We lean to our own understanding, or we bank on service and do away with prayer, and consequently by succeeding in the external we fail in the eternal, because in the eternal we succeed only by prevailing prayer.”

Oswald Chambers

Heavenly Father,

It is written…
That in latter times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits.

It is written…
That we are to make sure that no one takes us captive through hollow and deceptive philosophies that are based on human traditions and the principles of this world, rather than on Christ.

O God, guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. May I not conform to the patterns of this world, but instead, may I be continually transformed by the renewing of my mind with Your Word. Father, I confess:

I have been lazy and undisciplined in regards to my mind (Pause and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you).

I have entertained philosophies of the world, and standards that are contrary to Your Word (Pause and consider ways that the world is influencing your thinking. Pray as the Holy Spirit leads you).

I have watered down the truth of Your Word in order to condone and excuse my sin (Pause and ask the Holy Spirit to show you any area of your living where this is true. Confess these in prayer).

I have allowed fear and anxious thoughts to overwhelm me (Pause and bring your cares before the Lord. Knowing that His perfect love pushes out fear, ask Him for a fresh realization of His great love for you).

Your Word is truth O God, and I receive it as the only standard for my life. Give me, I pray, a fresh hunger to truly know Your Word, and in doing so, know Christ more! For in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In this world of watered down truth, empty philosophies and hopelessness, may I always be prepared by the Holy Spirit to give the reason for the hope that I have. In all things, strengthen my faith, Father, for Your Word says that if I do not stand firm in my faith, I will not stand at all. O God, help me to stand. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

1 Timothy 4:1; Colossians 2:6-8; Romans 12:2; Colossians 2:8; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; Philippians 4:7-8;
1 Peter 3:15; Isaiah 7:9

Father, I ask that we as Your people, might be increasingly known for our lavish love and forgiveness of one another. Keep us from pride that kills the work of Your Spirit and hardens our hearts to Your voice calling us to ‘run home’ to You. Give to us, I pray, the gift of brokenness and repentance. May we be clothed in humility (Luke 15:11-32; 1 Peter 5:5).

Father, transform us by the renewing of our minds, that we might not be conformed any longer to the patterns of this world. May we become increasingly radical in our desire for holiness and guard our minds (Romans 12:1-2).

As we enter into deeper fellowship and community through the ministry of LIFE Groups, may we be unified by Your Spirit (Pray for those in your LIFE Group by name).

I pray that You will fill my brothers and sisters in Christ at ECB, with joy and peace, that their hearts might overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Where there is depression or despair, discouragement or doubt, may it be dispelled in Jesus Name (Romans 15:13) (Pray for those you know by name).

Ask God to give to each of us, creative ways to live out Jesus to our Thai neighbours and friends, that in spite of language barriers, Jesus might be proclaimed. Pray that a Gospel witness will grow in your neighbourhood! Pray for divine appointments. Ask God to increasingly make us bold and ready to give the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15).

May the power of the resurrection be lived out daily, in our lives, Father

(Pause and consider what this might look like – pray into what God reveals to your heart – pray for brothers and sisters in Christ, you know by name)!

Pray for those who are transitioning into Bangkok and ECB. Pray that they will quickly sense the welcome of Jesus among us and connect to community. Pray also for those who are transitioning away from Bangkok. Ask God to go before them and strengthen them for the next step of their journey and use them as salt and light (Pray for those you know by name).

I pray for our children and young people as they begin a new school year. I ask You to strengthen them to stand firm in their faith and make a difference for Your kingdom in their respective schools. Protect them from the evil one (John 17:15). May they follow You all the days of their lives.

Father, may we, as Your people, be those who are willing to go out into ‘deeper water’ with You. I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ, and I ask for myself Lord – keep us from standing on the shore and passively listening and watching. May we enter into the life of Spirit and the work of Your Kingdom (Luke 5:1-11)!

Continually remind us, Father, that sharing with others is a pleasing sacrifice to You. May we be outwardly focused so we don’t become self-absorbed, but enable us by Your Spirit to extend mercy to people in every kind of need (Hebrews 13:16; Philippians 2:4; Jude 22-23).

You have said Lord, that You will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask – Father, I ask! Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit! Pour out Your Spirit on my brothers and sisters in Christ at ECB! Revive us – change us! Conform us to the image of Jesus (Luke 11:11-13; Psalm 85:6; Romans 8:29)!

Lord Jesus, help us to abide in You, that we as Your people might bear spiritual fruit and by doing so, show that we are truly Your disciples (John 15:5-8). Allow us, I pray, to see harvest come in, and souls come to know Jesus!

Father, protect us from the love of money. May we be increasingly content with what we have, knowing that You will never leave us – that You are our help and we need not fear (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Ask God to pour out His Spirit on His Church in the country that you are from. Pray for pastors, that they will be revived and preach the Word boldly. Pray for spiritual harvest.

Father, prepare the hearts of Your people today, to worship You tomorrow. Prepare my heart, I pray! Make our hearts ready for the seed of Your Word, and may each of us come before you with songs of thanksgiving and joy! Pour out Your Spirit on us as we gather, and change us into a people that is conformed to the image of Jesus!

Anoint our Pastors with Your Holy Spirit that the Word might go forth with power. Change us by the Word! Strengthen our pastors, elders and deacons and fill them with fresh outpourings of Your Spirit.

Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide, who are facing persecution for their faith. Ask God to strengthen them by His Spirit. Pray that the Church of Jesus will grow and expand, in spite of those who come against it. Pray for those among us who have left their countries and are seeking asylum. Pray that their case files will find favour in the hands of officials who review them.