21 Days of Prayer: United in Prayer – Praying Scripture Together

© Copyright 2024 Converge. All rights reserved.

Scripture reference: Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New International Version.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Prayers for Unity That the World Will Know

Day 1: Start

Day 2: Strengthen

Day 3: Send

Prayers of Confession That God Will Renew Us

Day 4: Start

Day 5: Strengthen

Day 6: Send

Prayer for Workers

Day 7: Start

Day 8: Strengthen

Day 9: Send

Prayer for Spiritual Health and Fruitfulness

Day 10: Start

Day 11: Strengthen

Day 12: Send

Prayers for Those Facing Hardships

Day 13: Start

Day 14: Strengthen

Day 15: Send

Warfare Prayers

Day 16: Start

Day 17: Strengthen

Day 18: Send

Blessed to Be a Blessing

Day 19: Start

Day 20: Strengthen

Day 21: Send

UNITED IN PRAYER — PRAYING SCRIPTURE TOGETHER

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Across our family of churches from Maine to Hawaii and around the world for the next 21 days, we will be United in Prayer — Praying Scripture Together. Each day, we will pray one of the prayers in the Bible for our Converge mission to start and strengthen churches worldwide as well as send missionaries.

We will pray each day with a different focus — as we start new churches, strengthen established churches in our Converge family and send those God has and will continue to call to the nations. In my experience, praying Scripture back to God is a particularly powerful tool. In this season, when we look forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Lord, I am grateful you have joined us to pray.

With much love in Christ,

Pastor John K. Jenkins,

Converge President

HOW TO USE THIS PRAYER GUIDE

Thank you for joining us in prayer over the next 21 days as we ask God to move in every area of Converge — Starting new churches, Strengthening existing churches and Sending global workers to the unreached people groups of the world. The theme of our time is United in Prayer — Praying Scripture Together. This theme has many layers of meaning.

First, if you have participated in 21 days of prayer events in prior years, you will notice this guide is different from the ones you used. Because we believe we are better together, many people from each major area of Converge have contributed content to fuel and lead our prayers for each other. Therefore, each section may have a little different “feel” to it, as we have asked people who are part of starting churches to provide input for those sections, and the same with church strengthening and sending missionaries to the nations. Our desire is that we honor each other by joining in prayer for the work that is going on across Converge around the world.

Second, because we want to grow in praying in unity together, we are asking that you challenge yourself to not just use this guide for your solitary quiet times, but that you get creative in praying together with others. You may want to pray with your family some days, with your small group at church on others and possibly reach out to pray over the phone or via Zoom on other days. But the goal is to pray together. We grow in prayer as we pray alongside those who are more mature in their faith than we are or pray in different styles than we do.

The third thing we want to do is pray according to Scripture and use Scripture in our prayers. The guide contains seven Scripture passages that focus on different areas of our faith. Each passage will be used to guide our prayer over three days as we pray for Start, Strengthen and Send. Each day will contain the guiding Scripture passage, a brief introduction, a short starter prayer, a list of prayer points suggested by the writer for that day and a way to close your prayer time. But we encourage you to focus on what the Scripture passage for the day is saying and let it guide your prayer. We desire to pray according to the Lord’s will. Using his Word is a great way to align our prayers with him.

PRAYERS FOR UNITY THAT THE WORLD WILL KNOW

JOHN 17:20–23

²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: ²³ I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

DAY 1: START

²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: ²³ I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

JOHN 17:20–23

On this Ash Wednesday, thank you for joining in this prayer journey. Our Converge family of churches is well on the way to planting 312 new churches in just five years. Though a church planter is the primary driving force behind the starting of a new church, it’s truly a team effort. Church planting is best accomplished when a highly committed group of people share the challenge of seeing a new church established. So today, we will pray for unity among church planters and their launch teams.As you pray, consider any new churches you know of in your area or recent church plants — consider going there to pray for them!

PRAYER FOR STARTING CHURCHES:

Father God, we thank you for the church and for those who you are sending to start churches in areas that need a strong gospel witness. We thank you for the unity we have in Christ, and we desire that more people experience this by becoming a part of the body of Christ. As we unite in prayer together for new churches, we pray that the people in the communities where our church planters are being sent would see the amazing unity that is found in the church, and they would know it is because of Jesus, whom you sent to us to show your love.

PLEASE PRAY:

for launch team members whom God is preparing to be a part of the team to be found

for wisdom and discernment as the church planter recruits the team

for a diversity of gifts and skills among the launch team

for a spirit of humility and grace between members of the team

for differences within the launch team to be resolved in a God-honoring way

for each planter to find “people of peace” in the community who are not yet believers to build relationships and provide introductions (Matt. 10:11)

for the community to see the love and unity of the launch team as a testimony to the power of God’s love

We close our time before you by asking for your favor on the churches you are planting through our Converge church planters and pray that all they do may bring honor and glory to you. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 2: STRENGTHEN

²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: ²³ I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

JOHN 17:20–23

God is love, and he desires his church to model that love to the world. Nothing hinders our Christian witness more than our inability to love one another. In fact, Jesus said the world would know of him through our love for one another (Jn. 13:34-35). Today, every pastor and church leader faces a congregation that has been barraged with divisive messages as the enemy sows his seeds of division. As we pray for the church today, consider how you might show the love of Christ to those in your church and help it reflect who Jesus is to the world arounds us. Pray together with someone from your church today, either in person or over the phone.

