Our Greatest Tool That Will Build God's Church

The Master Carpenter is building His Church with people who pray

The building of the church isn’t about the building itself. Jesus is the builder and designer of His church, using people as laborers who do the work through prayer. Prayer is a primary tool for building the church, and it should be kept sharp and consistently used. The early church was birthed from a prayer meeting, and the apostles continually gave themselves to prayer. Effective prayer of the righteous has a greater impact than plans, ideas, or programs. Personal commitment to prayer should not be discouraged by others but rather fuel zeal and encourage dedication. Initiate regular prayer meetings in your community, and be a leader in prayer for building God's church.

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The building of the church isn’t about the building itself

Some years ago, I lived in a small town, across the street from a church. It was nearly 90 years old, with red bricks, a small steeple and stained glass. Maintaining it was getting costly, and so they made the decision to tear it down and build new.

I watched the process from my kitchen window, and covered porch. It was fascinating, and disruptive at times. Loud and dusty some days, as they demolished the brick walls and scooped up all the debris. Then setting the new foundation, raising the steel beams and attaching walls and roof.

The construction workers used lots of equipment. There were some hand tools on their belts, power tools of all kinds, ladders, wheel-barrows, and of course tractors and trucks. It was all very entertaining to observe, watching the progress and seeing it develop from ground to peak.

The result was a modern-day metal sided—and quite plain but functional structure. They saved the stained glass, but gone was the steeple, and also the character of the place. Still, this is where they could gather and worship the Lord.

Regardless of the style or location of a building used for a church meeting, this isn’t what we mean when we talk about Jesus building His Church.

Jesus is the builder and designer of His church, using people as laborers who do the work through prayer

They say there are four types of churches. In one, the people say “we are building our church,” in another, they say “God is building our church,” and the third says “we are building God’s church.”

But a fourth is the one says “God is building His church.”

Jesus said “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).

He is the builder, architect, carpenter, master craftsman, and capstone. Jesus is building His church, and He uses people to do it.

What do the people use?

Prayer is a primary tool for building the church, and it should be kept sharp and consistently used

Just as a proficient builder relies on skilled workers and appropriate equipment, God's people are the essential laborers in His grand plan, and prayer is our indispensable tool for accomplishing the task. As the architect, He has a master strategy, delegates assignments, and guides us in ministry, the harvest field, and the prayer room.

Imagine a master bricklayer neglecting their trowel, a carpenter letting their saw grow dull, or a plumber misplacing their wrench.

Similarly, we must ensure our prayers remain potent and avoid letting our primary instrument of building gather rust from disuse. Instead of focusing on the latest gadgets or tools, trust in prayer to bring God into the building.

The early church was birthed from a prayer meeting, and the apostles continually gave themselves to prayer

The laborers, the builders God uses ought primarily be people who pray. Indeed, the early church was birthed from a prayer meeting—120 in the upper room; the early disciples continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

The apostles gave themselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4).

Didn’t Paul live on his knees before the Father in order that believers in Ephesus might know the length, width, height, and depth of the love of God, and be filled with all His fullness (Ephesians 3:19)?

Didn’t also Epaphras strive constantly in prayers for those in his assembly of believers in Colossae to stand firmly in the holy Word of God and be mature (Colossians 4:12)?

Effective prayer of the righteous has a greater impact than plans, ideas, or programs alone

Our carefully crafted plans, innovative concepts, promotional efforts, entertaining speeches, freshly renovated spaces, or renowned conference speakers will engage many people and boost their confidence.

However, these endeavors cannot compare to the impact of the earnest, heartfelt prayers of the righteous, which truly make a significant difference.

Personal commitment to prayer shouldn’t be discouraged by others but rather fuel zeal and encourage dedication

Don't let the opinions of others diminish your commitment to prayer. Instead, let it ignite your enthusiasm, solidify your dedication, and bolster you in this essential work. Rest assured that God takes notice, and He grants rewards.

He utilizes your prayers to construct His church, even if it goes unnoticed by those around you.

Initiate regular prayer meetings in your community, and be a leader in prayer for God's church building

Go to your pastor and elders and tell them you want to have a regular prayer meeting. Don’t wait for them to start one, do that yourself. They probably don’t want to have yet another program they have to lead, so you be the leader. Ask them to attend, but you schedule it, invite people, have helps or lists to hand out, open the prayer time, close the doors, etc.

"Men are God’s method. The church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. What the church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men who the Holy Spirit can use – men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Spirit does not come on machinery but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men – men of prayer." —E. M. Bounds

Be the laborer in God’s hands and be the tool of prayer He uses to build His church— right where you live, work, fellowship, and be one mighty in prayer.

Until next time, grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…

For Further Reading

Church Prayer Meetings—You may be helped by this article about the need for and what to consider for a meeting to pray in and for your fellowship.