Paul’s Pattern of Prayer

In Colossians 1 v9-12, we find 10 things Paul prayed for the church..

May God…

1. Fill you with all knowledge of His will
2. Through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives
3. so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way
4. bearing fruit in every good work
5. gaining in the knowledge of God
6. being strengthened with al HIs power according to HIs glorious might
7. so that you may have great endurance
8. and patience
9. giving joyful thanks to the Father
10. who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light.

Pray this for the church and think of what it would be like if GOd started to answer your prayers and make this stuff happen!

iinspired by Tim Matthews

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5 Key Practices

I have just finished reading the book ‘The Church of Tomorrow’ by John McGinley. ‘Being a Christ-centred people in a changing world’. It was only published in February this year, so is post-Covid. Although the book reminds of the things the church should be, such as being dependent on the Holy Spirit, being confident in the gospel and being disciple-making communities, it has this unique view due to the recent history which has changed lives and churches.

He ends the book, which is packed with many quotes, stories and personal reflections, with 5 key practices for a healthy church:

• Waiting on God
• Praise & worship
• Contending prayer
• Fasting
• Blessing the places where God has placed us

Does your church have these 5 things as priorities? If not, how might you be an agent of change?

John concludes with a quote by Oswald Chambers “Beware of harkening back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been.”

I recommend this book to you. https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/the-church/church-growth-and-revival/the-church-of-tomorrow/

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The Lord Keep You

Numbers 6:22-27 NLT

22 Then the Lord said to Moses,

23 “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:

24 ‘May the Lord bless you and keep you.

25 May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

26 May the Lord show you his favour and give you his peace.’

27 Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”

This blessing is often spoken or sung at church services and we are used to the idea of being blessed by God and we are thankful.

V24b says the Lord will KEEP us. Think of the ways He has kept you during 2022 (‘Keep’ means to watch over, to guard, protect and preserve).

But we also need to do our bit by staying close to God. This blessing was spoken by the priests over the people of God only a year after they had left Egypt. (Numbers 1v1). Yet by chapter 14 v21-24, it was all falling part.

We too must not be complacent or harden our hearts. We need to stay faithful as well as trusting God to keep us. Pray that the Lord will keep you close and encourage others to do the same.

(Jude v1, 21 + 24)

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In need or in plenty…

In the light of recent global events, many of our prayers seem small and selfish. We pray to pass exams, have a new job, swift recovery from illness or move to a new home. We need like Paul in Philippians 4 v12 to be content whatever our circumstances. He says “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Our prayers and our actions need to build up, help and encourage those who are desperate at this time. To join our efforts with many worldwide to bring the blessing of God’s kingdom here and now. To lift our eyes from ourselves, to those who have nothing. Most of all to pray that they would encounter the living God so their eternity is assured through the blood of Jesus.

In Deuteronomy chapter 8 v1-5, God reminds the people of Israel that He looked after them and provided for them through the tough wilderness years. In verse 3 they are reminded that they need God’s word to live, as well as bread.

Verse 6 says “Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him” This is the key to spiritual prosperity.

Verses 7-9 look forward to the Promised Land, the land of plenty and peace. For Israel, this was a physical land. For God’s people now, we look forward to heaven, the place of peace and healing, the place where there are no more tears, no more pain and no more death. (Revelation 21 v4)

Until then, we look to God for His presence through the tough times and be in unity in prayer with our hurting brothers and sisters.

Philippians 4 v13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

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A Word for Today?

On zoom recently, Yinka Oyekan (President of the Baptist Union (UK) and Pastor of The Gate, a church in Reading, Berkshire, UK) brought this prophecy:

God is saying to His church:

1. Silence all other voices and listen to Me
2. Make room for the Holy Spirit, call on His power in the morning and at night
3. Cleanse your heart from impurity – do not be captive to sin – examine yourself
4. Re-deploy your tongue to build up and praise – not to pull down
5. Rediscover a new passion for life
6. Be kind to people
7. Fast and pray – strengthen your resolve
8. Wash the feet of the disciples – serve all people
9. Pray a blessing over everyone who asks – see signs and wonders
10. Gather my people and wait upon Me together

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches

Joshua 3 v5 ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do great things among you’

Isaiah 14 v 24 The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.

Do pray, reflect and test this word and see what the Spirit is saying to you and your church.

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