Why do we pray for VBS?

In Scripture, we, as the Church, are called to constant prayer. But why? In this short article, we will try to answer this question.

“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—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” (Col. 4:2-4).

An open door is an opportunity for the Gospel (1 Cor. 16:8-9; 2 Cor. 2:12). While many of us, being in prison, would likely ask for prayer for an open door to freedom, Paul values an open door for the Gospel more than for personal freedom! This speaks of his heart, fully devoted to the preaching of the Gospel!

So, the first observation and first conclusion is this: we will be in constant prayer if our heart burns for the spread of the Gospel! Friends, we earnestly ask you to spend a few minutes reflecting and evaluating the level of our heart’s involvement in the work of the Gospel. Ask that God, by the Holy Spirit, would show you if something needs to be corrected in this area.

The second observation, which my not be immediately visible on the surface but is no less important, is the recognition of our inability to change anyone or anything on our own. Paul is in prison for preaching the Gospel, and only God can change his situation. But even when he is released, he is firmly convinced that only God changes people’s hearts (Gal. 1:15-16; Eph. 2:4-5). We must always remember that only God produces heart change (Ez. 36:26-27; John 3:5-6; Acts 16:14)!

Dear Church, we invite you to sincere, constant, and fervent prayer for VBS. This is a unique opportunity of the Gospel! It is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to unite around the Word. Let us faithfully ask God to work in the hearts of the children—and not only them! Let us [pray that God would work first and foremost in our hearts, changing us to become more like Jesus Christ.

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? ² By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? ³ Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷ For one who has died has been set free from sin.

• Thursday (7:00 PM) – Prayer Meeting
• Saturday (8:00 – 9:30 AM) – Men’s prayer breakfast
• Sunday services:
  • Worship Service in Russian at 9:00 AM
  • Worship Service in English at 11:15 AM