×

“The dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.”  Rev. 12:17

Heavenly Father, I’ve never been more aware of how much Satan hates the Bride of Jesus—his called out, beloved people. Having lost your sons and daughters for eternity, the dark one will so anything and everything he can, overtly and covertly, to wage war against (and in) the church. We come to you today interceding for churches in the pernicious crosshairs and merciless morass of Satan’s schemes (2 Cor. 2:11).

Father, we praise you for what Satan knows. “He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short” (Rev. 12:12). He knows Jesus has already defeated him. He’s the mortally wounded dragon, whose head has been crushed (Gen 3:15), whose works have been destroyed (1 John 3:1-10) and whose destiny has been sealed (Rev 20:10). Though we “tremble not for him,” knowing that one word from Jesus “will fell him” (A Mighty Fortress Is Our God) nonetheless, we are aware that he is constantly threatening to “undo us”.

So hear our prayers for our church families: We pray for a fresh work of the Spirit in the hearts of our leaders—pastors, elders, deacons and staff. One of the most effective ways Satan attacks a church is by injecting the venom of distrust, divisiveness and disunity among its leaders. If leaders bite and devour one another (Gal. 5:15), before long the whole church will follow suit.

Restore our leaders to their first love relationship with Jesus (Rev. 2:4). Bring back convict-ability, civility and charity. May they be the ones most committed to keeping and guarding “the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3) Give them wisdom to deal with divisive personalities, complex issues, and systemic brokenness. And protect our pastors’ spouses and children, who often take the brunt of the meanness and madness of church strife.

Father, bring our church families back to the life-giving lyric and the heart transforming music of the gospel. Center us on Jesus; fill us with your Spirit; free us for neighbor love. Indeed, humble us, gentle us, and gladden us. For the glory of your name, Father, be swift and sure in answering our cry. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ exalted and triumphant name.

LOAD MORE
Loading