Pray for the Church 2022

(prepared by Lilian Schmid)

Fasting?

We encourage you to take on the challenge of praying and fasting together as the Holy Spirit leads you. Today we face many challenges in our earthly and church societies, and sometimes it is necessary to include fasting with your pray for breakthroughs. 

You may like to watch the “21 days praying and fasting” by Jentezen Franklin on his website: jentezenfranklin.org/21-day-fast/daily-fasting-video-day-1-2

Fasting Tips for Beginners 

Prepare your fast: 

• Identify the purpose 
• Commit to a time period (do a short fast before doing longer periods) 
• Know your weaknesses 
• Tell only a few people 
• Pray on and consider different fasts (e.g. a partial fast to begin with) 
• Reduce eating before the fast 

During your fast: 

• Pray, read the Bible, record notes, even write to God! 
• Rest from Work and Non-essential activities, but do some physical activity 
• Politely Disconnect from People and avoid television, radio, and social media 
• Drink lots of water 
• Think positive thoughts – rest in God 
• Keep a spiritual focus on your fast 

After your fast: 

• Give thanks to God for the victory! 
• Pray and consider future fasts 

You can also read a good article “How to Honor God With Your Fasting & 20 Tips for Beginners” by Caitlin Riddle. 

Scripture

Blessed is the one
   whose transgressions are forgiven,
   whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
   whose sin the Lord does not count against them
   and in whose spirit is no deceit.

When I kept silent,
   my bones wasted away
   through my groaning all day long.
For day and night
   your hand was heavy on me;
   my strength was sapped
   as in the heat of summer.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you
   and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
   my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
   the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
   while you may be found;
   surely the rising of the mighty waters
   will not reach them.
You are my hiding place;
   you will protect me from trouble
   and surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Do not be like the horse or the mule,
   which have no understanding
   but must be controlled by bit and bridle
   or they will not come to you.
Many are the woes of the wicked,
   but the Lord’s unfailing love
   surrounds the one who trusts in him.

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
   sing, all you who are upright in heart! 
(Psalm 32:1-11 NIV)

The Ministry of Jesus 

Characteristics of Ministry

Jesus’ ministry on Earth included anointing from God, service, love, healing, preaching and teaching, as well as being political. These six significant characteristics exemplified Jesus’ ministry: 

1. It is from God – The Vocation of Jesus showed that Jesus’ ministry is from God. Key Gospel indicated that God sent Jesus and that Jesus has himself been called to a ministry of prophecy, sanctification, and leadership. 
   
   
2. It is Service – This quality of service made a tremendous impact on Jesus’ disciples, the early Christian community, and later on the universal church. By washing the feet of His disciples Jesus showed humility and service. To be of service is an essential part of church order and ministry. 
   
   
3. It is Love – Through Jesus’ love we see God’s love. His death on the cross and suffering is the most sacrifice of love can someone can give and redeems us from all sins. 
   
   
4. It is Healing – in this ministry Jesus not only healed the sick physically, he healed their pain and painful memories. 
   
   
5. It is Preaching and Teaching – His primary message was about the Kingdom of God, means that God is present always. Jesus taught holiness and He set us an example of his own holiness. He taught about compassion, grace, the message of the Gospel of love, mercy and hope. God’s goodness is the answer for all teaching and preaching. 
   
   
6. It is Political – Jesus spoke about justice. He was fearless in His criticism of King Herod, of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the Sanhedrin. In Matthew 5:14 Jesus is recorded calling his disciples to be the ‘Light of the World’; the light reminds us to see the truth and be witness to the truth in our ministry. 

Gifts of Ministry

Over the course of His public service Jesus operated through each of the six characteristics of ministry. When Jesus left this planet He also blessed His followers with the Holy Spirit and with gifts of ministry. These gifts are the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Yes, He equips and gifts His servants. 

A proper perspective keeps in view the fact that we are not our own; this guards us in a place of humility. It is Jesus who gives the mission and ministry of the church. Ecclesial ministry and leadership are totally and fundamentally dependent on Jesus. Church leaders both ecclesiastical and theological must continually purify their presentations of Jesus’ mission and ministry by returning and referencing  the Gospels. 

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5b NIV)

Prayer

O God,
you sent our Savior
to become truly human
and suffer death on the cross
as an example of humility and patience
to be imitated by the human race.
Mercifully grant that we may be worthy
to have the assurance
and the fellowship
of his resurrection;
through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. 
(From the Book of Common Prayer/Common Worship)