Martha” and into more specific areas.

For example:

• Give me eyes to see their spiritual thirst.
• Give me opportunity to speak with them.
• Give them a thirst, help me to see it.
• Is God inviting me to spend a little more time with them?
• What is the next “do” with them?  Call?  Coffee? Cookout?
• Help them move another step closer to you.
• Reveal yourself to them in undeniable ways.

People are in different places in their spiritual journey.  As I write each name, I ponder what might their next step be?

If they are hostile to God, how I can pray that they may start seeking God?

If they are seeking God, how can I pray they would talk with me about how I found God?

If they are studying the Bible in their search, I’d to pray that God’s word would speak.

In other words, I try to pray in accordance with the work that God might be doing in their spiritual life already.

Watch for answers on your prayer list

Going beyond the generic and into specifics prepares me to cooperate with what God might be inviting me into.

It sensitizes me to be more observant about their spiritual journey and how I might be able to be a positive influence.  Along the way, I may discover new information that may change how I pray for them and what for.

As God answers some of those specific petitions on my prayer list, I’ll update the list from time to time.  Updating my prayer list helps me to see progress in a person’s journey towards Christ.

Coaching Corner

Make you prayer list today.

Spend the next 30 days praying for the individuals by name on that list.

If you want to grow in some simple next steps in personal evangelism, start here with this MP3 Download on Evangelism Training from the store ($10) to help you see where you need to grow.  It’s a 80 minute audio file that takes just a few minutes to download, but it may help you answer the question:

What can you do in the next 90 days to grow in your evangelism skills?

Источник: //www.evangelismcoach.org/make-a-prayer-list-of-friends/

18 Things to Pray for Your Church

Have you ever been reading your Bible and noticed how Paul prays such rich, kingdom-saturated prayers for churches?

• For the church in Thessalonica: “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power” (2 Thess. 1:11; see also 1 Thess. 1:9–13).
• For the church in Colossae: “We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:9–10).
• For the church in Ephesus:  “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him” (Eph. 1:16–17; see also 3:14–21).
• For the church in Rome (Rom. 15:14–33) and the church in Philippi (Phil. 1:9–11).

Of course, there’s far more where this came from. See Don Carson’s excellent book on the topic, Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation (Baker) [excerpt], as well as TGC’s corresponding eight-session group study curriculum (LifeWay) [announcement | excerpt].

Leading the Charge 

It’s comparatively easy for you and me to pray for ourselves, our families, and our friends. But how can we learn how to pray more fervently and consistently for our local churches?

For one, we just need to start doing it—and encouraging others to do so.

To help with that, here are 18 things you can pray for your church. They aren’t as rich as Paul’s since I wanted to keep them simple and -length. (Also because I’m not inspired.) Still, perhaps you could print out this article and pray two or three of the points below per day for the next week—maybe in your quiet time, maybe at the family dinner table.

Who knows? One day in glory, perhaps we’ll see all the good accomplished from believers being more deliberate about praying for their churches.

What to Pray For

1. That we would have unity amid diversity—loving those with whom we have nothing in common but the gospel. 

2. That a culture of discipling would form in which making disciples is viewed as an ordinary part of the Christian life.

3. That faithful elders would use Scripture to train members to do the work of ministry.

4. That a hunger for studying the gospel would form among membersso that they can guide and guard one another in it.

5. Thattransparent, meaningful relationships would become normal and remaining anonymous strange.

6.The preaching of God’s Word—that it would be biblically careful and Holy Spirit imbued.

7. Thatelders would remain above reproach,kept from temptation, complacency, idols, and worldliness.

8. Thatthe church’s songs would teach members to biblically confess, lament, and praise.

9. Thatthe church’s prayers would be infused with biblical ambitions, honesty, and humility. 

10. Thatadult members would work to disciple teenagers and not just leave it to programming. 

11. That the church’s primary teachers grow in dedication to God’s Word even when no one’s watching. 

12. That it would grow in beingdistinct from the world in love and holiness, even as it engages outsiders.

13. That members wouldshare the gospel this week—and see more conversions!

14. That members would beprepared for persecution, remembering to love, not curse, their persecutors.

15. Thathopes for political change would be outstretched by the hope of heaven.

16. That giving would be faithul, as well as joyful, consistent, and sacrificial. 

17. Thatmore members would use their careers to take the gospel to places it’s never been.

18. Thatmembers would be good and do good in their workplaces this week.

Can you think of something I didn’t include? Then pray it and share it! This is hardly the “official list” of the 18 most important things to pray. They’re simply what one guy thought of while sitting in his office chair.

