As friends, members, adherents, elders, and ministers in The Presbyterian Church in Canada, we are fervently praying for the 148th General Assembly in Halifax from June 4-7, 2023. We are praying in advance for the commissioners, the moderator, the clerks, the General Assembly Office, and all of those who have a role of some influence on the gathering.

In each of the four weeks leading up to GA, we are publishing a fresh prayer guide, each with its own theme.

 
Satan is real and loves to attack the church and its leaders. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and is the master of lies and deception. We must be wary. Discernment is the process of determining whether someone is acting in God’s will – or not. It’s a challenge. Believers have been deceived.

We are first invited to adopt a spirit of humility. Life is not about us. Next, we are called to submit the heart, mind, and spirit to the Lord. Do it early and often. Regularly check the pride meter and bring yourself down if needed. Add a dash of humility. Keep asking the Lord to speak and to have ears to hear and eyes to see. Watch for the fruits of the Holy Spirit as evidence of God’s hands at work. Look for the behaviours of those who follow the desire of their sinful nature. (Galatians 5.)

A prayer guide for the week to come:

Monday – God of truth, grant commissioners the ability to read the reports to the Assembly with the mind of Christ. May they see Your good works. If they see any bad fruit, grant them wisdom to know how to respond.

Tuesday – Creator, we ask that You renew the gift of discernment in the moderator-elect, who may be called on to make quick decisions amidst debate and questions from commissioners.

Wednesday – Father, as those who are called to preach and meditate during General Assembly prepare their messages, grant them a renewed ability to discern Your prophetic voice.

Thursday – Holy Lord, those who bring the Word and music to times of worship have powerful voices. May they have ears to hear Your voice as they prepare.

Friday – We lift up the Clerks of Assembly, the convenors of committees, and denominational staff. Grant them the ability to discern and respond to questions and challenges.

Saturday – Some of the business of the Assembly is planned and decided outside the court. May the Holy Spirit of discernment be alive and present in the hearts, minds, and conversations among commissioners at all times.

Sunday – Jehovah Jireh, we place the campus of St. Mary’s University in Halifax under Your control and spiritual protection, and we ask for discernment around its stewards.

Amen.

Last week: God’s will be done
Next week: Spiritual protection and the armour of God.
May 29-June 4: Fresh fruit.

We are blessed with a Prayer Room at GA, which will be staffed by RF executive director Andy Cornell. We are looking for volunteers for our GA Prayer Room via Zoom. Email <renewalfellowshippcc@gmail.com>.