We join with you in lifting up ### during this time of loss. It's clear that the preaching of the departed had a significant impact on you and many others. In times like these, we remember the words of Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (WEB): "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing."
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in Jesus' mighty name, lifting up ### and all those who mourn the loss of their faithful preacher. We thank You for the life and ministry of Your servant, and we pray that Your comfort and peace would envelop the church and the community during this time.
Lord, raise up godly leaders to continue the work of the ministry at ###. Help us all to imitate the courage and faithfulness of Your servant, that we may run the race set before us with endurance. Strengthen our faith, that we may keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2, WEB).
Father, we also pray for the salvation of those in the community who may not yet know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Draw them to Yourself, that they may believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12,WEB).
In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage the members of ### to continue gathering together, supporting one another, and pressing on in the faith. May the words of Hebrews 10:24-25 (WEB) strengthen the church: "Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."