Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before you in the name of Jesus, seeking your guidance and direction through the Holy Spirit. We acknowledge that we are in need of your wisdom and understanding in every decision we make. Your Word reminds us in John 14:26 that the Holy Spirit is our Helper, who teaches us all things and brings to our remembrance all that Jesus has said.
We humbly ask for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us, that He may guide us in the functioning, operation, leadership, expenditures, and outreach of our church. We recognize that without the presence and leading of the Holy Spirit, our efforts are in vain. We desire to be good stewards of the manifold grace you have bestowed upon us, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:10.
Lord, we confess that we often fall short and make mistakes, but we are grateful for your unfailing love and the opportunities you give us to share your love with the world. We long to become the church that you desire us to be - a light to the world, holy and without blemish, as stated in Ephesians 5:27.
We ask that you open our hearts and minds to receive the Holy Spirit's guidance and direction. Help us to surrender ourselves completely to Him, that He may inspire and direct our prayers. Teach us how to pray in the Spirit, recognizing our own limitations and relying on the Holy Spirit to lead us.
We pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon our lives, our church, and our community. May His presence bring clarity, discernment, and power to our sermons, advice, and rebukes. Break down the walls of sin in our hearts and in the hearts of those we seek to reach.
We thank you, Lord, for the promise that when we ask, we shall receive. We ask in faith, believing that you will grant us the Holy Spirit's guidance and direction. May our church be filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to fulfill your purposes and bring glory to your name.
In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.