St. John the Baptist, Burscough

Monthly Prayer Letter

This is the Prayer Letter for September.  Please use this list to target praying in your group over the next month.  The prayer requests focus on quality rather than quantity.

Sunday

Thank God for everything that has been done through His servants during the summer missions to Belarus and Paraguay. Pray that the visits will prosper the work and mission of the local churches, giving new heart to the ongoing ministry of Christ. Thank Him for new and rekindled friendships and mutual encouragement, and pray that we may be able to continue to show Christian love by gifting our skills and resources to those in need overseas.

Monday

Pray for a more enthusiastic reception to the ministry for men at St John’s. Pray that they may, by the Holy Spirit’s persuasion, be open to making more accountable relationships so that faith will be deepened and lives enriched. Ask the Lord to show that, though life is very busy, yet he needs to be at the centre to help and sustain through the busyness. Pray for patience for Ian as he promotes and encourages this ministry.

Tuesday

This month sees a fairly radical change to our Sunday morning services. Pray that we will all be able to find a form of service that enriches our time with the Lord and allows us to draw closer to Him. Pray that any who have felt uncomfortable in the past may return and renew their commitment, and that the regular gathering of children in church will benefit their growth and ours. Pray for open minds.

Wednesday

There will be a ministry fair at St John’s on Sunday 19th September, providing an opportunity for our fellowship to offer their skills and time to the Lord’s work. Pray that many people will be encouraged to come and ask themselves “What can I do?” There is always a shortage of volunteers in a busy church. Pray that people will be enthused to give of themselves in God’s service. Thank God for the many servants already involved in the various areas of ministry.

Thursday

The Alpha course for enquirers starts at the Hopvine this month. Pray that people will see the invitation on the church railings and be open the Holy Spirit’s prompting to “come and see”. Pray that we too will be open to recognising who the Lord may be calling within our own families, friends and neighbours. Pray that any who do feel called will not be put off or distracted. Pray for gentleness, integrity and insight for those who will lead and assist. Pray for a warm atmosphere in this new venue.

Friday

Pray for all the children and youth groups that start up again this month after the summer break. Particularly pray for the blessings of the Holy Spirit for Christine as she begins her ministry at St John’s. Pray that the groups will be glad to be together again, and pray for new faces among the young ones. This ministry is so important for the ongoing work of God in the next generation; give it to the Lord for His enabling and His glory.

Saturday

Pray for a strengthening of fellowship within our church – perhaps through new contacts as a result of the service changes. Pray that more people will be inclined to get together midweek, maybe in house groups, to discover more of Jesus and His compelling love for us. Pray that we may be mindful of the part we all have to play in expressing His love to each other and to the community.