The prayers this week are again those written for our September month of prayer and fasting. We are continuing to pray about being a church rooted in Christ led by a God-given vision – a church with a vision to be a Whole-Life Centre where all the generations are equipped for and supported in every part of life.

13 September – Nina Brazier. John 15:5, ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.’

Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You are a part of us and we are part of one body. That You care for us enough to bless us to be fruitful and carry out amazing things in Your name. That You are our great provider and giver of life.

That You also love us enough to prune those parts of our lives that are fruitless. A necessary process that is good for us in the long term, but difficult to understand or withstand as it happens.

I pray that You will give us the wisdom and understanding to know when You are pruning the ungodly things from our lives, that You will journey through that process with us using Your Spirit, word and fellow believers in this.

Help us to know that even when we wander from fellowship with You, we remain one in You and You will draw us back into full fellowship with Yourself with open arms. Thank You for the life You bless us with, for the giftings, security and family in Christ we have. Amen

14 September – Charlotte Adjepong. Colossians 2:6-7, ‘Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.’

Father, I pray that when the trials of life come, Your Spirit and word will be our confidence – our faith firmly rooted in Christ. Just as a tree needs deep roots to withstand the storms and droughts, so we need to be deeply rooted in Christ. Help us commit ourselves to a lifetime of learning reading and studying Your Word each day and night so that it soaks deeply into our souls.

Help us to surround ourselves with good Christian role models and friends who set a godly example, and be ready to accept guidance and instruction from them. Help us to listen for Your direction, surrendering self and allowing You to show us Your way changing us to be like Jesus.

Let us live lives with overflowing gratitude to the point where there is no room left for fear, anger, bitterness, jealousy, nor envy. Lord, this does not come naturally, but is off the Spirit, word and fellowship with other believers. We pray that we will see Your blessings in everything – even in the trials – and so many will mature in faith. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

15 September – Pastor Samuel. Youth: Father, I pray for the youth of Telford Elim. I pray God that they will be strengthened and inspired by You. I pray that they will encounter Christ and be transformed by Your Spirit.

May their lives reflect You as they grow in their relationship with Jesus and with others. May faith formation begin to take deep root and sustain the youth through life’s different challenges.

Let them know that You love them in and through Christ, and they belong in Your family of disciples – that You have a purpose and plan for their lives, which is fun and adventurous.

God, bless us as we continue to have fun, discussion and meet with one another online, and now that we are able to meet in person, as we discover more about You at youth group. Thank You for all You have done for us, and what You are going to do as we transition into a new season of youth work in Telford Elim. Amen.

16 September – Pastor Samuel. New opportunities ahead: God, we pray for the opportunities and doors which have opened so far among the young people in Telford and HLC. Bless the work that will be carried out in HLC, and with other youth groups across Telford, and Limitless Elim.

We pray that as our young people begin to grow and chat with their friends, at school and where they live, unchurched young people’s lives and hearts will begin to be softened, reached and transformed for Your Kingdom.

Father, open opportunities for us to meet and welcome new youth to our group, and that You will equip the youth of Telford Elim to speak and make any new young people feel at home among us. God, we pray as we look to the future of youth work here at Telford Elim, You will bless and guide us as we relaunch and rename the youth work at Telford Elim. Amen.

17 September – Denise Gore. Proverbs 16:3, ‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.’

Father, as we think about the ‘Whole Life Centre,’ a vision for the church from a number of years ago – we ask that You unfold Your sovereign plan. It has been spoken about and some plans put together, but never quite felt the right time to move forward.

We want to be a beacon of light and hope in our community, a place of refuge where people encounter You, Jesus, and their lives are changed forevermore.

Lord Jesus, we want to represent You in a way that is pleasing and honourable, providing opportunities for all in the area of Hadley and Leegomery, and in our town of Telford, that You have entrusted us with to find Your love, grace and community among us as a church. The opportunity for people, from the cradle to the grave, to learn of You and come to know You as their Lord and Saviour. Amen

18 September – Denise Gore. Father, we ask for clarity on the Whole Life Centre, we know Your timing is perfect – grant us wisdom, and discernment as we explore this vision. We want to know that we are building on firm foundations, and to step into all You have for us both individually and collectively.

Order our steps, open doors You would have us walk through, closing firmly behind those that no longer fulfil Your purposes. Enlarge our territory so we can continue to grow Your kingdom, making disciples who make disciples.

Thank You for all You have already done, for the wonderful building we have, and the Hub that is being used by different community groups. As we are in this time of flux – may we use it wisely seeking Your will and for Your Kingdom to come in and through Telford Elim. In Jesus’ name. Amen

19 September – Steve Higgins. Worship Focus: Father, we choose to praise and worship You today. You know how to break through the difficulties in our lives. We choose not to be overwhelmed with our circumstances, but choose to see You in all Your beauty and greatness.

We bless Christ’s holy name and declare You are our victorious God. We declare Christ’s glory over our nation, and that Your deeds are marvellous among all people. Teach us Your ways as we seek to enter into Your throne room in worship.

May Your presence go with us as we seek to live a lifestyle of worship giving thanks in every situation. We ask that You would break into every area of our lives. We believe that worshipping You is key to break through in every area in our lives.

Thank You that as we draw near in worship – we are transported away from concerns and fears to a place where we can be at peace in Your presence, find healing, wholeness and refreshment. May we continue to take every opportunity to worship You in spirit and truth giving glory to Your name, Lord Jesus. Amen