Sample Prayers for New Stephen Ministry Congregations

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Prayers for Congregations Beginning Stephen Ministry

O Lord Jesus, you have given us the Great Commandment, to love God and others, and the Great Commission, to make disciples. These guide and direct our ministry here on earth. Help us as we begin Stephen Ministry as a way to respond faithfully in our ministry to both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Give us wisdom and discernment as we seek the most effective ways to do ministry in your name and  bring your healing love to those in need. We pray, trusting in your promise to hear us. Amen.

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Compassionate Lord, you walked the earth to bring the Good News of God’s love to all. You showed us by example how to love and care for one another. Make known to us your caring presence as we begin Stephen Ministry in our congregation. Help us hear your call to service and witness. May this caregiving ministry be one way in which we touch the lives and hearts of people within and outside of our congregation. Reveal to us your presence as we care and serve. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Jesus, we call upon your name as we begin Stephen Ministry in our congregation. In your name we begin this ministry of listening, loving, caring, and supporting. Grant wisdom to those who will lead this ministry in our congregation. May your Spirit move those whom you have specially gifted to serve in this ministry. Help us to serve one another, reach out to those who are hurting, and care as you taught us. We pray in your holy name. Amen.

Prayer for Those Going to the Stephen Series Leader’s Training Course

Dear God, this week we pray for [names], who will be attending a Stephen Series Leader’s Training Course in [location] to learn how to begin Stephen Ministry in our congregation. Grant [him/her/them] safe travel and a Spirit-filled time of learning. Help [him/her/them] always remember to turn to you for strength, encouragement, and wisdom as [he/she/they] serves in leadership of your people. In your most holy name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Stephen Leaders Beginning Their Ministry

Lord, you have called [first and last names of Stephen Leaders] to serve as leaders in our Stephen Ministry. Now that they have been trained to serve in this role, bless them. Enable them to work together as a team. Fill them with patience and perseverance as they build a foundation for caring ministry at [name of congregation]. Give them knowledge as they train our Stephen Ministers. Give them compassion and discernment as they find people in need of care and match them with Stephen Ministers. Give them strength in leadership as they support and encourage our Stephen Ministers while they provide one-to-one care to hurting people. Bless their ministry, that it would glorify your name. In the name of our Lord and teacher, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer for Use at Special Events

Loving God, as your chosen people, holy and dearly loved by you, we ask for your guidance and blessing on our Stephen Ministry.

We pray for our Stephen Leaders, that they may be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Guide their leadership, and be with them through the joys and challenges of their ministry.

We pray that individuals in our congregation with the gifts and abilities to become Stephen Ministers may be moved by your Spirit to come forward and serve.

And we pray that each of us, during difficult times in our lives, will recognize our need to receive care from others and be willing to accept your care through our brothers and sisters in Christ.

As we participate in Stephen Ministry, help us to remember that over all these Christian virtues we need to put on love, the tie that binds us as a community of believers.

And whatever we do, in word or in deed, we do it all in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God our Father through him. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.