MIDWEEK PRAYER SERVICE

MIDWEEK PRAYER SERVICE (45 Minutes)

Isaiah 9:1–7

Welcome + Framework

Good evening, Church family. This season, we’re slowing down to pray the Christmas story into our lives—and into our city. Daniel Henderson teaches that prayer should be Scripture-fed, Spirit-led, and worship-based, so tonight we’ll anchor everything in Isaiah 9:1–7.

One passage. One Savior. One hope breaking through darkness.

And we’re going to follow the prayer flow: Upward → Downward → Inward → Outward → Thanksgiving. I’ll guide each movement, and I’ll tell you when to pray out loud and when to pray quietly.

Open your Bibles to Isaiah 9. Let’s begin.

UPWARD — Looking Up to Worship (2:00–9:00)

Isaiah 9:1–2

[READ SLOWLY]

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light…”

Church, Christmas begins in darkness—but it doesn’t stay there. A great Light has come.

Before we ask anything of God, we worship Him for who He is.

OUT-LOUD WORSHIP PRAYERS

[SPEAK CLEARLY] In one sentence, pray out loud who God is based on these verses:

“Lord, You are our Light…” “Lord, You shine in darkness…” “Lord, Your presence breaks through fear…”

[ALLOW 6–10 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD, ONE SENTENCE EACH]

Short prayers. Clear worship. No speeches.

Close: “Lord, tonight we look up. You are the Light that breaks the night.”

DOWNWARD — Receiving God’s Revelation

Isaiah 9:3–5

[READ]

“You have multiplied the nation; You have increased its joy…”

God speaks down to us in His Word. This passage tells us that the Messiah brings joy, freedom, and victory—the heavy yoke shattered, the rod of oppression broken.

OUT-LOUD REVELATION PRAYERS

One sentence only: “God, I see that You…”

[ALLOW 4–6 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD]

Close: “Lord, reveal more of Yourself tonight.”

INWARD — Confession & Surrender

Isaiah 9:4–5

[READ SLOWLY]

“For the yoke of his burden… You have broken…”

Church, every one of us carries yokes—fear, worry, sin, disappointment, pride, weariness. Christmas isn’t about pretending everything is okay; it’s about admitting we need the One who breaks burdens.

SILENT CONFESSION (EVERYONE QUIET)

“Let’s take a quiet moment and bring our burdens before the Lord. Ask Him to break the yoke you’re carrying.”

[HOLD 60–90 SECONDS OF SILENCE]

OUT-LOUD SURRENDER PRAYERS

If the Spirit prompts you, pray one sentence: “Lord, break this burden…” “Lord, I surrender…” “Lord, free me from…”

[ALLOW 4–6 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD]

Close: “Jesus, thank You that You still break chains.”

OUTWARD — Christmas Prayer Circles

Isaiah 9:6–7

[READ]

“For to us a child is born… and the government shall be upon His shoulder…”

Church, this is the center of Christmas. A Child born. A Son given. A King who carries the government on His shoulder—not us on ours.

We will pray outward in three Christmas-specific circles.

CIRCLE 1 — Pray for People in the Room + Their Families

This season magnifies joy and pain. Some are celebrating. Some are grieving. Some are lonely. Some need hope.

OUT-LOUD INTERCESSION

Pray short, gentle prayers for:

The hurting

The anxious

The grieving

Families needing peace

Marriages needing healing

Children needing hope

[ALLOW 6 MINUTES OF POPCORN-STYLE OUT-LOUD PRAYERS]

Close: “Lord, let Your light shine on every home represented here.”

CIRCLE 2 — Pray for Lost People by Name (26:00–32:00)

Christmas is the most evangelistic moment of the year. People who never come to church… come at Christmas.

SILENT LIST

“Right now, silently bring to mind the people you love who don’t know Jesus.”

OUT-LOUD PRAYER FOR THE LOST (FIRST NAMES ONLY)

Church, now lift those names to the Lord. Just first names.

“Lord, save ___.” “Draw ___ to Yourself.” “Bring ___ to our Christmas services.”

[ALLOW 4–6 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD]

Close: “Jesus, You came to seek and save. Do it again this Christmas.”

CIRCLE 3 — Pray for Our Church’s Christmas Impact

We’re praying for:

Christmas services

Gospel clarity

Salvations

Guests walking into our building

Families searching for hope

People drowning in loneliness

The Spirit’s power to move

OUT-LOUD PRAYERS

“Lord, use Cedar Bay this Christmas.” “Lord, anoint the preaching.” “Lord, bring people who need hope.” “Lord, let the light of Christ break through.”

[ALLOW 4–6 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD]

Close: “Lord, let Your kingdom increase, and Your peace know no end.”

TOGETHER — Listening & Obedience (38:00–42:00)

Isaiah 9:7

“The zeal of the Lord will do this.”

God is not passive. He is eager, active, zealous to redeem.

Let’s listen for how He wants us to respond.

SILENT LISTENING

Ask: “Lord, what are You calling me to obey this week?”

[HOLD 60 SECONDS OF SILENCE]

OPTIONAL OUT-LOUD RESPONSES

If you feel led, share one sentence: “I believe the Lord is prompting me to…”

[ALLOW 2–4 PEOPLE TO SPEAK]

Close: “Lord, give us courage to obey Your voice.”

THANKSGIVING — Ending in Praise (42:00–45:00)

Christmas is a season of gratitude, because the Light has come.

OUT-LOUD THANKSGIVING PRAYERS

One sentence: “Lord, I thank You for…” “Lord, thank You for coming into my darkness…”

[ALLOW 6–8 PEOPLE TO PRAY OUT LOUD]

Close with joy:

“Father, thank You for sending Your Son into our darkness. Thank You for the light, the joy, the freedom, and the peace that come only from Him. As we go, make us carriers of this Light into every home, every classroom, and every corner of Jacksonville. In Jesus’ name, amen.”