an APEST prayer
This prayer draws primarily from Ephesians 4:11 which first caught my attention when studying the writings of Alan Hirsch. But the fullness of the prayer comes from recognizing the witness of the life of Paul as evidenced all throughout his writings. Those of us whom God has given into ministry can find ourselves wondering how we can ever respond adequately – to be sufficient to the task and “walk worthy of the calling” (Ephesians 4:1).
That led me to write and rehearse this as a weekly prayer particularly over all those in my life with whom I share this calling. But I must also add that it is good for each of us to recognize these ways in which God gives us to minister to others in His kingdom and in this world from day to day as we are faithful to walk in the Spirit.
Heavenly Father,
Equip and empower us to be…
Apostles: that we may know well not only our calling and message, but also to whom we are sent with apostolic authority and conviction.
Prophets: that we may speak all that You give us, with the utmost boldness and humility.
Evangelists: that we may give faithful witness, in both word and deed, to the glorious news of Your Kingdom come.
Shepherds: that we may tend & feed with Holy Love all those whom You give us.
Teachers: that we may elucidate & explicate with integrity & sincerity the whole truth of Your whole Word for the whole world.
And may we, with humble gratitude, do all in the anointing & discernment of Your Spirit and in reverent fear of You, Almighty God, so that Your wisdom & Love are made manifest to the eternal glory of Your name in Jesus Christ our Lord! Amen