PRAYER FOR STRENGTHENING CHURCHES:

Gracious Father, we join your Son, Jesus, in praying for the church. We echo his prayers that those in the church may be one, just as you and Jesus are one. May we put aside our own selfish desires and plans and unite in loving each other and the world around us so that you may receive glory. May this love be a testimony to the world of who you are that they may be brought to a saving knowledge of Christ.

PLEASE PRAY:

for God’s love to bring about healing and restoration so that our churches would model the unity of Jesus’ prayer

for God to help pastors and church boards be unified

for pastors and church leaders who have been criticized through gossip or social media

for churches amid conflict to seek the Lord for reconciliation and healing

for churches who are between pastors to remain unified — and pray for their search teams as well

God would show you who you need to be reconciled with and give you the courage to follow his leading

evangelism is not slowed because we have not learned to love one another effectively

the church would grow in knowing how to love one another as Christ loves the church

that we may walk in the unity God desires for us

We thank you, God, for the privilege of reflecting you to the world and for the power you give us to walk in unity with each other and with you. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 3: SEND

²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: ²³ I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

JOHN 17:20–23

Although Jesus desires unity in the body, it is surprising and disappointing that the number one reason most missionaries leave the field is conflict with other missionaries. The enemy of our souls has been dividing missionary teams since Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15. So, pray for all our global workers (including many new appointees, interns and residents). We acknowledge how difficult it can be to feel unity with the body when you are isolated from it, as many of our global workers are. Those who are working in areas with few believers and possibly no formal church are reliant on those they do have contact with on a regular basis — either fellow missionaries or their supporters at home. As we pray for those that have been sent to reach the lost with the gospel, consider how you can be part of encouraging missionaries you know or that your church supports to help them feel more part of the global body of Christ.

PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SENT:

Almighty God, we know that your desire is that all men might hear the gospel and have a chance to know the love and forgiveness of your son, Jesus. We thank you for those who have faithfully answered the call to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus. We pray for these global workers, that all of them may be one with each other and one with us that the world may know that you and Jesus are one. We ask that they would feel connected with the body of Christ and be strengthened and empowered by his love to reflect his glory to the nations.

PLEASE PRAY:

they will experience an intimate connection with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit

they will encourage one another daily (Heb. 3:12-13)

they will not let the sun go down on their anger or give in to bitterness (Eph. 4)

they will love one another deeply

they have deep unity with one another and with their local partners

their love for one another would be seen by many and would draw people to a saving faith in Jesus

Father, you tell us to love each other deeply and that love covers a multitude of sins. Our prayer is for love to be multiplied among the global workers that light can shine in the darkness. Amen.

Prayer Journal

PRAYERS OF CONFESSION THAT GOD WILL RENEW US

PSALM 51:1–10

¹ Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. ² Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. ⁵ Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. ⁶ Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. ⁷ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. ⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. ⁹ Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

DAY 4: START

¹ Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. ² Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. ⁵ Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. ⁶ Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. ⁷ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. ⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. ⁹ Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

PSALM 51:1–10

Our church planting teams are working in a culture that has grown suspicious of the church. Young people especially long to be in relationships with transparent and authentic people. God desires that we walk in truth and honesty before others and before him regarding our sin. Our church planting teams need to be open to confessing their sins so that they may be renewed and strengthened for the work God has prepared.

Today, when you go to prayer, meet with someone you trust with whom you can share (confess) your struggles. As we are humble before God and one another, he will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Our willingness to admit fault is a strong testimony to a world that views Christians as hypocrites who judge others without examining themselves. God “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

PRAYER FOR STARTING CHURCHES:

Father, we come humbly before you admitting our need for forgiveness. We have all fallen short of your glory. We ask for your mercy and compassion, and we ask that you blot out our transgressions and wash us clean. Even when we sin against others, our primary sin is against you. We ask that you purify our hearts and renew a steadfast spirit within us. We pray for those that you have called to plant new churches to be humble before one another and be quick to confess and repent of sin, so that their work may not be hindered. We pray that the joy and gladness they will have in being restored by you will be a beacon of hope to the community where they serve.

PLEASE PRAY:

church planters and launch team members will confess their sins to one another and create a climate of mutual love, transparency and accountability

church planters and launch teams will experience the complete forgiveness of Jesus, walk in confidence and not be held back by shame from anything in their past

many who are attending our new churches will confess their sin for the first time and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior

God will help those involved in planting churches to extend grace and forgiveness to those who come through their doors and are made aware of their sin for the first time

God will protect church planters, their spouses and their key leaders from temptation, discouragement and disunity

We thank you for your unfailing love and great compassion that washes us whiter than snow and strengthens us to walk in the forgiveness Jesus died to grant us. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 5: STRENGTHEN

¹ Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. ² Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. ⁵ Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. ⁶ Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. ⁷ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. ⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. ⁹ Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

PSALM 51:1–10

You cannot give away what you do not have. When we harbor sin in our hearts, we hinder the Lord’s work in us and weaken the church. As you begin your prayer time today, take time to confess before the Lord your sins and be cleansed of all unrighteousness.We also know that the church has sinned in the ways we have focused on the wrong things and allowed the world to influence us more than we have influenced the world around us. As the Lord leads, pray for any ways you see that your church or the church as a whole needs to repent for covering up or not acknowledging sin and showing more judgment than compassion to a lost and dying world.

