The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 

Confess Unbelief 

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24

• Lord, we consider areas of unbelief in our hearts. We confess that we have often prayed with a negative image of the future without praising You for Christ’s power to change the details of this situation. (Matthew 13:58, James 1:5-8)
• We confess that our minds have been clouded with doubt and cynicism fueled by Satan’s lies. 

Claim the Sovereignty of Christ Over Midtown and its Members

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

• Shift our eyes from the darkness of this trial and onto Christ as the triumphant intercessor and ruler at the Father’s right hand. (Hebrews 1:3, 7:25, 9:24)
• We plead Christ’s ownership over every detail of this situation—the people, the leaders, our church, the future. 
• We reject Satan’s false claim of ownership over it.

Pray Against Demonic Influence and Agree on Specific Sins

Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 1 Peter 5:8-9

• We rebuke each demonic being blinding this circumstance and the people affected. (Matthew 18:19-20)
• We agree together over these specific sins evidenced collectively and among individual leaders and members:
  • Long-standing patterns of sexual impurity and passivity to confront it.
  • Laziness, apathy, and avoidance regarding personal and communal holiness.
  • Idolatry and devotion to specific leaders, personalities, and talent rather than undivided allegiance to Jesus, which has clouded judgement and perpetuated sin.
  • Hidden, unconfessed sin that has implanted in the soil of our community and will bring forth death if not uprooted. (James 1:15)

Pray for Renewal and Revival 

Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2

• We pray the name of Christ over each area of sin, reclaiming it from the enemy’s territory (Matthew 16:18). Bring us back, Lord (1 Peter 2:9).
• In a spirit of oneness, we pray that You would overcome each sin and in its place grant a specific outworking of righteousness and wholeness both collectively and individually. (Hosea 10:12)
• Renew our allegiance to You and implant in us a holy fear. (Proverbs 1:7)
• Grant us genuine and lasting victory over darkness. (Revelation 12:11)

Give Thanks: Praise God for Answers

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28

• Lord, we thank You for overcoming each sin and for overcoming Satan and his evil powers. (Mark 11:22-24)
• We submit to You and Your will, asking that You do what You want for Your glory. 
• We give thanks that we rely not on a formula but on the sacrifice of the Son of God as the basis of our intercession and praise. (Galatians 2:20)