ServeNC Week (Aug. 1-8) is an opportunity for local churches to serve their neighbors in tangible ways, and opens doors to gospel conversations. As your church prepares to serve, here are 10 ways to pray for the statewide service emphasis.

Prayer is the foundation of all that we do. In all of North Carolina Baptists’ ministry efforts, prayer is our first and primary strategy.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus modeled a rhythm of proclamation and demonstration. Matthew 9:35 tells us He went through the villages “preaching the good news” and “healing every disease.” He put the truth on display. By meeting tangible needs, Jesus paved a path to people’s hearts. That’s the heartbeat of ServeNC: we serve our communities so they can see the love of Christ in action, inviting them to hear the truth of Christ in our words.

As your church prepares to serve Aug. 1-8, you can begin praying now. Here are 10 specific ways to intercede for this statewide initiative.

1. Pray that God would lead your church to see the unseen and serve the underserved. Not every need is visible. Pray for spiritual eyes to recognize those whom your community has overlooked.

2. Pray that people in your community would experience genuine care and recognize Jesus as the source of that love. As your church serves, pray that those being helped would feel the compassion of Christ moving through your hands and hearts.

3. Pray that God would help your church recognize the abilities and resources He has given, and discern how to best use them. Every church has unique gifts. Pray for wisdom to steward them well during ServeNC Week. 

4. Pray for every member to identify their role in serving. From youth to seniors, from those with leadership experience to first-time volunteers, pray that each person finds a place to contribute.

5. Pray that your entire community – whether directly served or witnessing your church’s love in action – would recognize Jesus and be drawn to Him. Pray that the ripple effect of your service would extend beyond those you directly help. Pray that neighbors would talk about what they saw, and that local leaders and media would notice. Pray for your community to recognize the church as a presence reflecting Christ’s kingdom.

6. Pray that the individuals and families your church directly serves would experience Christ’s compassion, have receptive hearts to the gospel, and take steps toward Jesus. Pray for the parent whose yard is mowed. The student who receives school supplies. The person who receives a meal. Pray that through an encounter with your church’s care, they would know Jesus.

7. Pray for relief to those in need and freedom from the burden of sin. Physical and spiritual needs matter. Pray for both to be addressed through your church’s ministry.

8. Pray for unity among N.C. Baptist churches serving across the state. Pray that competition or comparison would be replaced by partnership. Pray that ServeNC Week would strengthen the bonds between N.C. Baptist congregations.

9. Pray that barriers would be broken down and relationships of trust would form between your church and the people you serve. Pray that suspicion would give way to genuine connection, and that people would see your church as a safe, trustworthy presence in their neighborhood.

10. Pray that the relationships and connections formed during ServeNC would continue and lead to discipleship. ServeNC Week is only the beginning. Pray that the people you meet would take next steps toward faith and that they’d experience ongoing community and discipleship.

Pray as a leadership team, in your Sunday services and in small groups. Pray with your families as you prepare to serve. 

Prayer positions your church to participate in what God is already doing in your community and aligns your hearts with His. 

ServeNC Week is Aug. 1-8. Sign up your church at ServeNC.com and start praying today.