Praying Partners are Good for the Church

Praying Partners are Good for the Church

In the introduction to John Maxwell’s book Partners in Prayer, author Max Lucado tells of an experience that changed his life and ministry forever. While on sabbatical in 1996, he was invited to speak at Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, CA, the church where Maxwell served as pastor. He went hoping to learn a few things about leadership, he came away with a “passion for Prayer Partners.” Lucado writes this about his experience.

My Sunday at Skyline was bathed in prayer. The Prayer Partners met me as I walked in the door and met me as I walked off the platform. They were praying for me as I flew, as I spoke, even as I rested. I was so convicted about the importance of Prayer Partners that I asked God to grant me 120 members who would covenant to pray for me daily and pray with me fervently.

He returned home and God granted his request for 120 who volunteered to become Prayer Partners. After 6 months Lucado noted the following about the life of their congregation.

• They had broken their Sunday attendance record twice.
• They finished the year with their highest ever average Sunday attendance.
• They finished the year over budget.
• They added 3 new staff members and 6 new elders.
• They witnessed several significant physical healings.
• There was a decrease in antagonism and an increase in church unity. 

In a time of reflection Lucado wrote, “More than ever I’m convinced: When we work, we work; but when we pray, God works.

The establishment of a Prayer Partners ministry is not just about increasing attendance and the size of our budget, though those things will probably happen. Having pastors/directors praying in partnership with their people advances God’s kingdom and brings glory to the Father. Winning souls, shepherding people, teaching the whole counsel of God, training and equipping leaders and discerning God’s vision for a congregation are spiritual tasks that are accomplished under the direction and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Prayer releases the power of God in the lives of His people. 

Is God calling you to pray more, more intentionally and more strategically? Perhaps He is calling you to formally commit to becoming a “Prayer Partner” for a ministry you believe in. A starting place would be to read Max Lucado’s Partners in Prayer or get in touch with me at bruce@godslivingstones.org.  I would love to hear what you are thinking.

Author

Bruce Kotila

Pastor Bruce is the Executive Director of God's Living Stones.  He lives in Omaha, NE, with his wife Barb. They have two adult children.