Pray For These In 2018!

1) Pray that the church would double in 2018.

“Whoever claims to live in [Jesus] must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6). If every one of us makes another disciple in the first six months of 2018 the church will double! Therefore, we must pray for each one of us to make a disciple! We may not “lead all the studies” or do everything “personally” or even “mentor/disciple” the person after they are baptized/restored. However, let us all pray fervently that we all bring someone to Christ this year. Let’s be praying for our bible talks to baptize “all nations” accordingly to better reflect the demographics in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Let us also continually pray for those that have fallen-away to be restored to the family of God! The goal being every disciple in the Phoenix church is used by our God to impact another soul in 2018.

2) Pray for every disciple to mature in their life and doctrine.

“…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (1 Thess 4:11-12) In order for each of us to win a soul in 2018, we’ll want our lives to “win the respect of outsiders.” Therefore we want to inspire disciples to grow in their budgeting, time management, car ownership, resume writing, interviewing, weekly and missions giving, work ethic, fitness, overall financial maturity and even personal skills. It is our prayer that every disciple has an effective and consistent discipling relationship. This year we are taking the entire congregation through the First Principles on Wednesday nights so that every disciple can master the First Principles study series. It is our aim that every disciple be well-prepared to lead personal Bible studies and raises up to lead a Bible talk. Let us pray also that this maturing will protect our precious bothers and sisters from falling away!

3) Pray for MERCY and a growing impact on communities in the Phoenix Area.

“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13) We are very excited about our growing relationship with Tumbleweed, a service of UMOM. This organization serves the homeless youth and families in the Phoenix area. Pray for us to add two new congregational projects for MERCY and also to schedule bi-monthly events by house church. We are praying that these projects help disciples directly engage and impact the poor in our community. 

4) Pray that the teen ministry doubles and deepens its impact.

“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.” (Psalm 71:17) Pray for our ministry to have spiritual “big-brothers and big-sisters” to mentor and inspire those who are “tweens.” To accomplish the doubling of our teen ministry, please pray for there to be two new bible talks/clubs on high school campuses. To deepen our teen ministry’s impact, pray for collaborative efforts in our discipling relationships with teen workers, parents, mentors, and shepherds to help with our family dynamics, discipline, and devotionals. Let’s pray that every family has effective and inspiring weekly devotionals. 

5) Pray that more disciples will step-up and be risen-up by God to lead!

“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1) We need all disciples to aspire to become bible talk leaders. Let’s ask God to help us raise up two new deacon couples, two more ministry staff, three more house church leaders, and another shepherding couple!  Let’s pray we grow in our convictions and our compassion so we can disciple and shepherd “one another” and those God adds to our number!  Pray for our diverse ministry efforts!  For example, that we’ll see a new AMS ministry and a Spanish speaking ministry!  Let’s also ask God to show us how to engage the wisdom of our more mature brothers and sisters. 

6) Pray for our ministry to continue to mature in it’s willing heart to give to God.

“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.”   (1 Chron 29:17-19) Let’s be praying and planning for our upcoming Spring missions contribution as well as staying excellent in our weekly contribution! Pray that we can plan effective and impactful bi-monthly missions fundraising events. Let’s also pray that we continue to mature and deepen in our understanding of giving to God in 2018 and that this is reflected in the integrity of every disciple giving every week! May this consistent and willing sacrifice demonstrate our loyalty to our God!

7) Most importantly, let us act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God in 2018!

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) We will be investing more in our day-by-day walk with God, setting plans and goals for personal growth in prayer and in understanding of God’s word. The ultimate goal will be all of us being faithful in our relationship with God and firmly “in the vine.” (cf. John 15) As a ministry, we will be doing a lot more praying together!  Similarly, we ought to pray for our unity and “loving mercy” between one another!  Because this is the year of grace for our family of churches !

Editor’s Note

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matt 7:7-8) This year our church family’s theme is “Strong in the Grace.” If we are going to see God move, we must go to him in prayer. God promises that we will see miracles, if we humbly go to him together in prayer! “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matt 18:20) Therefore, let’s come together in prayer more than ever this year as God’s family and bring these goals before our Father humbly! And this will all be to our God’s glory!