Everything in the Church and the Christian life begins with prayer! Whether it is a worship service, a committee meeting, or a family meal, we begin by praying. So when the 53rd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America voted to begin two new presbyteries (“The Arkansas Presbytery” and the “Smoky Mountain Presbytery”), it created new opportunities for us to pray. But where do we begin? Because we are not accustomed to praying for this important work, we may not know how to pray.
Here are five ways to pray for new presbyteries:
1. Pray giving glory to God and asking God to be glorified by the new presbytery. During Paul’s prayer report to the church in Thessalonica, he says he’s praying God will glorify Jesus through them. 2 Thess. 1:12, reads, “…that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” You should pray giving glory to God for the good things He gives the church, and a new presbytery is precisely that – a good gift! Also, you should pray that God will be glorified through “every resolve for good and every work of faith” done in God’s power (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:11) to glorify Jesus.
2. Pray for goodwill among the officers and churches working in the new presbytery. Paul ended his letter to the church in Rome telling them how important it was to accept, help, and seek the welfare of one another. This is another way the church brings great glory to God. Romans 15:5–7, says, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Ask God to give a spirit of unity and peace among the officers and churches embarking on this exciting and challenging endeavor. A new presbytery often brings together diverse leaders and congregations. So, praying for unity is foundational. Pray for a shared vision, mutual trust, and love that strengthens friendships and camaraderie.
3. Pray frequently with gratitude. Paul ended his letter to the Thessalonians commanding this very thing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, says, “Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” New presbyteries are tangible evidence of God’s good providence at work. They bring new opportunities for Christian witness and ministry. Thank God for prospering His church and enabling it to carry out the Great Commission.
4. Pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit and grace. Early in the book of Acts, we see the church witnessing to Jesus Christ and the Gospel. And notice the prayer meetings adjoined to gospel witness. We are told in Acts 4:31, “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Prayer resulted in God’s Spirit working graciously in and through them. Pray for the work of the Holy Spirit and God’s grace in the church. We need God’s favor to guard and guide the congregations within the newly formed presbyteries.
5. Pray for the growth of God’s Church. Paul knew that God grows his church, not Paul, nor Apollos, nor any man. So, he told the church in Colossae, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ…” (Colossians 4:2–3). A new presbytery brings church growth. And the church advances on its knees because God must open the door for declaring “the mystery of Christ.” Pray for God to save the lost and grow His church using the work of new presbyteries.
While there is much more that could be said, we will do well if we pray in this sort of way for new presbyteries, asking “to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21). And, amen!
