WEEK TWO: AWAKEN YOUR CHURCH

Before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed for those who would believe in Him.

He prayed for us.

And one of His prayers was that His followers would be one.

Biblical unity does not mean we agree about everything. It means our love for Jesus and one another is greater than the preferences and differences that could divide us.

A united church is a powerful witness to the world.

Today, pray for unity in our church. Pray for relationships to be strengthened. Pray for forgiveness where there has been hurt. Pray that gossip would end, grace would increase, and our shared mission would be greater than our individual preferences.

Ask God to begin with you.

Reflect: Is there anyone within the church toward whom I need to extend grace, forgiveness, or reconciliation?
Pray: Jesus, make us one. Protect our church from division and teach us to love one another as You have loved us.

The early church was not built around spectators.

They were devoted.

They devoted themselves to God’s Word, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They shared life together, cared for one another, worshiped God, and lived with a visible faith.

And God worked through them.

Pray today that Gateway would be a devoted church. Not simply a busy church or a growing church, but a people deeply devoted to Jesus and one another.

Pray that we would worship faithfully, serve willingly, live in authentic community, learn God’s Word, and grow as disciples who help others become disciples.

Revival is not something we attend. It is something God does in surrendered people.

Reflect: Am I participating in the life and mission of the church or primarily observing it?
Pray: Lord, make us a devoted people. Grow us as disciples who worship, serve, live in community, and help others follow Jesus.

The work of ministry was never intended to be carried by a few professionals.

God has gifted His people.

Every believer has a part to play in the body of Christ. The church becomes healthy as each person grows in maturity and does the work God has given them to do.

Today, pray that people across Gateway would discover their calling and use their gifts. Pray for those who serve quietly and faithfully. Pray for new leaders to be raised up. Pray for mentors, small group leaders, children’s ministry volunteers, student leaders, worshipers, teachers, encouragers, and servants.

Ask God where He wants to use you.

Reflect: Where has God gifted me to serve and strengthen others?
Pray: God, equip Your people for works of service. Raise up leaders and servants, and show me how You want to use my life.

Jesus did not tell His followers simply to gather crowds. He told them to make disciples.

A disciple follows Jesus, becomes more like Jesus, and helps someone else follow Jesus.

This mission belongs to every believer.

Imagine the impact if each of us intentionally invested in one person. One person praying for another. One person opening Scripture with another. One person encouraging another to follow Jesus.

Then that person does the same for someone else.

Today, pray that discipleship would become part of the culture of our church. Pray that God would show each of us someone we can encourage and help grow in faith.

Reflect: Who is one person God may be calling me to intentionally invest in?
Pray: Jesus, make me Your disciple and use me to help someone else follow You.

Faith must be passed on.

Every generation has the responsibility to tell the next generation who God is and what He has done.

Today, pray for the children and students of our church. Pray that they will know Jesus, love His Word, recognize His voice, and have the courage to follow Him in a culture that often pulls them in another direction.

Pray for parents and grandparents. Pray for children’s ministry leaders, student leaders, teachers, coaches, and mentors.

Our investment in the next generation may not always produce immediate results that we can see, but seeds planted faithfully today can bear fruit for years to come.

Reflect: How can I help the next generation know and follow Jesus?
Pray: Lord, raise up a generation that knows You, loves You, and courageously follows You.

Jesus said that His house would be called a house of prayer.

Prayer cannot simply be something the church talks about. It must become part of who we are.

A praying church recognizes that programs cannot change hearts. Talent cannot produce spiritual transformation. Strategy cannot replace the work of the
Holy Spirit.

We plan faithfully, work diligently, and serve wholeheartedly, but our dependence remains upon God.

Today, pray for a deeper culture of prayer at Gateway. Pray in our homes, groups, ministries, staff, leaders, and worship services.

And once again, begin personally.

A praying church is made up of praying people.

Reflect: What would need to change for prayer to become a greater priority in my life?
Pray: Lord, teach us to pray. Make Gateway a church that seeks You first and depends upon Your power.

“Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah’s response came after encountering the holiness and grace of God.

God is still sending His people.

He sends us across the street, into schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, hospitals, ball fields, restaurants, and homes. The mission field is not only somewhere far away. It is wherever God has placed us.

Today, pray that Gateway would never become a church focused only on ourselves. Ask God to give us eyes to see the people around us and courage to respond when He gives us an opportunity.

Then make Isaiah’s prayer personal.

Here I am, Lord. Send me.

Reflect: Where has God already placed me to represent Jesus?
Pray: Lord, give our church a heart for the people around us. Open our eyes, give us courage, and send us wherever You want us to go.