The concept of praying for the church is deeply rooted in the New Testament and reflects the early Christian community's understanding of the power and necessity of intercessory prayer. The practice of praying for the church encompasses petitions for spiritual growth, protection, unity, and the fulfillment of its mission in the world.

Biblical Foundations

1. Intercession by Apostles: The Apostle Paul frequently mentions his prayers for the churches he established or ministered to. In Ephesians 1:16-17, Paul writes, "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him." This passage highlights Paul's desire for the church to grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding.

2. Prayers for Strength and Maturity: In Colossians 1:9-10, Paul expresses his continuous prayers for the Colossian church, asking "that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way." Here, the focus is on spiritual maturity and living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ.

3. Unity and Peace: Jesus Himself prayed for the unity of His followers in John 17:20-21, saying, "I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You." This prayer underscores the importance of unity within the church as a testimony to the world of the truth of the Gospel.

4. Protection from Evil: In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3, Paul requests prayers for deliverance from wicked and evil people, stating, "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone holds to the faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one." This reflects the need for divine protection over the church and its mission.

Theological Implications

Praying for the church is an acknowledgment of the church's dependence on God for its sustenance, growth, and mission. It is an act of faith that recognizes God's sovereignty and His active role in the life of the church. Through prayer, believers participate in God's work, seeking His guidance, strength, and intervention in the church's affairs.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to regularly pray for their local congregations, church leaders, and the global church. This includes prayers for wisdom, discernment, and courage for leaders, as well as for the church's witness and outreach efforts. Praying for the church fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among believers, aligning their hearts with God's will for His people.

In summary, the practice of praying for the church is a vital aspect of Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture and essential for the church's spiritual health and mission.Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love you.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 62:6
I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: you that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
Nave's Topical Index

The Church and Social Evils
... young cupbearer was affected by the tidings, and how he wept and prayed before God ...
can break up that, the omens are bad, bad for society, worse for the church. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the church and social evils.htm

Canons of the Church of Alexandria.
... Canon Twenty-fourth. Of the bishop's visitation of the sick; and that if an infirm
man has prayed in the church, and has a house, he should go to him. ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/canons of the church of.htm

The Deepest Need of the Church Today is not for any Material or ...
... "What do you mean?" said the friend. "Why you prayed that you might be kept sweet
and gentle all day long. ... "A boy at the back of the church lifted his hand. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter xi the deepest need.htm

The Old Testament and Modern Science
... Long years the Church has prayed, Seeking His grace who guided into truth, And weary
eyes have watched the sun and stars, And heard the many voices that ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter ii the old testament.htm

How a Holy Friar, Having Read in the Legend of St Francis of the ...
... ST FRANCIS OF THE SECRET WORDS SPOKEN TO HIM BY THE SERAPH, PRAYED SO EARNESTLY ... day
after dinner as he was making his thanksgiving in the church, and remained ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter liv how a holy.htm

The Foreign Missions and their Influence.
... They sent out their missionaries as authorised agents of the Church. They
prayed for the cause of missions in their Sunday Litany. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi the foreign missions.htm

The Lord's Prayer for Unity.
... army, and that breaks to pieces at the door of the church or the communion table,
has none of the conditions of that oneness for which the Savior prayed. ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/the lords prayer for unity.htm

Effects of the Destruction of Jerusalem on the Christian Church.
... dwelt, in which Jesus had taught, in which the apostles had prayed; he rejected ... to
the law of organic development necessarily bound the infant church to the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 39 effects of the.htm

The Christian Church at Antioch
... Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and preachers: Barnabas, Symeon
(called ... I have called them." Then when they had fasted and prayed, they gave ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the christian church at antioch.htm

Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or ...
... the Church of Antioch aboundeth with more variety of spirituall gifted men, then
the state of their own Church stood in need of; they fasted and prayed; as for ...
/.../chap iiii of the subject.htm

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