United in Prayer: Day 10

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 3:14-21

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When church planters begin the process of planting a church, they are starting from square one. More often than not, they don’t begin with large teams that help take the load off their shoulders. They don’t have a large amount of resources to help expedite certain processes. It can seem a daunting task to try to plant a church when you have the vision of what God is calling you to, yet you don’t have the time, resources, or people to accomplish that vision on your own. 

But, it’s important to remember that church planters are never truly alone. During this season of their lives, as with all seasons, they have to learn how to rely on God’s strength to compensate for their own weakness! While it can be discouraging to feel as if all the odds are stacked up against them, we serve a God who, as our reading in Ephesians 3 tells us, can do immeasurably more than we can imagine!

All throughout Scripture, there are countless stories and miracles of Jesus taking a little and multiplying it to a greater number! When Jesus fed the 5000, he wasn’t concerned that only a few loaves and fish were brought to him, but he gave thanks that something was brought in the first place! When our church planting teams may wish for more resources, a larger team, or faster progress, they must remember that God can do mighty things with just a little! It doesn’t always make the journey of church planting any easier, but we can rest easy knowing God can multiply what we have.

As we gather for pray today, ask that God would remind church planters how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is for them and for the community where they are beginning a new church.

Prayer for Starting Churches: 
Father, we are grateful that you are sufficient for all things. You are full of glorious riches and infinite power, and you desire to fill us with these blessings through your Spirit. Your love is so wide and deep and vast, and nothing is too difficult for you. As we grow in knowledge of who you truly are, we will find that we can accomplish all that you lead us to do.

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If you've enjoyed this excerpt from our United in Prayer guide and would like to join us for our 21 Days of Prayer, we invite you, your church leaders, pastors, staff and congregation to unite with us. To access all of our resources and let us know that you are praying with us, click here: converge.org/21-days-united-in-prayer