Christine Stride is Executive Assistant to the Baptist National Leader and works at the Baptist National Support Centre in Auckland. She is a member of Titirangi Baptist Church in Auckland.
Together In Prayer is a call for people in Baptist churches across Aotearoa New Zealand to pray. Every September as one family of churches, we will pray for God’s transforming work in our communities, nation and world.
Below are some prayer points and scripture you may find helpful as you pray on the theme of this week - locally, nationally, and globally. Perhaps use one section a day for three days this week or come back several times repeating this prayer focus. You could also use these prayer guides in your small group or in your prayer group.
Radical
We're using the word 'radical' in relation to actions and attitudes that have a far-reaching, thorough effect on the fundamental nature of something.
In Aotearoa, Baptist behaviour has often included radical activism in its desire to see God's kingdom come in all its fullness. Some of our Baptist ways are best summarised using the word radical: we discern the mind of Christ in community; we invest sacrificially into our communities; we send, we plant, we go, and we refuse to concede.
For more information about Radical and prayer, watch the 3-minute video by pastor Santosh George below.
Pray
Local
Radical love
Help us to be radically loving, showing Christ's compassion and grace to every person we encounter, especially those Jesus talks about in Luke 4:16-20: The poor, the captives, the blind, the oppressed. Help us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute, and to speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy, as it says in Proverbs 31:8-9.
Radical obedience
Give us the courage to obey your voice without hesitation, trusting you fully even when your calling takes us beyond our comfort zones as you commanded in Joshua 1:9: 'Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.'
Radical generosity
Make us radically generous with our time, resources, gifts, and hearts, so that others may experience Your goodness and provision through us. Let us remember your words in Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Radical faith and boldness
Increase our faith so that we would boldly share the gospel, pray expectantly, and believe you for transformation in our families, workplaces, and communities. As in Acts 4:29-31, we ask "... enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness... Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus... " so we can be 'filled with the Holy Spirit and [speak] the word of God boldly."
Radical kingdom impact
Let us be radically committed to advancing your kingdom, seeking justice, humbly serving our community, and bringing hope wherever you send us. Lord, may our churches be radically shaped by the values of Your Kingdom, where compassion triumphs over indifference, generosity over self-interest, truth over fear, and hope over despair.
Help us to be people like those described in Micah 6:8, people who "... act justly ... love mercy and ... walk humbly" with our God.
National
For those struggling financially
Lord, provide for people and families who are struggling financially. Enable New Zealanders to be radically compassionate toward those experiencing financial hardship. Help our leaders, businesses, churches, and communities to commit to caring for families affected by the cost of living, housing pressures, and poverty, with humility, generosity, wisdom, and practical support. Remind us as in Isaiah 58:10 that when we spend ourselves on behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, so our light will rise in the darkness.
For people's mental and emotional wellbeing
God, bring your healing and hope to those struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness and despair. Empower and inspire this nation to be one that radically prioritises connection, care, and support for people facing mental and emotional challenges. Enable us to carry each other's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ, as Paul says in Galations 6:2.
Justice in housing and employment opportunities
Lord, help New Zealand to be radically committed to justice and dignity, so that every person and whānau has access to safe housing and opportunities to flourish, regardless of background or circumstance. Empower us to act as in Isaiah 58:6-7, to loose the chains of injustice ... to share our food with the hungry and provide shelter to those in need. Provide work opportunities for those seeking employment and ongoing support and encouragement for them.
Radical unity across cultures and communities
God, enable Aotearoa New Zealand to be a nation that radically values unity, reconciliation, kindness and mutual respect. Strengthen relationships between people of different cultures, generations, and communities. Help us to reflect your kingdom here in this country. Enable us to be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love, as Paul instructs in Ephesians 4:2-3:
Global
For radical unity among nations
Lord, let a radical unity spring up among nations and peoples. Use even challenging world events to break down barriers, foster understanding, and bring reconciliation where there is conflict, division, and mistrust. Remind us that, as in Ephesians 2:14, Jesus is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.
For radical justice and peace
Father, establish your justice and peace in regions affected by war, violence, oppression, and displacement. Raise up and sustain many peacemakers who will courageously and steadfastly pursue reconciliation and healing between communities and nations. Establish your righteousness, for we know the fruit of that righteousness is peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever, as in Isaiah 32:17.
For radical generosity toward the vulnerable in our world
God, stir the hearts of people in governments, organisations, churches, and individuals to radically care for those experiencing poverty, hunger, persecution, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises around the world. Give them confidence and assurance that you will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.
For radical gospel advancement
Sovereign Lord, open doors for the gospel in every nation. Strengthen believers who face opposition, raise up and sustain workers for the harvest, and let millions encounter and accept the transforming love and truth of Jesus Christ. May your message be spread rapidly and be honoured, as Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 3:1.
Share what you feel God is saying
There is an online form here to share what you think God might be saying to the Baptist churches of New Zealand at this time.
See the introduction to Together in Prayer video by National Leader Chris Chamberlain: baptist.nz/together-in-prayer-lets-seek-god-together
