Also, let your voice be heard in the organizational structures of the church. Wherever you may connect with the body – elected leader, choir member, committee member, teacher or member of a class – make my whole body conscious of its mission. Ask the leaders, “What has this action or ministry to do with Jesus Christ? How do these plans or programs re-present Christ to the world?”

The work you will do in the organization of the church is important, but even more crucial are your efforts to teach the church to pray. My people have forgotten me…they know to work, but they forget to pray. Prayer opens the door to let my presence into life. Help my body to remember to pray.

– Ben Johnson, I Stand at the Door, CTS Press, 1986, 20-21.

4    Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad!  ⁵  Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near.  ⁶  Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.  ⁷  Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:4-7

How is God wanting to use you in your church?  As you cultivate a life of prayer and deeper connection with God, how can God use you to inspire the same in your church’s body?

Holy Lord,
Help my church to be a place
where everything we do is in line with your will,
helping to represent you to the world.
Help us to be a people of prayer,
who rely deeply on your guidance and power,
as we live out our life together.
Show me the ways I can be a part
of inspiring my church to continue on this faithful path.
I long to serve you well, O Lord.
Amen