An essential element to experiencing spiritual renewal within a church body is a vibrant and meaningful life of prayer that shapes its culture. This life of prayer emanates from each soul that is abiding in Christ and enjoying His presence within their daily routines. It also permeates every aspect of church life, as the people of God gather intentionally and expectantly to express adoration for the goodness and greatness of God. A praying church is a humble, gracious, and thankful church, especially when their prayers are guided by the meditation of the Word of God. When the people of God seek the face of God, listen to the voice of God, and respond to the Spirit of God, He brings conviction and courage to live with wholehearted devotion to Him and one another. This culture of prayer unifies the church in their God-given mission and empowers their gospel proclamation.
Does this describe you and your church?
Spiritual renewal is a continual and gracious work of God. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (1 Peter 2:3 ESV). It is also a pursuit! The practice of spiritual disciplines causes one to experience the power and presence of God for life transformation. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualitiesare yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins (2 Peter 1:5-9).
Do you long to see your church pursuing Christ with joy, pursuing community within the body of Christ with loyal love, and pursuing Christ’s commission to make disciples with steadfast devotion to Christ? Do you want to see these qualities increase and bear fruit in your church? Then, make every effort to pursue a culture of spiritual renewal! I suggest you begin with the 40 Days of Prayer Guide. It transformed our church!
The 40-Day Prayer Guide is simply a discipleship tool to model spiritually renewing disciplines, but it must be wielded strategically (with a plan) and effectively (with a team). This rises and falls on leadership. The pastor must champion this initiative and catalyze this movement by casting a vision of renewed disciples having a greater Kingdom impact. He must prepare the elders, deacons, and ministry team leaders, so the 40-day journey is embraced wholeheartedly. This includes forming a Renew Team within the church to pursue the stated values with humility and courage. Together, they will seek to integrate the 40 days into all areas of church life, model it, and be the captains of communication.
Getting Started
- The pastor is encouraged to engage with the Renew Montana Champion in his region. The Renew Champion can serve as a guide in the process and offer weekly coaching and encouragement. This engagement will activate the Renew Montana Network to earnestly pray for and encourage each pastor and church seeking renewal. Let’s pursue renewal together!
- The pastor is encouraged to thoughtfully explore the resources of the 40-day Toolkit and dream. What can God do with a church fully submitted to Him? What is the purpose of the 40-days? What are you pursuing?
- The pastor is encouraged to experience at least the first 10 days of the 40 Days of Prayer by utilizing the prayer guide. His personal experience of mediation, reflection, responding, and journaling will allow him to cast vision with ministry leaders and the church.
- Once the pastor (or church leaders when without a pastor) has confidence from the Holy Spirit to fully embrace the 40 days of prayer strategy, it is suggested he (they) form a Renew Team with ministry leaders in his church. They need to hear leadership express their heart and convictions. They can explore the Toolkit, dream, and experience at least 10 days of the prayer guide together. The Renew Team will also have an experience to share. It is suggested to connect the team members with a “Battle Buddy” from the team and share/pray for at least 10 minutes daily for at least 10 days. A quick phone call works. Share what the Lord is revealing and pray the prayer prompts, or over the Scripture together. If desired, steps 3 and 4 can be combined.
- Once the Renew Team has embraced the process, they will sign the Pastor/Church Covenant with the Renew Montana Champion. This is an editable document. The Renew Team will determine their level of commitment to implementing the suggested steps. Once signed, it’s time to start planning, organizing, training, and communicating.
FASTING
It is encouraged to consider a fasting component to the 40 days. Some may fast a meal a day or one day a week for focused prayer. Others may fast three or more days at a time to break a spiritual stronghold in their life. Fasting was prominent in the Old Testament and early Church. It is not widely practiced today, therefore it will require additional teaching. There are examples of fasts in the life of Moses, Nehemiah, Daniel, Esther, and Joel, with repentance a key element. Jesus taught on fasting in Matthew 6:16-18. Luke mentions Anna fasting and praying (Luke 2:37). The church in Antioch was fasting and praying (Acts 13:1-3). There is power in fasting!
The 40-day Toolkit, described above, has prayer prompts, covenants, small group guides, Battle Buddy cards, and communication recommendations. It will also help you launch with a Concert of Prayer and end with a 40-day Celebration to capture what the Lord has revealed. Life-giving prayers will reshape the heart-posture of the church and set it on fire. To learn more, go to www.renewmt.org or give me a call at 406-461-9120 or send me an email at dhales@mtsbc.org. I’m praying for you already!
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