Here are some ways to lift up this year's VBS!
Pray for God’s Glory
God himself is the beginning and end of all that we do as his people. Therefore as with every other ministry, as with every other aspect of our lives, we should desire to see God made much of; that is, to see his name glorified. Pray that God is exalted as the great and glorious God that he is as Creator and Savior. Pray that all of the workers and teachers would be striving to bring glory to God’s name. Pray for a lack of egos, pride, and selfishness.
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen (Rom 11:36).
Pray For Volunteers
Key to the success of VBS is its volunteers. They provide an example of the right attitude and set the pace for the rest of the church. Pray that they continue to have a God-given passion for this event, desiring to see children and families come to know Christ and have hope in God. Pray that they have wisdom in serving, solving problems, and staying energized for the week. Pray that they would feel the support of the church in all their efforts.
For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake (2 Cor 4:5).
Pray for a Love for the City
This is a prayer for the workers as well as the entire church. We should remember that VBS is done out of love for the lost; a love that is a reflection of Christ’s love for sinners. Pray that we, as a church, are consumed with love for our city. Pray that we are driven in all that we do by a God-given love for those separated from God’s grace by sin.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.... the greatest of these is love (1 Cor 13:1-8).
Pray for the Gospel
The great desire for VBS is to see the gospel made known. Pray that God would be working in the lives of the workers presenting the gospel, that they might make it clear. Pray also for the minds & hearts of the children and their parents, that God would make them receptive to the word. Pray that the teaching would be clear and gospel-centered. Pray that the teaching would be presented with the right motives—the lifting up of Christ, not us. Pray that the teaching time would not be hindered by distractions that would detract from the message. Pray that the teaching would be blessed by the Holy Spirit so that it might be presented with power.
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me (Col 1:27-29).
Pray for the Kids and Families
We earn the respect of the parents when we show love to their kids. Pray that God will be at work in the children’s lives, preparing them to hear the gospel. Pray that the stories will capture their imaginations and draw them into the gospel message. Pray that God will open their hearts to put faith in Christ for salvation. Pray that our evident love for their children will open doors for parents to hear the gospel.
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea (Matt 18:1-6).
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