The 1689 London Baptist Confession, Chapter 26 Paragraph 14, begins by stating, “Every church and all its members are obligated to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all churches of Christ in every place.”

In Ephesians 6:18, Scripture says, “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

Colossians 4:2-3 says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison.”

These letters are written to local churches that are made up of individual Christians. Churches and individual Christians are called to pray for other churches and Christians that the Kingdom of God advances.

When we pray, we rely upon God in our prayers knowing that we can’t meet our needs. He is the only One who can answer prayer and supply the sufficient needs to His people. Christians are totally dependent upon Him. As we think through praying for churches, it is God who moves and uses His churches. It is not man that moves Christ’s church, it is God who does as He pleases. We pray that God works in the hearts of His people in all churches to be faithful to the Gospel. We pray that the Lord keeps people focused on Jesus and not being given over to the ideas of the world. Or poisoning the well of the Gospel with worldly things. We pray that God uses His churches by His Spirit that pastors preach the Scriptures and are calling men and women to trust in Christ. By praying to that end, God is going to move in His people in a manner in which God will get the glory. Prayer shows our reliance upon Him. He is the only One who can change the hearts of sinners. Any true movement of God or revival is going to be God centered by the preached Word. It will happen by His people relying on Him in prayer. Not coming together or cooperating together for fame or personal gain, but that the Gospel of Jesus is proclaimed to the ends of the earth. If you desire to cooperate with likeminded churches, pray for them!

We only get one life and it will soon pass. Only what is done for Christ will last!

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Evan Knies is an elder at North Hills Church in West Monroe, LA. He is the husband of Lauren and father to Maesyn. He graduated from Boyce College and Southern Seminary.