Prayer Resources
"With man this is impossible, but not with God. All things are possible with God" Mark 10:27
We take encouragement from knowing that all things are possible with God, but the first part of Jesus' response is just as important. With man alone, effective, life-changing ministry is impossible. We might see a few victories here and there, but truly God-honoring service won't happen by merely human effort. All the efforts we put into our small-group ministries—planning, recruiting, communicating, discipling—will have little life-changing impact if carried out in our own strength, regardless of our level of talent or giftedness. These efforts are needed, but they're not enough. It's crucial that we support our small groups and our small group members with prayer.
The Armor of God
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
EPHESIANS 6:11–19
Use this prayer as an outline to help you prepare for each day. First, put on the Armor of God, and then ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom, guide your steps, and help you stand and fight against the enemy.
Put on the Armor of God
The Helmet of Salvation
Thank You, Lord, for my salvation. I receive it in a new and fresh way from You and I declare that nothing can separate me now from the love of Christ and the place I shall ever have in Your kingdom.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
And yes, Lord, I wear Your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption. Fit me with Your holiness and purity—defend me from all assaults against my heart.
The Belt of Truth
Lord, I put on the belt of truth. I choose a lifestyle of honesty and integrity. Show me the truths I so desperately need today. Expose the lies that I am not even aware that I believe.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
I choose to live for the gospel at all times. Show me how I can be a part of what You are doing on the earth. Keep me focused on the path You want me to walk.
The Shield of Faith
Jesus, I lift the confidence that You are good against every lie and every assault of the enemy. You have good in store for me. Nothing is coming today that can overcome me because You are with me.
The Sword of the Spirit
Holy Spirit, show me specifically today the truths of the Word of God that I will need to counter the snares of the enemy. Bring them to mind throughout the day.
Connect with God
Holy Spirit, I agree to walk in step with You in everything—in all prayer as my spirit communes with you throughout the day.
And 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 saints. EPHESIANS 6:18
EPHESIANS 6:11–19
Use this prayer as an outline to help you prepare for each day. First, put on the Armor of God, and then ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom, guide your steps, and help you stand and fight against the enemy.
Put on the Armor of God
The Helmet of Salvation
Thank You, Lord, for my salvation. I receive it in a new and fresh way from You and I declare that nothing can separate me now from the love of Christ and the place I shall ever have in Your kingdom.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
And yes, Lord, I wear Your righteousness today against all condemnation and corruption. Fit me with Your holiness and purity—defend me from all assaults against my heart.
The Belt of Truth
Lord, I put on the belt of truth. I choose a lifestyle of honesty and integrity. Show me the truths I so desperately need today. Expose the lies that I am not even aware that I believe.
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
I choose to live for the gospel at all times. Show me how I can be a part of what You are doing on the earth. Keep me focused on the path You want me to walk.
The Shield of Faith
Jesus, I lift the confidence that You are good against every lie and every assault of the enemy. You have good in store for me. Nothing is coming today that can overcome me because You are with me.
The Sword of the Spirit
Holy Spirit, show me specifically today the truths of the Word of God that I will need to counter the snares of the enemy. Bring them to mind throughout the day.
Connect with God
Holy Spirit, I agree to walk in step with You in everything—in all prayer as my spirit communes with you throughout the day.
And 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 saints. EPHESIANS 6:18
Pray Like Paul
Paul's prayers for the churches make a great place to start praying for small groups—which, after all, are manifestations of the church. Consider these examples:
Colossians 1:9-14: knowing God's will, spiritual wisdom and fruit, growth in knowledge
of God, endurance, patience, joy, gratitude
Ephesians 1:17-19: spiritual wisdom and revelation, knowledge of God and of their hope as believers
Ephesians 3:14-21: spiritual power and faith, knowledge of Christ's love, being filled with God's fullness
These and other prayers of Paul can help us pray for our small groups. For more, check out the book Praying Like Paul
Pray for Relationships
A major success factor in any small group is meaningful relationships. Here are a few ways to pray for relationships in your small groups:
Pray for a spirit of grace and forgiveness among group members (James 1:19 and Matthew 6:12, 14-15).
Pray for humility (Philippians 2:1-5).
Ask God to protect the groups from grumbling and complaining spirits (Philippians 2:14-15).
Ask God to create environments of encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Pray that God will reveal small-group members' spiritual gifts and create opportunities for those gifts to be used to honor him and serve the groups.
Pray for appropriate levels of intimacy, accountability, and confidentiality.
Ask God to lead new people into the right small groups, and pray for a spirit of acceptance and welcoming.