PRAYER FOR STRENGTHENING CHURCHES:

Our gracious Father, we look at your desire for the church to show the unity of the Trinity, and we know that we have fallen so far short of this. We have allowed our own selfish desires and plans and schemes to overshadow the gospel and the faithful proclamation of it. We see how we have justified our sin and forsaken the call to holiness. Give us a desire for truth in the inmost parts and help us today to walk in obedience to your Word.

PLEASE PRAY:

for revival and renewal — for yourself and your church

we will model walking in humility and repentance and in the forgiveness and transformation doing so brings

God would reveal to churches the unholy behaviors that have been tolerated and have held the church back

a prayer of confession about any way you and/or your church have been more self-serving than others-serving

churches and church members will be serious about the holiness of God and the seriousness of our sin

our churches will be filled with grace that welcomes those who carry heavy burdens of shame (In many cases, 12-step groups do this better than most churches.)

we, as believers, will walk in victory over sin and in the power of God’s forgiveness

Thank you, Father, for your provision for us to walk in joy and gladness as we receive cleansing through the blood of Jesus. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 6: SEND

¹ Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. ² Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. ⁵ Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. ⁶ Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. ⁷ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. ⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. ⁹ Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

PSALM 51:1–10

Our Lord commanded us to make disciples of all peoples. Yet while we eagerly await the second coming of Jesus, nearly one-third of the world has never heard of his first coming. Approximately 70,000 people will die today without ever having the opportunity to hear the gospel. These people are walking in sin and are on a path to judgment and eternal separation from God. We need our hearts to be broken for what breaks God’s heart. As you pray, listen to the voice of the Spirit for any steps of obedience he is asking you to take.

PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE BEING SENT:

Jesus, we are so thankful you came to earth, sent by the mercy of God to be the atonement for our sins. We ask you to forgive us for not sharing the good news of your forgiveness with the nations as You desire and call us to do. We ask forgiveness for the times we were supposed to go — whether across the street or around the world — and did not answer the call.

LET US CONFESS OUR SIN AND SEEK FORGIVENESS:

for being apathetic to the plight of those who have never heard the gospel

for being more concerned about our comfort and safety than about those facing an eternity without Jesus

for not stewarding our financial resources with eternity in mind (Americans spend more money on Halloween costumes for their pets than on reaching the unreached.)

for failing to obey Jesus when he commanded us to pray for workers for the harvest fields that are waiting, or for failing to respond and go ourselves

for failing to be faithful to pray for those who are on the front lines in the most spiritually resistant places on earth

We want to pray that those on the mission field would be quick to confess their own sins and be cleansed to be whiter than snow. Jesus, may the forgiveness you extend to our global workers bring those they are seeking to reach to an understanding of their desperate need for you. Amen.

Prayer Journal

PRAYER FOR WORKERS

MATTHEW 9:35–38

³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

DAY 7: START

³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

MATTHEW 9:35–38

As with any call to ministry, the call to plant a church has unique challenges. Following God’s leading to start a new church where one has not existed requires a skill set and personality different from other ministry roles (Isa. 6:8; Mk. 1:16-20). So, our primary prayer today is for God to stir the hearts of those whom he has gifted in this way with the truth that new churches are the most effective means we have of reaching lost people with the gospel.

As we pray today, consider how God may want you to show compassion on those around you who are feeling “harassed and helpless.” Maybe you could walk around your neighborhood, your office, your school or your town and see where God may want you to become a worker in the harvest field. Look for those who are struggling to find hope or meaning in life and introduce them to the Good Shepherd.

PRAYER FOR STARTING CHURCHES:

Gentle Shepherd, we are so grateful that you came to earth and sought out those who were in need of healing — physical, emotional and spiritual. You sought us! And as churches are planted in new communities, we know there are many people there who need what only you can offer them.

AS MANY PASTORS AND OTHERS CONSIDER THEIR CALLING TO BECOME CHURCH PLANTERS, PLEASE PRAY:

they consider and pursue this calling out of proper motives

church planting is something they are running to and not because they are running from another ministry

their spouse and family are supportive, sharing the desire to see a new church planted

they receive confirmation and clarity in the call to plant a church

they will use discernment and seek God’s will in the location of their new church

God will give them his heart of compassion to feed and shepherd the community where he is calling them to plant

We pray for the people who have been called out to start new churches to be filled with the same love and compassion for the lost that you had, Jesus. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 8: STRENGTHEN

³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

MATTHEW 9:35–38

Pray that God opens our eyes to see what he sees and allows our hearts to break over the things that break his heart.God has gifted and equipped his children with everything the church needs to function well. We are to use our gifts for his work, but many in the church ignore or don’t answer the call to serve. For various reasons, the workers can indeed be few:

According to a Barna study, stress, loneliness and political division are the top three reasons pastors leave the ministry.

38% of pastors indicated that they are considering quitting the ministry.

The number of empty pulpits to pastoral candidates is 35-to-1.

40% of current pastors are 10 years or less away from retirement.

The average age for lead pastors in the U.S. is 58 years old.

80% of the work in local churches is often done by 20% of the church.