The point is for all of us to start praying more intentionally for our churches, and to encourage others to do the same.

Church Membership • Healthy Church • Nature of the Church • Prayer

Источник: //www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/18-things-to-pray-for-your-church/

A Prayer for a Friend

Praying for our friends is one of the most important things we can do. It’s easy to get caught up in our own needs, but it is just as important to pray and intercede for others. It doesn’t matter if our friends are near or far, in our lives or not, they still need our prayers.

Yet, how can we pray for our friends? How do we know what to pray for? In my experience, I ask my friends what they need prayer for and try to glean as many details as possible. This way, I can pray as specifically for them as possible.

When it comes to friends who aren’t currently in my life, I pray over what I knew they were struggling with the last time we talked and for the Lord to guide them. In doing this, I feel closer to the Lord and my friends as I pray.

An Encouraging Prayer for a Friend

Dear Lord,
I pray for my friend right now. I pray that you will help them with the struggles they are going through in this season. For you know exactly what they need in this moment. Draw near to them and let them feel your presence. Open their eyes, ears, and hearts to you.

Help them have the discernment to hear your voice as you lead them in their next steps. Speak to them as they read your word and bring verses of encouragement and comfort to their attention. I pray that you will calm any fear or anxiety they may be feeling. Replace it with the confidence to obey your word and to trust you.

I pray that your guidance will be clear to them from this day forward. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for a Friend Who Is Near

Dear Lord,
I pray over my friend right now. I pray that you will lead and guide her on her search for a new job. You know what she needs in hours, salary and benefits.

I pray for your provision in the perfect position for her in your perfect timing. Help her to be patient and not let the enemy discourage her.

Also help me to be as encouraging and supportive as I can possibly be as her friend, in both the ups and downs. In your name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for a Friend Who Is Far

Dear Lord,
I pray over my friend right now. I pray that you will help him as he gets settled in his new city. Help him settle into his new job and his new home. Help him learn where things are located.

I pray for your provision in a church family for him and new friends. Ease any nervousness or anxiety and replace these feelings with your peace and comfort. Guide him in his journey from this day forward.

In your name, I pray. Amen.

What the Bible Says about Friendship

Many verses in the Bible talk about friendship including God’s friendship with us, how to choose our friends, and how we should interact with each other.

1. “When I was in my prime, God’s friendship was felt in my home.” Job 29:4 (NLT)

2. “I love them, but they try to bring accusations against me, even as I am praying for them!” Psalm 109:4 (NLT)

3. But I tell you this-though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. Luke 11:8 (NLT)

4. “When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes, giving him twice as much as before!” Job 42:10 (NLT)

5. “The godly give good advice to their friends, the wicked lead them astray.” Proverbs 12:26 (NLT)

6. “There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)

7. “Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home.” Luke 16:9 (NLT)

9. “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (NLT)

10. “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John 4:11 (NLT)

With each new season, we should ask our friends what they need prayer for. Although we are always praying and petitioning the Lord on behalf of our friends, needs change all the time. I personally update my prayers for my friends at the beginning of each season, Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. During the in-between times, I just add needs and requests to my prayer board.

I often pray for my friends throughout the day. Sometimes this can be easier than all at once when I have lots of prayer requests. I pray while getting ready, while working at my desk, and while making dinner. This helps me feel connected to the Lord and my friends all throughout the day. I usually end my day by once again praying for all my friends at the same time.

Praying and interceding for our friends is one of the most loving things we can do. We are called to love and support each other. Friends in the Lord are friends forever.

Carrie Lowrance is an author and writer. Her work has been published on Huffington Post, Bon Bon Break, The Penny Hoarder, etc. She is also the author of two children’s books, Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green) and Brock’s Bad Temper (And The Time Machine). She writes her own childcare and author blog at www.carrielowrance.com.

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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Источник: //www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/a-prayer-for-a-friend.html