Prayer

Praying for Obedience

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By Gai Gai Anderson

Pastor woke up from a restless night of sleep and looked at the clock. 4:00 a.m. Wow. Another night of waking, praying, and wondering what God is doing in his family’s life. His ministry is going well, God is touching lives, and his wife and children are happy; but God seems to be nudging his heart to be ready for something new.

Later in the morning, as he sits at his desk pondering the last few days, the phone rings. Someone from Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church is on the other end. “Hello, Pastor, this is a member of the pastor search committee at Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our search committee has been praying for the man God wants to lead us into the next season of our life here at our church. We think you could be that man…”

Later on in the evening, Pastor talks to his wife about the phone call, and they begin to pray earnestly about what God is leading them to do. Should they pursue this opportunity for service at Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church?

When Abraham was called to go to a place God would show him, he had to make a decision whether he would follow God’s leading or stay in the place where he was already. He listened to God’s voice, gathered his family together, and set out on a journey that would take him into the future God had for him. This journey would touch generations to come.

We want God to give us the pastor He has already been preparing for the ministry here at our church that will touch generations to come. Obedience is the key. Our prayers have taken many different routes in the last several weeks. As we end our focused prayer time led by the pastor search committee, we feel it is time to pray for the pastor God has for us to be obedient to his calling. Let’s be unified in our prayers this week as we pray for God’s working on the other end of this scenario—God’s man to be obedient to his call to be the pastor of Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church.

Let’s pray he will trust God with his whole heart and not rely on his own understanding in this time of searching for God’s will in his life (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Let’s pray that God will give him a vision for what He is about to do in his life, and he would heed God’s wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 29:18).

Let’s pray that he will follow Jesus’s example and spend necessary time alone with God seeking His will (Mark 1:35).

Let’s pray that he will go to God for the true wisdom that he needs to take the next step in God’s plan (James 1:5).

Let’s pray that he will be obedient to God’s call (just as Abraham was), and that he would have the faith to take the first step on the journey (Hebrews 11:8).

 

Praying for Growth and Momentum

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By Karen Polich

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:8

As Christ followers, we should seek growth in our lives. It doesn’t happen without our choosing to be intentional in our relationship with Him. Corporate prayer for Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church over the past weeks has been a blessing, showing how His people seek Him with a fervor and passion for His will. Baptisms, new members, growth in the attendance of ministries and personal growth of His people are all reflections of the work God is doing at Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church.

God is not stagnant. He is ever moving, constantly active, and faithful to complete the works He began.

It is something inspiring to see at AFBC. In a season of change, God remains steadfast. His promises never fail and He has called us to bear fruit.

Our prayer focus for the next week is one of growth and momentum for the work God is doing. Praying for our church in these areas shows hope for things yet to come and gratitude for the work He is doing now. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a

Is your life reflecting this? Are you rejoicing over what God has done in you as you ask Him to continue to grow you in new ways? “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) When we choose to abide in Him and seek His will, we will bear fruit worthy of His Kingdom.

Over the next week, pray for God’s plans in your life. Ask Him to use you and see where He leads.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Praying for our Pastors

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By Karen Polich

Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only… James 1:22

Pastors take on role after role to serve others. They teach, preach, counsel, lead, disciple, pray and worship; that’s just on a Sunday morning.  On “quiet” days, hours are spent seeking God in the Word, making hospital visits, working on budgets, and meeting need after need of their congregation. What can we do to help them keep their hearts renewed? We can pray.

We can embrace praying for our pastors and staff with eagerness. Knowing people are praying lightens burdens and multiplies joy. The pastors and staff at Albuquerque’s First Baptist Church pour themselves into service, giving their time and talents to answer God’s call. We need to pray for them with a fervor that ignites passion and purpose, not just in the hearts of the staff but in the hearts of the congregation.

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:27

God is at work, building up His Kingdom. We have the opportunity to seek Him and ask for His guidance and strength for those who serve Him and lead the church. Take time to pray over the next week for the pastors and staff as they live in obedience to His call.

Here are some ways we can pray for our pastors.

  1. Intimacy with Christ. Ask God to strengthen their relationship with Him. Pray for the opportunity to worship and grow closer to the Lord. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
  2. Pray for leadership grounded in Truth. Ask God to give them protection and time to grow together. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
  3. Pray for the opportunity to refresh and refuel. Ask God to grant times of rest. “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
  4. Pray for discernment and the wisdom that can only come from God. “For the Lord gives wisdom and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6

Make praying over those who serve a priority this week. God will continue to do great things as we seek Him.

Seek Wisdom

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By Evan Anderson

God has promised His people that He would never leave nor forsake them. (Deuteronomy 31:6) Time after time He has proven Himself faithful to them, even amid trials and tribulation.

James writes to a scattered people during their trials and oppression with the purpose of encouraging them in their pursuit of faith. He writes this, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:7) James tells these people that when they are lacking wisdom, they need to run to God.

We will all face trials and oppressions. As disciples of Christ, when we lack the knowledge of what to do, we are called by God to run to Him in dependency and security.  This wisdom of God that He promises to all who ask Him is founded not from a place of human intelligence, but from a place of submission.

We are not called to be wise in our own self, we are called to be submissive to the one who is all wise and sovereignly in control. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction”. In addition, Proverbs 3:7 tells us, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.” The wisdom we are given by God drives us more to dependency on God, not to self-glorification. God is the source of wisdom, we are not.

