PURPOSE

The purpose of the 2015 Prayer Drive is to remember God’s faithfulness and provision for NCC in the past and present through a self-guided drive to previous NCC locations, as well as to pray for the future work of God through NCC.

2015 PRAYER DRIVE

GUIDE

“In the church, on the mission field, with the minister and his congregation, everything depends on the faithful exercise of the power of prayer” - Andrew Murray; The Prayer Life.

Prayer is vital.

The health and depth of the Christian life is shown through the vitality of prayer. And the effectiveness of the Church in her community, and world, has been historically proven through prayer.

Please use this as a simple guide, and feel the freedom to make your prayers your own. Should you feel led by the Spirit to do something slightly different, that is totally fine. Prayer is the point. Feel free to go on this PRAYER DRIVE when it is convenient for you.

At each location, you will be guided to the next PRAYER POINT on your PRAYER GUIDE. You are free to stay at that location and pray as long as you like. You are free to get out of your car to pray, but please be respectful of your location, as well as others around you.

Before you embark on this PRAYER DRIVE, you will want to make sure you have a Bible, a GPS, or print the maps to each location, which you can find at this web address:

One more tip: You may want to consider praying for other congregations as you drive from one location to another. Remember, we are one Body, many parts. When you drive past another Church building, pray that God would bless that congregation and her efforts to reach this community for Christ.

\\\ LOCATION 1 \\\ - Office Building

1051 E. Lynn, Springfield, MO 65803

“I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” - Philippians 1:6 (ESV).

PRAYER POINT

In March of 1970, Northside Christian Church began right here with 9 people (5 of whom are still at NCC). Take time to thank God for how he prompted a small group of committed Christians to sacrifice so that a healthy Body of Believers could gather on the north side of Springfield. Praise Him for the good work that He began 45 years ago. Think about the first time you came to Northside Christian Church. Thank God for those who helped you to connect to Christ and to one another.

\\\ LOCATION 2 \\\ - Electrical Workers Union 453

2902 E. Division St., Springfield, MO 65803

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” - Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV).

PRAYER POINT

On April 5, 1970, Northside moved to this location where we would gather for worship for about three years. The Church has always existed to pursue lost communities. The nature of the Church is not only “come and see,” but it is also, “go and tell.” Meeting at a building that is not specifically for worship shows that the Church is not a structure, but a Body…a light in a world of darkness. Pray that Northside would continue to be a light to this community. Ask that God would give us boldness to shine His light so that our good deeds will lead to others praising God.

\\\ LOCATION 3 \\\ - Dale Street Baptist Church

1311 E. Valley Watermill Rd., Springfield, MO 65803

“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as many as had need. And day by day attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” - Acts 2:45-47 (ESV).

PRAYER POINT

The early Church was strategic in the way they reached their neighbors…and they did this through sacrificial living. This caused the Church to have favor with those who surrounded them. In 1973, we broke ground on what would be our home for 34 years. It was during this time that Northside grew exponentially, impacting the surrounding community. Pray that God would help us to reach our surrounding community through sacrificial living. Ask for opportunities to impact the Springfield area, and for open eyes to see those opportunities when they come.

\\\ LOCATION 4 \\\ - Northside Christian Church

4902 State Highway H, Springfield, MO 65803

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field. God’s building” - I Corinthians 3:6-7, 9 (ESV).

PRAYER POINT

In 2007, we relocated to our current location. Since 1970, hundreds of people have planted and watered seeds of God’s Word so that thousands would grow into Christlikeness. Since opportunities for the growth of the Kingdom are countless, pray that God would use Northside to plant and water as many seeds as possible. Ask that God would continue to bring the growth. Ask for vision, wisdom, and boldness for future endeavors at Northside.

\\\ LOCATION 5 \\\ - Location of Your Choice

Drive to a location where you want God to use you for his Kingdom in the near future. This could be your work, school, city square where you live, etc.

“Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” - Matthew 9:39 (ESV).

PRAYER POINT

Usually, when we pray Matthew 9:39 (see above), God chooses to answer that prayer through the one praying it! Your current location matters to you, and it matters to God. Pray that God would raise up more workers to reach this lost community. Ask that God would give you creative approaches to personally reach out. Pray in faith for the future of NCC as we connect people to Christ and to one another!

NEXT STEPS

Thanks for praying! May this begin a prayer movement in you and in our Church family. May your daily life prompt you to respond in prayer. Here are a couple next steps to consider from this point:

1.Use your time in the car to turn every commute into a PRAYER DRIVE. Pray for individuals, churches, schools, businesses, current events, etc.

2.Make plans to go see the movie “War Room” (In theaters August 28). This is a good film stressing the importance of prayer.

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