40 Day Prayer Calendar
Guide for the Season of Discernment
As the WordServe family continues in our period of discernment, I’m asking us all to cover the entire process in prayer. Specifically, 40 days of prayer, beginning August 31st through Oct 9th. On Oct 9th, 6:15pm, we will be voting as a church to either stay in the United Methodist Church, or leave. It’s not a decision we will take lightly, and it’s not a decision that we want to take without God’s guidance. This prayer guide is adapted from a prayer calendar that was created by the Texas Annual Conference. In praying these categories of prayer, we will be joining thousands of our brothers and sisters as we seek God’s guidance on the way forward. Our #1 goal in this process is to be of like mind with Christ (Phil 2:2-8). Let’s join together and seek God’s direction.
God’s Grace, Peace, and Truth,
Pastor Bill
August 31 – September 4
Pray that the United Methodist Church will demonstrate to the world how fellow Christians can love one another. Pray for understanding and harmony within our denomination and our church as we grapple with these complicated issues. Pray that our love for one another will not waiver during this challenging season.
(Philippians 4:6-9, 1 Corinthians 16:14, 1 John 4:16-18, John 15:12-13)
September 5 – September 9
Pray for peace within Texas Annual Conference churches, even as differing views exist. Pray that we remain united in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Pray that the United Methodist Church will demonstrate to unbelievers how Christians can love and respect each other even when we differ in opinions. (2 Corinthians 13:11, 1 Peter 3:10-11, Hebrews 12:14)
September 10 – September 14
Pray for compassion for and generosity to even those with whom we disagree. Pray that we might encourage one another with a spirit of unity, kind words, and respect. Ask the Lord to pour out His Holy Spirit on the UMC and our church as we contemplate the words of John Wesley: “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?”
(Ephesians 3:14-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, 2 Timothy 1:7, Romans 8:6)
September 15 – September 19
Pray for those outside of our congregation to see Christ’s love through our actions and words as we consider important decisions this year and in years to come. Pray for unity and mutual love to grow within WordServe both now and in the coming months. (Proverbs 3:3-4, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 Peter 4:8)
September 20 – September 24
Pray that our ears would be open to those around us and that each one of us would be still and know that He is God. Pray for wisdom over our church leaders as they shepherd our flock, understanding there may be differing opinions even within our congregation. (Psalm 46:10, 2 Thessalonians 3:16)
September 25 – September 29
Pray for laity to seek wisdom and understanding about the future of the United Methodist Church. Pray for clergy and leaders to fully understand the United Methodist Church and other Methodist denominations and to work in mutual love to decide the best steps forward. (Colossians 3:14-15, 1 Peter 3:9-11)
September 30 – October 4
Pray for the wisdom of our pastors and leaders as they consider how to approach conversations and discussions about the future. Pray for wisdom of other Conferences and churches throughout the United Methodist Church, which are also facing difficult decisions. (Matthew 5:9, Proverbs 12:20, Psalm 143:8)
October 5 – October 9
Pray for God to be glorified through whatever decisions are made by our church, our conference, and our denomination in the future. Pray for God’s peace and a non-anxious spirit to be upon the entire WordServe family as we move forward together. (Isaiah 26:3, Romans 12:10, Philippians 4:6-7)