From a Baptist pastor-friend :

In all our communication and efforts to relate with those whose church links may be more remote than rigorous, we are acting on prayer power to activate our people.

I invited several of our less mobile members – and in a church where 70% are pensioners there are plenty to choose from – to each pray daily for six households among our attenders and our contact list. They were free to choose three and we suggested three others who they may not have known so well.

This was in late November, and we are now seeing some exciting answers in the increase of warmth, welcome and enthusiasm among the people, and every week new people are attending. Some come as members invite them, but many are just turning up out of the blue.

We haven’t yet seen people coming into new life in Christ yet, but we will. It’s been encouraging to have the support of the church in stepping out into creative, credible bridge ministries that target community needs and aspirations, even when our attendances had remained static, but now we are enjoying a new mood of confidence

I’m very much aware that there are many traps for young (and old) players in this trade, but I share this as a tool you may use or adapt for your own scenario. How it downloads may vary for you, but I used publisher to make three cards per A4 sized board, as bookmarks for their daily devotion time.

Prayer Power Team Members

Prayer Guide

Lord God,

you’ve promised that nothing can separate us from your love,

so I ask you to bless these households

in your guidance

and in your victory over sin.

…………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………….

Anoint them today, so people around them

will be drawn to your love,

flowing through them

to cast out fear in all its disguises.

Grant them the timing of your wisdom

as you radiate your rivers of living water

among those around them.

Empower your church to express your grace,

and bless our leaders

with wisdom and boldness,

so our church

– and the whole district church family –

will lift up the name of Jesus

and draw hundreds of people to him,

In his mighty name,

Amen.

If it works for you, fantastic. If it doesn’t, give it time.

God bless,

(Pastor)