Prayers for those who have lost church fellowship � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Thriving Together

My husband, Alan, stood below the towering lights illuminating the athletic field, as a member of the opposing team hit a ball into the air. With his eyes fixed on the ball, Alan ran full speed towards the darkest corner of the field—and slammed into the chain link fence. Later that night, I handed him an ice pack. “Are you feeling okay?” I asked. He rubbed his shoulder. “I’d feel better if my friends had warned me that I was getting near the fence,” he said. Teams function best when they work together. Alan’s injury could have been avoided, if only one of his teammates had yelled out a warning as he approached the fence�

Scripture reminds us that members of the church are designed to work together and watch out for each other like a team. Even (and especially) in the aftermath of a pandemic. The apostle Paul tells us that God cares about how we interact with each other, because the actions of one person can impact the whole community of believers (Colossians 3:13–14). When we all embrace opportunities to serve each other (whether online or in person), fully devoted to unity and peace, the church flourishes (v. 15). Paul instructed his readers to “let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit” (v. 16). In this way we can inspire and protect one another through loving and honest relationships, obeying and praising God with grateful hearts. It’s never too late to start reconnecting with our church family so we can thrive together.

Xochitl Dixon

A Prayer for Your Church Family Lord, thank You for placing me in my church family. Make us a beacon of light in our community, whether we meet physically or online. Be a comfort to those who are sick, grieving or struggling. Send out the joyful with songs of praise. Strengthen the weak. Bring peace in the place of any division. Almighty and merciful Father, make us a haven to all who come through our doors or join us online. May we radiate Your sweet presence and grace through the harmony of our relationships. Teach us to love as You have loved us. Amen

A Prayer to Use Your Gifts to Serve God’s People Father, I long to grow in maturity and unity with my brothers and sisters. Help me to be an active and engaged part of Your body—rejoicing with those who rejoice, comforting those who mourn, feeling the pain of those who are hurting. Thank You for the gifts You have given me; I know they are for the building up of Your body. So send me, I pray, to minister to Your people. Give me the joy of serving, and enrich me with the special fellowship which is only found amongst those who share Your Spirit. Amen

A Prayer for Unity Heavenly Father, help my church body to walk in a manner worthy of the calling You have given us. We are all Your children and co-heirs with Christ. Help us to have humble and gentle hearts towards one another, recognising that we walk the road to Your home together, with Your Spirit leading and binding us. Grant us patience, bearing with one another in love. And may the world see our love and know that we truly are Your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen

5 ways we can reconnect with our churches post-pandemic

1Attend a physical gathering if you can: “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you . . . Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere” (Psalm 84:4,10). The idea of stepping back into your church’s building after such a long time may be quite daunting. But there is something uplifting and special about being before the Lord with His people, singing praises together and listening to His Word. If you can, go and be refreshed with His people�

2Attend meetings/services somehow: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Not all of us are able to physically get back to church yet. But it is important not to let church life slip into the past. Join your church online, or log into another local church if your one doesn’t have live services. It is through joining God’s people (by any means) that we can be spurred on in our own walk with the Lord.

3Keep in touch: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). There have been varied experiences of church during the pandemic. Some have felt cared for, others have felt forgotten. Even if you feel on the fringe, get in touch with a church leader or friend. Ring them or send a message to let them know your situation and needs. They are there to support you and pray for you—but they may need you to take that first step of saying what’s going on in your life.

4Keep informed of the latest news: “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18). Do you know what’s going on in your church at the moment? Do you know which ministries need support? Do you know who is ill or struggling? Get hold of your church’s newsletter or a copy of the weekly notices so you can be an active prayer partner.

5Pray for opportunities to serve: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). We may not feel like we have a lot to offer, but as long as we have breath in our lungs, God has great plans for us. We are here to be His fellow workers and see His kingdom grow—it’s a wonderful privilege we are all blessed with! You can spend time each day praying for opportunities to serve your church family. You don’t need to know how, when or where—you just need to be ready to go where God leads you.

LET US CONSIDER HOW WE MAY spur one another ON TOWARDS love and good deeds

HEBREWS 10:24

Prayer List

PSALM 23:3

HE HEARS US Prayers of the Broken-Hearted

As we continue to be buffeted along in the choppy waters of the pandemic and the way of life that has resulted from it, so many of us are nursing broken hearts. We grieve the loss of loved ones, but also the loss of normal life, of quality time spent together, of freely meeting in our churches, of feeling confident in our relationships . . . there is much to weigh us down. Yet there is no valley that we must venture through alone. Whatever sorrows we are facing, our sovereign and loving God knows and understands. The Bible promises that “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted” (Psalm 34:18). In His presence, we will find the comfort and reassurance we need. It is our hope that through these reflections and prayers, you will discover that your Lord is near, ready to carry you and your heart along any road of grief and loss you are currently travelling.

For information on our resources, visit ourdailybread.org. Alternatively, please contact the office nearest to you from the list below, or go to ourdailybread.org/locations for the complete list of offices. Germany: Our Daily Bread Ministries e.V., Schulstraße 42, 79540 Lörrach ~ deutsch@odb.org ~ +49 (0) 7621 9511135 Ireland: Our Daily Bread Ministries, 64 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 XC62 ~ ireland@odb.org ~ +353 (01) 676 7315 UK & Europe: Our Daily Bread Ministries, PO Box 1, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9ES ~ europe@odb.org ~ +44 (0) 15395 64149 Many people, making even the smallest of donations, enable Our Daily Bread Ministries to reach others with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible. We are not funded or endowed by any group or denomination.

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