Building the Church- praying for one person at a time. My Church moved into a new building after meeting in a school for twenty-six years. And while the journey has been long, it’s also been incredible. It has been exciting to watch God work.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalms 19:1 NIV
Pray for a Focal Point
As we prepared to build, God began to prompt us about how to pray. First, He gave us a focal point: the people who attend Church rather than the physical building. We prayed that God would meet them where they needed Him most. As we prayed, we sensed God was more concerned about their spiritual growth than the actual building. The people of the church matter to God; this message was clear! This idea became like a command, as though God ordained it. AND SO WE PRAYED as God commanded.
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, Lord. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they celebrate Your righteousness.” Psalm 89 NIV - Read Full Chapter @BibleGateway
Pray for Action Steps
Second, God led us to pray for the people doing any work regarding the building. Sometimes we encountered opposition and prayed for each person by name, for their protection and salvation. It wasn’t enough to focus on the people attending the Church but on anyone regarding the building progression. God was giving us action steps while praying through the process.
“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 NIV
Pray for God’s Provision
Third, God guided us to pray for His provision. We asked God to provide in unexpected ways so that we would recognize His faithfulness during the building process. Also, this would give us a clear picture of how to praise God.
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17
Pray for the Future
Lastly, we prayed for the new people God would bring to our new sanctuary. We could see the importance of looking ahead and praying for future church members. In Matthew 6:9-10, we are meant as believers to recognize God’s sovereignty and spiritual reign in heaven and here on earth. He also wants to reign in our hearts, so we prayed for the people He would draw to His kingdom.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:9-10
Prayer is a Faith-Building Exercise
From beginning to end, the whole process took ten years. In addition, there were many roadblocks at the city and county levels along the way. In other words, the process was more challenging than expected. Nevertheless, it has been “a faith-building experience,” to say the least.
Today’s Assurance
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV
Prayer
Father, thank You for glorifying Your kingdom through the Church. Please help us see the importance of praying for Your will, not our own. Remind us that You know better than we do what is best in our homes, the Church, and community. Show us how to minister and love those you put in our path. Remind us that You are Building the Church- one person at a time. In your name, Jesus!
Thought For The Day
God continues to build His kingdom on earth; for this reason, He blesses us to help with His work!
