By Dave Smith

Introduction:

Any type of service for Christ in the local church must be rooted and grounded in prayer. The bus ministry, like other ministries in the local church, sometimes depends more on methods and techniques than God. Make note, any bus ministry that is burdened to reach the lost and baptize and disciple the converts will be a bus ministry that has workers that labor in prayer.

I. We Need To Pray For Our Needs

A. We need to learn to ask God for the needs of our co-workers, riders, and parents on our bus routes (Philippians 4:19)

B. Some needs we can supply for people such as food or clothing, but we need to let people know God is concerned about them and will supply their needs

C. Make a prayer list after visitation each week and pray for the needs of families on your bus route

D. Tell people you are specifically praying for them, then do not neglect to do it

II. We Need To Pray Without Ceasing

A. Some needs are so pressing the Holy Spirit will lead us to pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17)

B. This means praying at all times for these needs

C. We can pray as we are working, walking, driving in the car, eating, or any waking moment

III. We Need To Pray And Fast At Times

A. When we want special things from God, prayer and fasting are the key (Mark 9:29)

B. Fasting may be for a day or sometimes for a number of days

C. Prayer and fasting generally come at desperate times when only “this kind” will work

IV. We Need On Occasion To Pray All Night

A. All night praying is a form of fasting, for a person is going without sleep to pray (Luke 22:40,46)

B. We are showing God our sincere desire for Him to answer our prayers

C. Every bus worker will find there will be times when he must pray all night

This article may not be written by an Apostolic author, but it contains many excellent principles and concepts that can be adapted to most churches. As the old saying goes, “Eat the meat. Throw away the bones.”