Know that when you ask God for wisdom in difficult situations, God will freely give it for the betterment of your soul and sanctification.  God has given us His Word and every ounce of wisdom from God should stem from the Word of God.  God’s wisdom from His Word helps direct and inform us on how to live.

We may not always be gifted with the understanding of why life has taken a dramatic turn, but God’s wisdom informs us on how to take that turn in a way that pleases and glorifies Him.

During this season in the life of our church, we desperately need to devote time to pray and ask God to grant wisdom to our leaders, pastors, teams, and everyone within our church body.  We need to dive deep into God’s Word expecting Him to draw us closer to Him, and to grant us the wisdom to make the choices we need to make today. All of this is said because only a wisdom that comes from God will truly enable us to endure our trials with joy and humility.

 

 

Guided by the Holy Spirit

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By Michelle McFadden

Every day as the kids and I are in the car making our way to school we pray. My prayer is always, “Lord, let your Holy Spirit guide my kids today”. I tell them to do what the Holy Spirit leads them to do throughout the day, not just what they want to do. They find it so amazing that the same God who did healings and miracles came to dwell within them when they accepted Jesus as their Savior. It’s always a teaching moment.

Like the children, I am still learning to discern God’s voice and be led by the Spirit of God. It’s something I am studying with friends at work. Through this study, it has become more and more apparent to me how tough it is to recognize His voice all the time. It takes practice daily to listen and be ready. We need to abide in Him in order to even hear His voice.

This is true for every area of our lives. As we await the Holy Spirit to guide us in our search for a new pastor for our church, we all need to spend time with Him listening. The waiting time is just as important as when the answer will be revealed.

One of my favorite Bible characters is Paul. I admire his obedience and trust in the Holy Spirit to reveal answers to him.

 Trembling and astonished he asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do? The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. Acts 9:6

Right from his conversion Paul had to wait on the Holy Spirit; and was willing to be obedient in the waiting. He waited three days for Ananias to come to touch him. He expected an answer. He knew without doubt the Father would answer.

“If we come to Him doubting His ability to speak, we will have a difficult time listening. So, we must come expectantly.” – Charles Stanley

In Romans, Paul tells the people, as followers of Christ we will be led by the Holy Spirit. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the Children of God. Romans 8:14

There are two key phrases here. One is “Children of God”. We can only be spoken to by the Holy Spirit if we are believers in Christ. Once we have accepted Christ as our Savior then the Holy Spirit dwells in us and can speak. The second is “led”, not controlled. We are not forced to do His will we are not mere playthings. He allows us to have freedom in our actions.

We can trust His promise, answering our call, and leading us to the right decisions or choices to be made. He will lead our church in the direction He wants and tell us the choice of leadership, we must be willing to have full trust and expect His will to be done.

 

Praying for our Pastors – 7 Day Challenge

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By Karen Polich

It’s Pastor Appreciation Month, time for us to give back to those who pour themselves out continually to so many.

Pastors work tirelessly to care for their “flock”. Encouragement and teaching are part of a regular day. Pastors show us what it means to serve, leading by example. Answering God’s calling, they mentor others while proclaiming the Truth. They demonstrate spiritual leadership in the home and let us see what it looks like to love your family with complete abandon.

Pastors find needs, fill empty hearts and constantly give to others. They do this without complaint or hesitation.

How can we give back to them for all that they do? We can pray for them. We can ask God to bless their ministry and their family. Let’s bring God’s amazing grace into the lives or our pastors with heartfelt prayers.

Day 1 – Protection

Pray for a hedge of protection. Pray God will protect him and his family in regards to health, ministry, trials, and temptations.

No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. Isaiah 54:17

If you make the Most High your dwelling – even the Lord, who is my refuge, then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. Psalm 91:9-10

Day 2 – Wisdom

Pray he will seek God’s wisdom. Ask God to guide him as he leads his family. Pray for discernment in understanding God’s will for his life. Pray against any doubt that Satan brings when his ministry is difficult. Ask God to give him strong counsel and to bring those who will speak Truth. Pray that God will guard him from those who would seek to distract him from his calling.

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His might power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

Day 3 – Margins

Pray for his ability to see the value in having margins, allowing him to refresh and refuel his strength. Pray God will guide him in creating time for leisure, rest, family, God and health. Ask God to protect this time as it allows him to be his best in all things.

Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Be at rest once more my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116: 7

Day 4 – Relationship with God

Ask God to strengthen his relationship in Christ. Pray he seeks God first in all things. Pray God will pour into him and pray he will know deep in his heart how much he is loved. Ask God to give him the opportunity to worship and grow closer to his Lord. Pray he will carve out daily time to study God’s Word. Pray for constant renewal.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8

Day 5 – A Servant’s Heart

Pray that God is at the center of his life and he is humble in his ways, modeling Christ and serving others with a joyful heart. Pray that his service honors God.

And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. Deuteronomy 30:20

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 23:15

Day 6 – Leadership

Pray for leadership grounded in Truth. Ask God to give him opportunities to teach and lead others. Pray his heart will remain humble. Pray for preparation of his heart and mind for the difficult days.. Bless his efforts to grow and mentor new Christian leaders.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Day 7 – Preaching

Pray for him to always speak God’s Truth with conviction. Pray God would guide him and provide His wisdom so that he may preach the gospel wherever he is called. Pray for hearts receptive to the message he brings and for God to use him to reach people. Ask God to begin preparing the hearts of those who may soon hear God’s word through his efforts.

We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. Colossians 1:28

Therefore my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Join us in covering pastors with prayer over the next seven days.