Prayer of Dedication for the Faulkners

If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it (Titus 1:6-9, ESV).

Dear Lord God, our One, True Chief Shepherd, the One before whom all pastors and elders must bow,

Our Father, we praise You for who You are and how You have revealed Yourself perfectly and fully in the person of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.

We worship You and praise You because You, our Chief Shepherd, came low in order to serve our greatest need, which is the sin that held our hearts captive, deluded our minds, and separated us from You.

Lord, we call upon You now and ask that you fill Tim and Jacki with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, we have set apart this couple to oversee and shepherd this flock of IBC churches.  Lord, You have said, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

So, we ask that You empower Tim and Jacki for the task at hand. Empower them with Christ-like humility that they can go low for IBC churches so that Your church may rise to the high calling of making disciples and planting churches. As we read in Titus, we need Your sanctifying and empowering Holy Spirit to lead lives that are pure and upright and godly. Tim and Jacki cannot do this task without prayerful dependence upon Your Holy Spirit, so we ask for Spirit empowerment.

Lord we ask that you protect Tim and Jacki from the evil one.  We know that leadership comes with a unique set of temptations. So, we ask that You give Tim and Jacki a discerning spirit to resist the lures of power and money and the desires of the flesh.

Lord we ask that You give Tim and Jacki Your vision for Your church … Your power for Your mission … and Your love for Your people.

            How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
            In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.
            Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.
            Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord  (Psalm 31:19-24, NIV).

Carsten Lotz