Cultivating a Culture of Prayer in Your Church
As a pastor, you may wonder how to transform your congregation into a praying community. The answer lies in embracing a counterintuitive approach: start by praying for it yourself. It’s tempting to develop a plan, but sometimes, planning can take a backseat to seeking the Spirit’s guidance.
Slowing Down to Listen
To begin, take a step back and ask questions. Use a prayer card to journal your thoughts and concerns. Ask God to reveal what it means to become a praying community, how to start, and how to keep prayer from becoming stale. Be like a child, humbly seeking guidance in the face of uncertainty.
Growing Your Faith
Before announcing a new prayer initiative, focus on developing your own prayer life. Let the Spirit’s work grow slowly, just as Jesus taught in Luke 16: “Whoever is faithful in little will be given more.” Start small, praying with your spouse or a close friend, and let your faith grow quietly.
Avoiding Empty Structures
Be cautious not to create structures in your church that are bigger than your faith. This can lead to stagnation and a lack of authenticity. Instead, create a structure that aligns with your faith, maybe even slightly bigger, to allow for growth.
A Vision for a Praying Church
Paul E. Miller, author of A Praying Church, offers a vision for a return to the simple yet life-changing practice of praying together. By embracing a culture of prayer, your church can become a people of hope in a discouraging world.
Resources for Your Journey
For more guidance on cultivating a praying church, explore Paul E. Miller’s resources, including his book A Praying Church and the Seeing Jesus with Paul Miller podcast.
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