As you pray today, think about those in your church who are always there, always serving. Think about the ways you and your church could serve better alongside your pastor to take some of the burden from him and his family. Consider sharing your insights with others in your church. This would be a great day to pray with people from your church.

PRAYER FOR STRENGTHENING CHURCHES:

Heavenly Father, you have raised up the church to be the body of Christ. We are to be about the work he did while he was on earth — teaching, preaching, meeting needs, showing love. But sometimes, we expect our pastors to do all the work while we sit back and get fed. Forgive us for the times when we expected someone else to do the work you called us to do. Help us to be more faithful to answer your call as we grow in knowing your heart.

PLEASE PRAY:

for your pastor and the pastors in your city and region

our family of churches can raise up the many workers needed for new and existing churches

young adults will rise up to a calling into pastoral ministry

more Christians will rise up to lead in their local church

all church members will be faithful to serve using the talents and spiritual gifts God has given them

for specific individuals who are serving in ministry and leadership positions in your church

for the specific need for workers in your church (children’s ministry, youth ministry, etc.)

We close our time in prayer today asking that each of us will be faithful to serve in the areas to which we have been called and are gifted to serve. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 9: SEND

³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

MATTHEW 9:35–38

This is the Converge International Ministries vision: We are asking God for a gospel movement among every least-reached people group — in our generation. We have approximately 175 workers deployed and about 60 more in the pipeline.As the Scripture says, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. A harvest needs to be brought in in a timely manner. During harvest season, farmers put everything else on the back burner — they are focused on bringing in the crops.

How focused are you on bringing in the harvest? How focused is your church? Are we willing to put other things on the back burner for the sake of the gospel? How might God want you to respond to those who are like sheep without a shepherd?

PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE SENT:

Lord of the Harvest, we come before you today to pray for workers to go to the harvest field of souls around the world who have never heard the name of Jesus. We ask that you send out many into places the gospel has never gone before. We ask that you call many of us to fervent prayer for the efforts of our global workers to reach the least-reached with the good news of Jesus, the Great Shepherd.

BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF 2026, JOIN US AS WE ARE ASKING GOD:

for 200 more workers to be deployed so that all our teams are effectively staffed (Pray specifically for those who have not yet heard the call and for those who have but have resisted it.)

that the Lord of the Harvest will raise up all the workers needed to effectively staff 20 initiatives and four Regional Impact Teams to be deployed worldwide

for the financial resources necessary to deploy mobilizers who will help grow our global staff

for continued dramatic growth in the number of young people who volunteer for internships and residencies with our initiatives

for a robust support network to provide member care to all our workers

to call at least one U.S. Engagement Team staff member to work in each of Converge’s 10 U.S. regions

to help every Converge church become serious about the Great Commission by growing in fervent prayer for the nations and for the people who have answered the call to go and make disciples

Lord, we are grateful that you tell us the harvest is plentiful, and we ask that you lead us in how we will be part of bringing in the harvest — through prayer, support or going into the fields. Amen.

Prayer Journal

PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL HEALTH AND FRUITFULNESS

EPHESIANS 3:14–21

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ²⁰ 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, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

DAY 10: START

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ²⁰ 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, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

EPHESIANS 3:14–21

Church planters start from scratch. They do not begin with a large group of seasoned leaders in the churches they plant. They rely on the Lord for his power, strength and wisdom in their work, and often have big goals of seeing a church established in a spiritually resistant area. When they may wish for more resources, a larger team or faster progress, they need to remember that they are serving in the power of a God who is truly able to do so much more than we can even imagine. We want to pray that they may remember 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.

FOR CHURCH PLANTERS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF PLANNING FOR AND PLANTING THEIR CHURCH, PLEASE PRAY:

for the spiritual health and vitality of the church planter, their family and core team members

for the development and communication of the new church’s vision, values, mission and purpose, which are crucial to the beginning of the church

the planter would have the heart and mind of a missionary, learning to understand and love the culture and community where the church is to be planted

the planter would be teachable and flexible, willing to alter ministry models and philosophy to best fulfill God’s vision

church planters would be rooted and established in the love of Christ that would empower them for the work God has entrusted to them

church planters continually seek the Lord and his ability to do immeasurably more than they ask or imagine

Oh Lord, help us to ask for big things, because we worship and serve a big God. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 11: STRENGTHEN

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ²⁰ 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, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

EPHESIANS 3:14–21

God desires that his church become healthy and strong, filled with all the fullness of Christ. But we often strive to do only what we feel comfortable doing instead of walking in our blessings and trusting God for greater things. We sometimes focus more on what we are afraid we cannot do than on all that we CAN do in the power of God. The deeper our roots go in Christ, the more we will begin to comprehend how wide and long and high and deep his love for us is. God desires that we be filled with him, that we truly believe that his power working in us will empower us to do more than our wildest dreams for the Kingdom. As you pray today, share with someone a big, God-sized dream you have.

PRAYER FOR STRENGTHENING CHURCHES:

Mighty God, praise you that you are a God of infinite love and power. Forgive us for not walking in the fullness of Christ as you desire for us. Holy Spirit, fill us anew and help us to grow in knowledge of Christ and in allowing you to work in us in mighty ways that are beyond our own strength or imagination to show your love to the world.

