Foundations for Christian Mission, Student Workbook, SW04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

Let God Arise! (continued)

We believe in the Nicene Creed, that there is only one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic Church, and that what concerns Christians anywhere ought to concern Christians everywhere. We also believe in the Great Commission of Jesus, that the Church has been called for these last two millennia to bear witness to the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ among every people group on earth. We therefore pray for the Awakening of the Church of Jesus Christ everywhere, pleading to God to act for congregations of believers wherever they gather, in other nations and continents, all with an intent that God will glorify himself among his people wherever they meet. “Local” concerns must equally capture our attention and petition. By local we mean the particular church which we belong to, the churches in our denomination and immediate neighboring community, and the church in our locale or region. Each region of the church has its own peculiar and unique issues, challenges, and concerns, and our intercession recognizes these specific concerns for our church community. We entreat the favor of the Lord on behalf of our local church assembly, and the assemblies in our city, locale, and region. We therefore begin our intercession with special entreaties, supplications, and prayers offered on behalf of God’s people for a dynamic spiritual Awakening. Let us pray for the Church in the world (and in different parts of the world) that believers would be refreshed by repeated and powerful outpourings and manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s presence among his people. Let us pray that God will associate these outpourings with signs and wonders which direct attention to his glory and reign, and that the spiritual character of the churches would be renewed to obey the Great Commandment with full energy. Let us pray that the churches globally and locally will love God with all their hearts, and their neighbors as themselves. Let us pray for reconciliation, unity, and restored relationships among believers all over the earth, and ask God to create a new spirit of unity and agreement around the advancement of God’s Kingdom in our churches. In this regard, let us pray for a revolutionary rediscovery of the lordship of Jesus Christ in our churches, with refreshing manifestations of humility, confession, brokenness, and love among members, all for the glory of God. Let us pray these and like-minded prayers on behalf of God’s people, as fervently and intelligently as possible, praying specific prayers of petitions to God for the revival and renewal of his people globally, and specifically in the cities of America.