How to pray the week before camp 2017 and take action.

In the week before the Christian Baptist Camp Meeting, preparations are still being made, sermons are still developing, songs are being practiced, volunteers recruited, tasks assigned, numbers crunched, and reports written.  It is effortless to come into camp and think that everything picks up and continues from where we ended the previous year.  In reality, life happens the other 51 weeks of the year.  Bills need to be paid, pipes burst, and leaders and volunteers have shuffled around because of life changes just to name a few.  There is a lot of work going on during the year in the association, and it does seem to culminate in a time of celebration, reflection, and aligning during camp.  However, while some leaders and volunteers are working around the clock, we need more help.  One of the most critical areas is prayer.  Here is a list of prayer and action items for each day of this final week leading up to camp and council.

Day 1: Pray for the leadership of the association, ministers, and local church delegates to come into a sense of celebration of spiritual victories over the past year and seeking of God’s will as a deliberative body during general council.  Take action by learning who is on the general board, ministers, and the delegates to general council and prayer for them or send a note of encouragement.

Day 2: Pray for the worship leaders and singers to in the worship services to be led by the Holy Spirit as they lead the congregation in praise and thanksgiving before God Almighty.  Take action by participating in the choir or congregational singing.  Even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket, make a joyful noise.

Day 3: Pray for the preachers to be anointed by the Holy Spirit as they study and prepare their sermons and in delivery.  Pray that the hearers are stirred to greater faith and conviction of sin.  Take action by writing down notes from the sermon, sharing on social media quotes or scripture from the sermon.  Also, speak to the preachers and let them know that you are praying for God to use them and encourage their spirit.

Day 4: Pray for the financial support of the camp meeting and association.  It is a big week but only one out of the entire year.  Pray that God would use the churches, members, and you as partners in ministry and are actually invested in a bright future.  Take action by putting aside your offering designated for the camp and be ready to give at the first opportunity.  Take further action by giving over and above.  Be a cheerful giver.

Day 5: Pray for the youth that will be attending camp periodically during the week and the youth that will be staying the full duration.  Pray that God would help settle a call to holiness and ministry in their life.  Take action by speaking words of kindness and encouragement to them.  

Day 6: Pray for conversions and revival among the attendees.  Pray that the services will be attended and the distractions would be minimized.  Take action by inviting as many possible.  Take further action by bringing as many as possible.

Day 7: Pray that camp ignites a fire among the people in the local churches to make an impact in their local worship community and the greater community where they are located.  Take action by taking notes, pictures, and other memories to remember what transpired during the camp meeting.  Take further action by observing spiritual disciplines, ministering through your local church, and leading your family closer to God.