Pastoral Reflections: MtZ March Prayer Month

This month, there is a growing sense of expectation as people are praying every day for our congregation. We’re calling on God to instill dreams and hope in us, and rekindle vision, as we reach our city.

Approach

First Sunday, 02.26.17 we started MtZ March Prayer Month. We offered the invitation. One of our Elders remained at the altars with a clipboard and a March calendar. We called our congregation to action. We asked them to pray for one day in March for MtZ. We did not ask them to fast, or coach them in how to pray. We simply asked them to allow the Lord to lead them. Our people responded. Every day on the March calendar was covered in prayer that Sunday afternoon.

We launched a FB Event.

Second Sunday, we had more commitments and 5 who decided to pray every day this month.

Parishioner Responses

On that first Sunday in February, a faithful parishioner explained that she signed up for the first Wednesday because it is a day of tremendous religious importance for her. She wanted to devote the first Wednesday in March to praying for MtZ.

Another parishioner said, “The Lord is going to pack the house.” She said she has seen it. That is why she started attending during this season. She is certain God is going to bring in more souls. She declared, “Just be patient and wait upon the Lord!”

When I thanked one member for praying for us on his assigned day, he thanked me instead. He said he always prays for our congregation at bedtime, and at different times of the day. He stated he’s extremely blessed and thanked the Almighty God, our Lord Jesus Christ. With Him all things are possible! (Matthew 19.26; see also Mark 9.23, 10.27, 14.36)

A couple shared that in the seasons when they were praying for MtZ this month, God led them both to pray in similar ways, even when they were praying apart from each other. They believe in the Word that I’m preaching week by week. They declared that God is setting a circumference of His presence and peace around this place.

Fellows

Three other ministers chose to pray over every Wednesday (Midweek Gathering) and over Every Sunday. The Michigan District PCG committed to pray for us.

One ministry family joined closely with our family in prayer.

Another minister wrote out a prayer that we have been praying in agreement: “Father in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, I declare with my friend that new pillars, in the house of the Lord are being established, men and women and families, children coming into this house of worship right in the community where the church stands today, we declare God for growth for those who have a heart for the mission and the vision of Jesus Christ has spoken through the shepherd. Father we ask now for it to manifest. Amen”

Outcomes of March

Rural Compassion
Messenger College Forward: We participated by preparing a project
Showing of the Mama Heidi Film
Launch of the 50+ Small Group
Launch of another class of ILD (Impact Leadership Development)