PLEASE PRAY:

our churches will have a love that surpasses knowledge so that they may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God

our churches will exemplify love, as God is love

our churches will experience the power to grasp the width and height of God’s love in a way that draws unbelievers to Christ

churches will think outside of the generation(s) they are currently reaching and pray for harvest in the generations they are not

churches will not be content to operate in the comfort of what they can do, but that they will operate in the Holy Spirit’s power to do immeasurably more

Lord, we echo the end of this passage of Scripture — to you be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 12: SEND

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ²⁰ 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, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

EPHESIANS 3:14–21

We are asking God for a gospel movement among every least-reached people group – in our generation. This is a huge ask, a request to God to do immeasurably more than has ever happened before (Eph. 3:20). Yet, global workers are people like everyone else. They sometimes struggle with doubt or lack of understanding of the depth of God’s love and power at work in us. It is hard to realize that God can do even more than we ask or imagine when they are working among resistant people in spiritually dark places. We need to pray for them, that they might be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being.

As you pray for the people God has sent to the nations, consider sending some global workers you know a short prayer or message of encouragement to let them know they are loved and being prayed for. Ask them what God-sized prayers you can offer for them and use these requests in your prayer time today.

PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SENT:

Gracious Lord, we want to pray for those who have answered the call You placed on their lives to go and make disciples of all nations. We ask that Christ may dwell richly in their hearts through faith and that they may grasp the amazing, powerful, all-encompassing love Christ has for them.

PLEASE PRAY THAT EVERY GLOBAL WORKER WILL HAVE:

strength to persevere through dry or difficult seasons of ministry

an abiding sense of the presence of Jesus

an overwhelming sense of how much they are loved by God — and by us

supernatural enablement to do the important work God has prepared in advance for them

abundant provision for every need out of the glorious riches of Christ

the opportunity to see a gospel movement that is immeasurably more than we can imagine breaking out among the people group they serve

We close our prayer worshiping “him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Amen.

Prayer Journal

PRAYERS FOR THOSE FACING HARDSHIPS

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–11

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ⁵ For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. ⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. ⁹ Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹ as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

DAY 13: START

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ⁵ For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. ⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. ⁹ Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹ as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–11

Church planters and planting teams are not immune from the hardships everyone faces — challenging relationships, serious illness, financial woes, death of loved ones and other kinds of suffering. They need the comfort and compassion of the Lord just like everyone else. They also need our prayers for God to sustain them through hard times so they can hold out hope to those in their new church and community.

As you pray together with others today, think about sharing some ways the Lord has shown his compassion and comfort to you. Remembering God’s faithfulness can inspire and fuel our prayers as we remember that he never changes, and the same God who comforted you and brought you through challenging times can do the same for those we are praying for today!

PRAYING FOR THOSE STARTING CHURCHES:

Our merciful God of comfort, we thank you for your power and mercy and strength in difficult times. We praise you for the many times we received comfort from you when we needed it. We acknowledge that we will experience both the suffering and comfort of Christ. We are thankful for our brothers and sisters that have walked beside us in the hard times and shown us compassion. We want to pray for those who are starting new churches and may not yet have a strong network of support in the new work they are doing. We know that you see them all, and you can minister to them from both their sending churches as well as those in their new church through the power of your Spirit.

PLEASE PRAY:

for God’s grace as they leave the familiar and comfortable and move to a new community

for friendships in the church planter’s community that would provide opportunities for them to share fellowship and comfort

for those facing financial hardships to be supported by encouraging and generous parent churches

for God to comfort those struggling emotionally, physically or spiritually, and pray they will comfort people who come to their church with similar struggles

for church planters who are struggling with the success of their church plant

as they see God’s hand in meeting needs in miraculous ways, they will, in turn, be able to meet the needs of those in their church and community

Church planters face the ever-present challenge of having sufficient funding for their ministry. From covering salary, rent and other ministry expenses, an essential task of the church planter revolves around growing financial capacity (Gal. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:6).

for more churches to have a church-planting vision and to seek opportunities to be a parent church that provides funds, resources, support and encouragement to church planters

for church planters raising support to find favor among the churches and individuals they approach. May their communication be clear, specific and confident

the anxiety regarding finances that the planter and spouse might feel will become an opportunity to express greater faith

the church planter will experience generosity that can only be attributed to God’s hand in their church planting journey that will serve as a springboard for generosity within their church

Thank You, Lord, that we can praise you for the ways you turn our suffering in to opportunities to become more like Jesus, and that as you answer prayers for deliverance, we can exalt your name before those who need to know Jesus. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 14: STRENGTHEN

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ⁵ For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. ⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. ⁹ Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹ as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–11

In our prayer passage for today, the Apostle Paul revealed that sometimes we face things beyond our ability to handle, so we learn to rely on God. But he also modeled that we get through these challenging times with the help of those who pray for us. Pastors and church leaders face everything everyone else does — and as Paul wrote, they also “face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28 (NIV84)).

As you prepare to go to prayer today, consider who do you know today who is suffering and needs your prayers? In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was sorrowful and troubled and cried out to God.He also brought close friends with him and desired their presence and prayers in the face of the extreme suffering he was about to experience. As God brings people to mind, reach out to them by calling or meeting with them to pray or by sending them a card or message.

