BROKEN ARROW—Beginning on Nov. 10, at the 114th Annual Meeting, Oklahoma Baptists began a multi-week united prayer effort. The effort, called “Urgent Prayer for Desperate Times,” focuses on several key areas, including praying for pastors, churches, unity, healing, gratitude and missions.

“God’s Word tells us to make everything a matter of prayer, to pray without ceasing,” said Hance Dilbeck, executive director-treasurer for Oklahoma Baptists. “By joining our hearts in prayer, Oklahoma Baptists will call on the Lord to do what only He can do, amid challenging times.”

Oklahoma Baptists are being encouraged to focus on the three upcoming Sundays in November (Nov. 15, 22 and 29) as part of the prayer emphasis. The prayer emphasis dovetails with the International Mission Board’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering week of prayer, Nov. 29-Dec. 6.

Bible bookmarks with prayer points and verses were made available to Oklahoma Baptists at the Annual Meeting, as well as online. The prayer points are designed to be used during a worship service and in personal prayer time.

The following information reflects the prayer points and materials:

Pray for Churches and Pastors (Nov. 10)

Pray for Churches
2 Thess. 1:11-12

Pray: That the Lord would make us worthy of His calling.
That God’s power would equip us for every good work.
That we would glorify the name of the Lord.
That we would serve according to His grace.

Pray for our Pastors
Gal. 6:9

Pray: That they would not grow weary in their work.
That they would faithfully shepherd the flock of God.
That they would faithfully share the Word of God.
That they would not give up.

Pray for Healing (Nov. 15)
Psalms 147:3

Pray: That God will restore health to those who suffer from COVID.
That God will comfort those who grieve the loss of a family member or friend.
That we, as Oklahoma Baptists, will be able to gather for worship,
camps, retreats and trainings without fear of health risks.
That the Lord will provide a solution to the Pandemic.

Pray for Gratitude (Nov. 22)
1 Thess. 5:16-18

Pray: That we would be thankful for the salvation offered in Jesus Christ.
That we would, privately and publicly, give thanks to God for His manifold blessings.
That we would be grateful in times of plenty and in want.
That we would learn to be a people marked by humility and gratitude, without complaint.

Prayer for Unity in Gospel Advance (Nov. 29)

Pray for Unity
Eph. 4:1-3

Pray: That we would live worthy of our calling.
Pray for a spirit of humility and gentleness.
Pray for opportunities to encourage one another.
Pray for unity of the Spirit and bond of peace among our church family.

Pray for the Nations
Rev. 7:9

Pray: For missionaries and their families.
That many people would come to Christ and stand firm in their faith.
That church plants would flourish.
For believers in Oklahoma to have boldness to share the Good News.

The 2020 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering Week of Prayer is Nov. 29-Dec. 6. Visit imb.org/lottie-moon-christmas-offering-resources for more information. For complete information and for downloadable materials, visit oklahomabaptists.org/urgentprayer.