Prayer Focus: The Wesleyan Church’s 15th General Conference business.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16
Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. (vv. 11-12)
Dear heavenly Father,
Much of what we do in our lives is a result of decisions we make. Decisions are a regular part of our daily routine — what we wear, eat … even what toothpaste we buy. But when it comes to electing individuals to serve in key roles like our general officers, General Board and General Superintendent, we wonder to ourselves if there’s not a godlier, more Christ-like, biblical or more Holy-Spirit-inspired way?
This passage out of Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church is familiar to us. Many times, we have read and heard messages from it … about your body, your church, being built up into its greatest fullness.
You, Jesus, have chosen the gifts Holy Spirit pours out on us, your followers. It was your decision, not ours. And yet, we have an important responsibility to play, which is to discern your good, perfect and pleasing will concerning who is to serve in leadership capacities. Jesus, it’s not ours to decide, it’s our responsibility to discern (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Holy Spirit, Acts 1 tells us the disciples “decided” on Matthias to take over Judas’ role as a disciple. And we never hear Matthias’ name again throughout the New Testament. In contrast, Luke shares in Acts 13 that the church in Antioch worshiped, prayed, even fasted for your wisdom. Out of that time, they discerned what you were saying to them, to “set apart for me Barnabas and Saul” for the work you had called them to (v. 2). Holy Spirit, the Antioch church didn’t decide, they discerned and as a result the whole world was turned upside down by their ministry.
So today, Father, Son and Spirit, I ask you to help me not lean on my own understanding, but to press into you for wisdom and discernment. Help me to discern your good, perfect and pleasing will for who you desire to serve as leaders in The Wesleyan Church in this next season.
I pray this in your glorious name, Jesus, amen.
Chris Conrad
*This entry is part of the “EMPOWERED: 15th General Conference Prayer Initiative,” created to guide Wesleyans in 30 days of intentional prayer for The Wesleyan Church and its 2026 General Conference.
Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
