On February 20, 2022 we gathered to pray for Ridgewood Church as the sanctuary inched closer to completion. We set up five stations in the lobby, office, sanctuary, stage, and nursing mothers room. At each of these stations were prayer prompts for body, our worship, our leadership, our families, and our neighborhood ministry. We also had the opportunity to write prayers and bible verses on the floor before the flooring was put down.

It is our hope that as progress on the building winds down our prayers will continue. Below are the prompts from each of the stations. Take some time to read and pray through these prompts in anticipation of ministry at Ridgewood Church.

Prayers for the Open Doors of Ridgewood Church

Pray that Psalm 67:1-5 would be accomplished through the work of our church

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that Your way may be known on earth,
Your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise You!
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for You judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
Let the peoples praise You, O God;
let all the peoples praise You!

Pray that we would be hospitable to all newcomers: the hurting, the lost and unbelieving, the sick, the elderly, and the poor.

Pray for the neighborhood surrounding Ridgewood. Pray for the 200 homes and 521 people that live in this area and the several surrounding businesses. Pray that we would be eager to show the love of Christ and spread His gospel. Pray for salvations and baptisms!
Pray specifically for Adam & Courtney Cochran, Andrew Bright, and Jacob and Bridget Ferrell, who each live in this area.

Prayers for the Work of Ridgewood Church

Pray our staff and elders would have the heart of Colossians 3:23–24 driving their labor.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Pray for the unity, holiness, and love of our elders (Josh, Zach, Jim, Aaron, and Trevor). Pray they would be godly examples to the flock.
Pray for the elders’ shepherding and care, that they would be diligent in loving the body of Ridgewood.
Pray for the unity, holiness, and love of our staff.
Pray for the staff’s work, to be diligent in planning and executing the different events that will happen on these grounds. Pray for Hannah as she leads our Kids Ministry, Nic as he leads our Worship Ministry, and Jonathan as he leads our Media Ministry.
Pray for our finances. Pray for Cassie (our office administrator) as she works diligently to keep our finances in order. Thank God for providing the money for this building and pray for our wise stewardship of this money.

PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE OF RIDGEWOOD CHURCH

Pray that God would make Romans 12:9-13 true of RC.

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”

Pray our life together would be rich in love, warmth, hope, and forgiveness.
Pray for our burden-bearing. Pray that we would see and respond to the needs of our church family.
Pray for our members meetings. Pray that God would use His Holy Spirit to guide our decision-making and that we’d be eager to “outdo one another in showing honor” even as we make big decisions.
Pray for our community groups and group leaders, that they’d be a place of deep relationships and growth into Christ through the study of His word.

PRAYERS FOR THE WORSHIP OF RIDGEWOOD CHURCH

Pray that Psalm 100 would be the theme of our worship gatherings here.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.”

Pray that the people of Ridgewood would have a deep love for God’s word.
Pray that we would be a people who delight in knowing God in prayer.
Pray for our singing, that it would be glad-hearted and full of life! Pray for the logistics associated with sound, song planning, and volunteer scheduling.
Pray that Jesus – not man, not the pastors or staff – would be glorified supremely at Ridgewood over and above all!

PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILIES OF RIDGEWOOD CHURCH

Pray Psalm 127:3-5, offering thanks for the blessing of children at Ridgewood.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

Pray for the babies of Ridgewood Church, for their health and salvation.
Pray for the marriages of Ridgewood. Pray that God would keep them faithful.
Pray for the fathers of our church, that they would joyfully embrace the responsibility to lead their families in worship of God and would humbly serve their wife and kid(s).
Pray for the mothers of our church, especially those that are pregnant right now. Pray for patience for young moms. Pray for our mothers as they disciple their children. Pray for our “empty-nester” mothers.
Pray for the children. Pray that God would use these facilities and our efforts here to introduce many children to the good news of the gospel!