How to Pray for your Church (2)

Ephesians 1:16–23 ESV

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Proposition: When we pray faithfully for the Church, we open the door for God to strengthen it with vision, intimacy, and power. Occasion: Church Anniversary FCF: We celebrate the Church outwardly, but we often fail to support it inwardly through prayer.

Introduction

Anniversaries aren’t just about celebrating the past—they’re about preparing for the future. Paul didn’t write to a dying church—he wrote to a thriving one. But even a strong church needs strong prayer. And that’s what this moment is about. As you look at how far God has brought you—let this be the moment you double down in prayer for where He’s taking you.

Pray with Thanksgiving and Continuity (v.16)

Ephesians 1:16 ESV

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

Paul starts with thanksgiving—not complaints. He says, "Every time I think about you, I thank God for you. And I keep you lifted in prayer." That’s the heart of a true intercessor.

See, prayer is not just crisis management—it’s kingdom maintenance. A praying church doesn’t wait until things fall apart. A praying church thanks God for the victories and still prays for more.

There ought to be a few saints in every pew who say, “I thank God for my church, and I’m keeping it before the throne.” That means you don’t just watch from a distance—you cover it. You pray before the sermon is preached. You pray when no one is watching. You pray because you believe God is still writing this church’s story.

And if you love your church—pray for your church.

Pray for a Spirit-Filled Pursuit of God

Ephesians 1:17 ESV

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,

Paul prays that they won’t just know about God—but that they’ll know Him. That’s different. He’s saying, “I want you to go deeper.” Not deeper in doctrine alone—but deeper in relationship.

There’s a kind of spiritual wisdom that doesn’t come from seminary. It doesn’t come from books. It doesn’t even come from experience. It comes from the Holy Ghost pulling back the curtain so that you see Jesus clearly.

And maybe that’s the next level God wants to take this church to—not just more activity, but more intimacy. Not just services that move bodies—but services that move hearts. Not just a good name in the community—but a real encounter with God that changes lives on contact.

Pray for Clarity in Purpose and Identity

Ephesians 1:18 ESV

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

This is where it gets rich. Paul says, “I want you to see what you already have.” I want you to wake up to the hope that’s been calling you. I want you to recognize your inheritance.

And this is important, because too many churches lose their fire when they lose their focus. Paul says, you were called to hope. That means you don’t have to borrow identity from another church. You don’t have to copy someone else’s ministry. God gave you a calling.

And not only do you have a calling—you are His inheritance. God looks at your church and says, “That’s mine.” So pray that your church sees itself how God sees it: called, chosen, and cherished.

When that clarity settles in, the mission gets sharper. The vision gets stronger. And the people walk with purpose.

Pray for the Power of God to Be Unleashed

Ephesians 1:19–23 ESV

and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Paul isn’t praying for theoretical strength—he’s praying for resurrection power. The kind of power that raised Jesus from the grave and sat Him at the right hand of the Father.

And he says, that power is working in us. That means your church isn’t operating off of manpower—it’s meant to operate off of God’s power. That’s how strongholds get broken. That’s how lives are changed. That’s how the gospel keeps moving forward even when the odds are stacked against you.

So don’t just pray for strategy. Pray for supernatural strength. Don’t just ask for resources. Ask for resurrection power. Because if God raised Jesus from the grave—He can surely raise a church to new levels of impact and influence.

Conclusion

Paul teaches us how to pray for the church:

Start with thanksgiving

Seek a deeper relationship

Ask for spiritual clarity

And plead for divine power

That’s the kind of praying that doesn’t just celebrate the church—it sustains the church.

Hoop Close

So tonight, if you love your church—pray for your church! Pray until fire falls on the altar again! Pray until young people start asking what must I do to be saved! Pray until the choir sings like heaven has touched earth! Pray until the preacher preaches with thunder in his voice and tears in his eyes! Pray until God sends revival—not just to the building—but to everybody inside it!

And if you’re wondering why we pray… It’s because Jesus prayed for us in Gethsemane. He prayed for us at Calvary. He rose for us with all power in His hands. And even now—He’s seated at the right hand of the Father still interceding for the Church!

So pray, church. Pray again. Because the best—is yet—to come!