PRAYER FOR STRENGTHENING CHURCHES:

Jesus, we are so thankful that you modeled how to respond to suffering and hardship. We know that you suffered greatly, so you know best how to comfort us in our suffering — whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. You also use the body to minister comfort to others through our prayers and through pointing people to God, who raises from the dead.

PLEASE PRAY:

for those you know facing life-threatening or chronic illnesses, their faith to believe Jesus for eternal life and his peace and comfort in their suffering

for those facing (or who have a family member facing) mental illness, anxiety, depression, etc.

for those who are battling betrayal, bitterness and broken relationships

for God to heal and restore those in difficult marriages

for those whose children have walked away from faith and that the prodigals would return

for God to use us and our experiences as we walk beside others going through similar difficulties

Father God, we give thanks to you for delivering us through the trials of our lives, and we ask that those we have mentioned in prayer today will experience the hope and peace only you can give them. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 15: SEND

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ⁵ For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. ⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. ⁹ Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹ as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3–11

Converge International Ministries sends our workers to the least-reached places on earth, where darkness still prevails. There are great and small dangers, so please pray for our global workers who face daily hardships. Many of them can relate to Paul and the hardships he faced in going to proclaim the gospel. They live in places that are physically and spiritually dangerous to live in, and many are not near other believers to help walk with them through their troubles and hardships. We can help them set their hope on Christ as we offer prayers on their behalf.

If you know any missionaries who are in difficult or dangerous situations, pray specifically for them to be delivered by the mighty hand of God. If you know those who are struggling and in need of comfort, pray that the God of all comfort might reach out to them. Then, share a message of encouragement or comfort with them.

PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE SENT:

Almighty God, we praise you as the Father of compassion and the source of all comfort. We are grateful that wherever our Converge global workers go, you go with them. Your power can sustain them in difficult times, and you can bring hope and comfort through the power of Jesus. We also ask that we would be ministers of comfort to them as we remember them in prayer and encourage them in the work they are doing and in the losses they face.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM AS THEY FACE:

the loneliness of being far from family, friends and all that is familiar

the many challenges of living in a place where darkness still reigns

the enemy’s assaults — in health, relationships, finances, discouragement and many other aspects of life

the challenges of finding new financial partners, decreased funding and managing financial responsibilities in a foreign culture

the grief that comes from not being present for significant life events like weddings, graduations, the birth of a grandchild or the death of a parent

that the joy of the Lord will be their strength and that they will experience the joy of seeing many released from darkness and turn to Jesus

Father, we look forward to the day when we will celebrate the way you have answered prayers and brought these faithful servants through the difficult times for your glory. We will join them in giving thanks for the gracious favor you showed them. Amen.

Prayer Journal

WARFARE PRAYERS

EPHESIANS 6:10–20

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

DAY 16: START

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

EPHESIANS 6:10–20

Every place where a new church is starting has spiritual strongholds to be broken. Every member of the church planting team will experience spiritual warfare.We are reminded in this passage not only to put on the armor of God ourselves, but also to remain prayerful for all the saints. We are thankful that God is calling people to plant churches where there is a need, but the need for a church may also indicate that there is a strong influence of the enemy there. Some church planters may find a welcome reception to their new church, but others will face opposition that can manifest itself in economic, emotional, physical, relational or other types of attacks. We know Satan loves to try to divide and destroy and that he will oppose these teams. As we pray for church planters and their teams today, think of struggles a new church in your area might face and pray with these challenges in mind.

PRAYER FOR STARTING CHURCHES:

Mighty God, we thank you for this reminder that we will face opposition on the earth as the devil schemes against our efforts to bring the gospel to the lost. We know that our battle is with an unseen enemy, but often the struggle is manifested through circumstances or people that come against us. We pray for those who are working to bring the light of Christ into the darkness of the world. We ask that your power would strengthen and protect them as we are faithful to pray for these saints.

PLEASE PRAY:

for church planting teams to recognize the battle is not with people but with the enemy of our souls, who does not want their church plant to succeed

for growing faith in the church planting teams to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one

the teams will boldly share the gospel and not give in to fear

for favor with neighbors, government leaders and others who can be a blessing — or an obstacle — for the new church

for unity in the launch team and the leadership as the church is born

Satan’s attempts to keep people away from worship services will not succeed

for the children of the church planting team to be co-laborers in the gospel and to be protected from the enemy’s schemes

for new churches to be built on a firm foundation of prayer in all things, recognizing the spiritual battle they face

We thank you that you are mightier than our enemy and any attack he may launch against us. Help those who are planting your church to go out fully clothed in the protective armor you provide us through the power of your Spirit. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 17: STRENGTHEN

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

EPHESIANS 6:10–20

Spiritual warfare is real for every follower of Christ, and pastors and church leaders are prime targets of the enemy.Satan desires to divide and destroy the church, and he would love nothing better than to destroy those God has raised as our pastors and leaders. We need to faithfully pray for them that they might resist the temptations and attacks of the enemy and that they will stand strong in God’s power. When issues and conflicts arise in the church, we need to remember that we wrestle not with each other, but with our common enemy. This must be our focus as we come against the one who is a thief that desires to steal, kill and destroy. This is a spiritual battle every believer needs to engage in.

