How Vital Is Our Church?

4. P RAYER 5 Signs of a Vital Church Found In Acts 2: Instruction 2. Fellowship 3. Communion/Worship 4. P RAYER 5. Evangelism

H OW V ITAL I S O UR P RAYER L IFE ? In the Church, In the community and at Home

That is Often Neglected!

JOHN CALVIN “For the Word of God is not received by faith as if it flits about in the top of the brain, but when it takes root in the depth of the heart.”

E PHESIANS 1:15-19 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. And his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 1. When our church has meetings, prayer plays an active role throughout. Action Plan: Pray Scripture with other believers about what ever you talk about when ever you get together.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 2. Many people in our church have an active prayer life. Action Plan: Share your prayer life with others in the church.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 3. Even those outside the church are aware of the importance of prayer to our congregation. Action Plan: Pray Scripture with people outside of the Church.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 4. Prayer is regularly made for the salvation of specific persons. Action Plan: Pray specifically for the salvation of specific people.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 5. Prayer is made regularly for those in authority in government. Action Plan: Pray scripture for all people in and seeking a place in government.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 6. Prayer often takes place for the cause of Missions and for specific missionaries. Action Plan: Pray for and communicate directly with specific missionaries.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 7. Our congregation often witnesses answers to prayer. Action Plan: Share, thank God and celebrate with one another when God answers a prayer.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 8. Our leaders pray extensively before they make a major decision. Action Plan: All members of leadership in the church must Pray and search the scriptures before, during and after a major decision is made.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 9. Our leaders exhibit a vital, dynamic prayer life. Action Plan: If you are in leadership in the church you must exhibit publicly a vital, dynamic prayer life.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY 10. Leaders in our congregation demonstrate that prayer is primarily communion with God. Action Plan: If you are in leadership in the church you must demonstrate publicly that prayer is a vital part of your daily communion with God.

CHURCH SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT SURVEY Summery Thought 1Thessalonians 5: Rejoice Always 2.Pray Continually 3.Give Thanks in all Circumstances: