Fervent Prayer: Leadership
” Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers” Acts 15:22 ESV
As we have been studying the book of Acts, we see a continuous theme of a commitment to prayer and seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit. This passage begins: ’Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church. . .’ It seemed good, because they had prayed about it and felt led by the Holy Spirit to send these men. Likewise, let’s pray that every decision that our leadership makes at Mercy Hill is guided by the Holy Spirit. The passage then names the two men being sent (Paul and Barnabas) as well as two additional men added to the team (Barsabbas and Silas). Just as the four men needed to be unified in their objective, we can pray for unity amongst the staff at Mercy Hill.
The book of Acts has ample evidence that this brand new Body of Christ was already involved with what we might call ‘staffing’. The details may be different today, but just as in the Acts 15 passage, there are people at Mercy Hill who have been called to serve in positions of leadership. However, it is only through the empowering of the Holy Spirit, not through their own talents and strengths, that they can serve effectively. We can pray that they are so equipped.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Because the passage implores the brothers and sisters to stand firm, it is clear that the possibility exists to not stand firm. We can pray that those in leadership stand firm. And lastly, ‘know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain’. It is common for people in leadership to feel discouraged. One reason is that they are keenly aware of how much is still to be done. Pray that God continues to encourage.
Today, let’s focus our prayers on our Leadership:
Pray that the elders decisions would always be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Pray that our teaching pastors in all three locations will be inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Pray for unity amongst our staff.
Pray for the ministry leaders, that they will be equipped for they have been called to do.
Pray that our Sunday School teaching has eternal value for our children.
Pray that our leaders are encouraged.