Before you pray today, take some time to clothe yourself for battle by praying over every piece of the armor of God described in the Scripture passage. Ask God to buckle the belt of truth around your waist and guard your heart with the breastplate of righteousness. This is a good exercise to go through before you even get out of bed in the morning.

PRAYER FOR STRENGTHENING CHURCHES:

Holy God, we thank you and praise you for providing everything we need to engage in battle with the enemy, because we do not war in the flesh but in the Spirit. In our own strength, we are no match for the enemy. But clothed for battle through the power of the risen Christ, we can overcome the attacks that would bring us down and destroy the unity of our churches.

PLEASE PRAY:

for unity in our churches, reconciliation where there is conflict and breakthroughs in churches where spiritual strongholds have existed for years

those who are facing opposition will wear the full armor of God

pastors and church leaders will be protected from temptation, discouragement and fatigue, and God will give them endurance and hope as they grow in faithfulness and fruitfulness

all our churches will raise up disciple-makers who love to share their faith with boldness so that the gospel becomes good news in every community

for any struggles or conflicts in your church or ways you see the enemy trying to oppose the ministry you are doing

God will revive a spirit of prayerfulness in his church, because prayer is our weapon to defeat the enemy’s attacks

Lord, help us to remember to pray in any and every situation with all kinds of prayers and requests. Remind us that we do not battle against flesh and blood, but against a common enemy whose goal is to defeat and bring down us all. But we praise you that our enemy has already been defeated at the cross. Hallelujah and amen. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 18: SEND

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. ¹⁹ Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

EPHESIANS 6:10–20

In the places where our global workers serve, the spiritual forces of darkness still prevail. The people they long to reach have been blinded to the gospel by false religions, and many people openly worship demons. These false religions, traditions and demonic forces have strongholds that must be broken.We may need reminders that demonic forces are real, but they face that reality every day. They are surrounded by statues of pagan gods, they live near voodoo temples, they see evidence of satanic rituals. Our prayers help strengthen the shield of protection our global workers and their families need so that after they have withstood the enemy’s attacks, they will still be able to stand.

Today would be a good day to make a point of praying together with other believers as we pray against the powers of darkness that are holding millions and millions of people prisoner. Pray specifically for any missionaries you know who may be in dark and dangerous places. Ask God to give them discernment in their ministry.

PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO ARE SENT:

Mighty God, we come before you today to do battle on behalf of those you have called to go to the ends of the earth to bring the light of the gospel to those people who are living in darkness. We rejoice in the knowledge that they do not go into battle alone or unprotected, but you clothe them with holy armor to defend and strengthen them as they war in the power of the Holy Spirit.

PLEASE PRAY:

strongholds will be broken so the gospel might advance

persons of peace will be identified, come to faith and begin to multiply the gospel

God will reign and grant victory in individuals and over cities and regions

our workers and their children will be protected from all harm, discouragement and deceit

our teams will experience deep unity and be continually reconciled to one another

for the first disciples to be able to lead their extended families to faith

God will raise up a mighty army of prayer warriors for every global work and global worker that will provide a shield of protection from the enemy’s attacks

for a gospel movement among every least-reached people group our global staff serves

We know that you are all powerful and that you are able to help these faithful servants clearly and boldly declare the gospel whenever they open their mouths so that we might see a gospel movement among every least-reached people group in our generation. Amen.

Prayer Journal

CONCLUSION: BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

PSALM 67:1–7

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song. ¹ May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah ² that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. ³ May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. ⁴ May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah ⁵ May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. ⁶ Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. ⁷ God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

DAY 19: START

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song. ¹ May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah ² that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. ³ May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. ⁴ May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah ⁵ May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. ⁶ Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. ⁷ God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

PSALM 67:1–7

After the excitement of a church plant’s grand opening, the real work of starting a new church begins. Leaders are needed for ministries, programs, relationship building and the planning that occurs between Sunday services. These leaders have the opportunity to build a community where God is worshiped and the Bible is taught. As God blesses our church plants, ask that they will be a blessing to their community.

Today, as most of us will be in church, gather with some fellow believers and spend time praising God for all the ways he has been gracious to us and caused his face to shine on us, so that we can reflect his glory to those around us. Pray as a group for the new churches that are in various stages of maturity to enjoy that blessing and faithfully praise our awesome God to all the people in their community that they may come to a place of salvation in Christ.

PRAYING FOR STARTING CHURCHES:

Gracious and loving God — you have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. You alone are righteous and just. We are filled with joy at the thought of your goodness and love and forgiveness. We desire to magnify your name that you might be glorified and that many will come to faith in Jesus.

AS EACH NEW CHURCH GROWS AND DEVELOPS, PLEASE PRAY:

a culture of evangelism that helps people meet Jesus and grow in their faith will be created

for the continued encouragement and satisfaction of staff and volunteers

discipleship and leadership pathways will be developed

a mindset of multiplication becomes a part of the church’s DNA

for balance in the planter’s ministry, spiritual life and family life

for grit, perseverance and resiliency for the planter amidst challenges and disappointments

God’s favor will be upon the church

As we look forward to Resurrection Sunday, pray that all church plants are a blessing in their community that will lead many to seek Jesus and join them in worshiping the resurrected Savior.

