Welcome and Opening Scripture (5 minutes)
This morning, we felt the weight of Paul’s heart. His deep anguish was not over a theological puzzle, but over people, his people, Israel, who were lost despite their religious fervour. His response was a heartfelt desire and prayer to God for their salvation (Romans 10:1). Tonight, we come together with that same heart. We come not as those who have all the answers, but as those who know the One who is the Answer. We come to plead for the lost in our families, our friendships, and our city.
Scripture reminder: Romans 10:1, Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them[a] is for their salvation.
Opening Prayer: Thank God for His incredible heart for the lost, demonstrated by sending His Son. Thank Him that we can approach Him with our desires and burdens. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide our prayers and give us the same burden that Paul carried.
Prayer for our church’s evangelistic efforts (7 minutes)
We pray for the ongoing work of spreading the gospel through our own hands and feet.
Scripture Reminder: Romans 10:14-15, 14 How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent?
- Pulpit Ministry: Pray for the clear, faithful, and powerful preaching of the gospel every Sunday from this pulpit.
- Personal Evangelism: Pray for courage and wisdom for every member to be a witness in their workplaces, schools, and neighbourhoods.
- Outreach Ministries: Pray for our upcoming events, community outreach, and social media efforts. Pray that they would be effective in building bridges for the gospel.
Plead for our city (8 minutes)
Like Abraham interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah, and Paul prayed for Jerusalem, we intercede for Benoni.
Scripture Reading: 23 Abraham stepped forward and said, “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away instead of sparing the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people who are in it? 25 You could not possibly do such a thing: to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. You could not possibly do that! Won’t the Judge of the whole earth do what is just?”
- City Leadership: Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, our ward councillors, and the police. Pray for wisdom, integrity, and that they would be open to the influence of godly counsel.
- Spiritual Climate: Pray against the strongholds of apathy, addiction, and false religion in our city. Pray for a great awakening in Benoni.
- Our Church’s Role: Pray that BBC would be a beacon of light and hope, known for its love and gospel proclamation.
Prayer for Dunnottar Baptist Church (8 minutes)
We have been entrusted with shepherding this church. Let us pray for them with the same passion Paul had for the churches he planted.
Scripture Reading: 9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
- Spiritual Growth: Pray that the members of DBC would grow in love, knowledge, and discernment.
- Numerical Growth: Pray that God would add to their number daily those who are being saved—new families, young people, and those hungry for truth.
- Leadership: Pray for their deacons and small group leaders, for wisdom, energy, and unity as they serve.
2. Prayer for our lost family and friends (10 minutes)
Paul’s primary burden was for those he knew. We follow his example by bringing our loved ones before the throne of grace.
Scripture Reminder: 9 The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
- Specific Names: Bring before God the names of family members, children, parents, siblings, and friends who do not yet know Christ.
- Softened Hearts: Pray that God would soften hearts that are hardened by sin, pride, or apathy.
- Gospel Opportunities: Pray for divine appointments and for our courage to speak the truth in love.
Open prayer time (4 minutes)
Is there a specific lost person or situation God has placed on your heart tonight? A co-worker, a neighbour, a global event? Bring it before the Lord now. Pray with confidence, knowing it is the heart of God to save.
Closing & Benediction (3 minutes)
Closing Scripture: 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Closing Prayer: Thank God for hearing our prayers. Ask Him to make us a church marked by a passionate love for the lost and a confident trust in His sovereign power to save. Ask Him to send a harvest in response to our pleading.
Benediction: May the Lord fill us with hope and perseverance as we go from here, confident that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Amen.