Some churches have a Core Purpose. Some have Core Values. Perhaps churches should also have Core Prayers!
After writing my post on (personal) Core Prayers awhile back, it struck me that Centre Grove UMC has (community) Core Prayers. I included them in that post, but here they are again …
- God, give us hearts like yours!
- God, break our hearts for what breaks yours!
- Lord, do something unpredictable and uncontrollable!
- Lord, please use us to make your name great!
We didn’t intend to develop a list of core prayers, but these have stuck over the years. The list may never be complete. In fact, I wonder if “God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us!” should be a core prayer, because it is absolutely essential that we receive God’s power and favor, and live under the influence of the Holy Spirit. We want our ministry to be done with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power!
I like the idea of having a few prayers that stick so people know what’s important to God’s work among us, and pray them!
Jesus said …
I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. (Matthew 18.19, CEB)
What other prayers might be core prayers for the church?