Jesus, bring all of those who are planting new churches to a fullness of joy in you that overflows into their congregations and into their community. We pray this will cause many to become part of the harvest of souls who will spend eternity praising the risen Lamb! Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 20: STRENGTHEN

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song. ¹ May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah ² that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. ³ May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. ⁴ May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah ⁵ May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. ⁶ Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. ⁷ God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

PSALM 67:1–7

As God blesses our churches, may we faithfully reflect his blessing outward that “your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among the nations.” We need God’s help to keep our focus on God and his greatness and to be faithful to recount his blessing to others. As we look forward to celebrating Easter, we can ask him to give us an excitement about the resurrection that will fill our mouths with praise for the amazing gift of salvation that Jesus sacrificed his life to give us. We are so blessed — may we desire to be a blessing to all of those around us.

Today, get with some people from your church to pray — in person or online or on the phone. Celebrate what God is doing in your church to bring salvation to your community and to the ends of the earth. Proclaim his greatness to one another and share how he has blessed you and caused his face to shine upon you — both individually and as a church.

PRAYER FOR STRENGTHENING CHURCHES:

Father God, we are so blessed to be basking in your love and grace. We are overwhelmed at the gift of salvation we have received through Christ. We ask that you continually fill our mouths with praise — the kind of praise that is contagious and will work toward all the peoples praising you as they come to know who you are. Use us to show your love to those within our church and use our church to show your love to those outside the church.

WHILE YOU PRAY:

praise God for the many ways you have seen him at work in the church you attend

ask God to remind you of a worship song you can reflect on throughout the day

ask God to show you how you can be a blessing to those who know God and those who do not yet know him

pray we will be faithful to recount God’s blessings to others to encourage them and draw them closer to the Lord

ask God to help your church point to his greatness in all they do so they might point the way to him

pray for God to bring many people to your church on Resurrection Sunday to praise him, and ask God for a harvest of new believers through the ministry of your church

May we continually praise you, God, and may we see many others come to know you and join us in praise and raising songs of joy before you. Amen.

Prayer Journal

DAY 21: SEND

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song. ¹ May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah ² that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. ³ May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. ⁴ May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah ⁵ May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. ⁶ Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. ⁷ God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

PSALM 67:1–7

God’s salvation is for all peoples all over the world. Our global workers’ desire is to make this truth known throughout the land they live in so that we might speed the day when people from every nation, tribe and tongue are worshiping our risen Savior. He is worthy to be worshiped by everyone everywhere. As our global workers proclaim his power, might and goodness, God will bless them, and the ends of the earth will hear of his greatness.

As we finish our 21 days of praying Scripture together, celebrate the privilege we have to enter the presence of God through the blood of the Lamb. Pray that many more will be covered by the blood and enjoy the same privilege we do.

PRAYING FOR THOSE WHO ARE SENT:

Gracious and loving God — we are so thankful that you have called many faithful workers to go and proclaim the good news that Jesus, your Son, came to give his life for our salvation. We pray that they may proclaim your grace and love and your mighty ways that salvation may come to all the nations. Our desire is that all the ends of the earth will know who you are and fear your holy name. We desire that they may know the blessing of a saving relationship with Jesus.

PLEASE PRAY:

we will always be mindful that every blessing we receive is given so that we might bless others

for workers for every unreached people group — in all the nations

for specific global workers you know, that they may be a blessing unto salvation where they are ministering

for any particular nations or people groups the Lord lays on your heart

for a gospel movement to break out among Deaf people groups

for the blessings of God reflected in the lives of our global workers to draw many to Jesus

for miraculous revelations of Jesus this Easter season and for global workers to respond with joy as God draws people to his risen Son

Conclude by spending a few moments acknowledging that Jesus is worthy to be worshiped by everyone everywhere and ask God to tell you what your part is in speeding the day when he comes (2 Pet. 3:11-12).

Hallelujah, the Lord Almighty reigns! Our praises rise before him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb. Worthy are you, Lamb of God, who was slain. You alone are worthy of all praise and honor and wisdom and power and glory for ever and ever. May all the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! Amen and amen.

Prayer Journal

Converge is a movement of churches working to help people meet, know and follow Jesus. We do this by starting and strengthening churches together worldwide.

For over 165 years we’ve helped churches like yours bring life change to communities in the U.S. and around the world through church planting and discipleship multiplication, leadership training and coaching, and global missions.

We’re committed to starting missionally minded churches until every people group and community has heard the gospel. We start churches that start churches to see lives changed with Christ’s love and truth. Converge provides a clear pathway for you to plant a new church, campus or to multiply your church. We’ve created proven strategies, systems and training all designed to improve your success so that more people will have the opportunity to accept Jesus.

We are rooted in the gospel and the infallible, inerrant word of God and the need for every person to surrender to Jesus for salvation. Our goal is to give every person the opportunity to hear the gospel, say “yes” to Jesus, grow in faith, be equipped to serve and be sent out. We are committed to seeing vibrant churches in every community, state and country in our reach. We want every person to experience a life-changing, personal relationship with Jesus.

Our churches come together around something greater than a compelling mission. What brings us together is Christ’s completed work on the cross. Because of the cross, we have forgiveness from our past, power for our present and hope for our future. As a result, we converge around the cross to take what Christ has done for us and make it known to others.

Connect with us at connect@converge.org or 800.323.4215 to learn more.