July 1 – August 9, 2026

Preparing the Congregation of Central Baptist Church for the Election of a Senior Pastor Search Committee and the Beginning of the Next Search Process.

Introduction:

The calling of a pastor is one of the most significant decisions a church makes. Scripture teaches us that spiritual decisions require spiritual preparation. Before Jesus chose His twelve disciples, He spent the night in prayer (Luke 6:12-13). Before the church at Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas, the congregation prayed and fasted (Acts 13:1-3).

These forty days provide an opportunity for our church family to seek God's will together. Let us pray not merely for a pastor, but for God's purposes to be accomplished in and through our church. Pray for unity, wisdom, humility, patience, discernment, and a willingness to follow wherever God leads.

Suggested Daily Pattern:

· Read the Scripture passage slowly.

· Reflect on the prayer theme.

· Pray through the guide notes.

· Spend a few moments listening quietly before the Lord.

· Ask God to prepare both our church and the pastor He is preparing for us.

Church Challenge:

During these forty days, consider fasting from one meal each week, attending worship faithfully, praying daily for the church, and seeking opportunities to encourage fellow church members as together we seek the Lord's will.

WEEK ONE (July 1-6): SEEKING GOD FIRST

Day 1 (July 1)

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Prayer Theme: Trusting God's Leadership

Prayer Guide: Ask God to help the congregation trust His leadership completely. Pray that people will look beyond personalities, preferences, and past experiences and place their confidence in the Lord's direction.

Day 2 (July 2)

Scripture: Psalm 25:4-5

Prayer Theme: Seeking God's Direction

Prayer Guide: Pray that God will clearly reveal His path for our church. Ask Him to guide every future decision and every conversation connected to the pastor search.

Day 3 (July 3)

Scripture: Matthew 6:33

Prayer Theme: God's Kingdom First

Prayer Guide: Pray that the church's highest priority will be God's kingdom and not personal agendas. Ask God to align our hearts with His mission.

Day 4 (July 4)

Scripture: Psalm 33:12

Prayer Theme: Gratitude for God's Blessings

Prayer Guide: Thank God for His faithfulness throughout the history of the church. Praise Him for previous pastors, leaders, ministries, and lives changed through the congregation.

Day 5 (July 5)

Scripture: James 1:5

Prayer Theme: Wisdom for the Church

Prayer Guide: Ask God to grant wisdom to church leaders, deacons, staff, and members as preparations begin for the election of a new Search Committee.

Day 6 (July 6)

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8-9

Prayer Theme: Surrendering Our Plans

Prayer Guide: Pray for humility to accept God's plans even when they differ from our expectations.

WEEK TWO (July 7-13): CONFESSION AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Day 7 (July 7)

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24

Prayer Theme: Personal Examination

Prayer Guide: Invite God to search your heart. Confess attitudes, fears, resentments, or sins that may hinder spiritual discernment.

Day 8 (July 8)

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Prayer Theme: Repentance and Renewal

Prayer Guide: Pray for spiritual awakening within the church and for renewed devotion to Christ.

Day 9 (July 9)

Scripture: 1 John 1:9

Prayer Theme: Receiving God's Forgiveness

Prayer Guide: Thank God for His grace and forgiveness. Pray that the church will move forward without bitterness from past disappointments.

Day 10 (July 10)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32

Prayer Theme: Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Prayer Guide: Pray for healing where relationships have been strained and for grace toward one another.

Day 11 (July 11)

Scripture: Romans 12:2

Prayer Theme: Renewed Minds

Prayer Guide: Ask God to transform our thinking so that we may recognize and follow His will.

Day 12 (July 12)

Scripture: Psalm 51:10

Prayer Theme: Clean Hearts

Prayer Guide: Pray that God will create in us hearts that desire His glory above all else.

Day 13 (July 13)

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Prayer Theme: Spiritual Fruit

Prayer Guide: Ask the Holy Spirit to produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our congregation.

WEEK THREE (July 14-20): UNITY IN THE CHURCH

Day 14 (July 14)

Scripture: John 17:20-21

Prayer Theme: Unity Among Believers

Prayer Guide: Pray that the church will be united in Christ and that divisions will give way to cooperation and love.

Day 15 (July 15)

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Prayer Theme: Humility

Prayer Guide: Ask God to help us value others above ourselves and to listen with grace.

Day 16 (July 16)

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14

Prayer Theme: Love as Our Bond

Prayer Guide: Pray that love will characterize every discussion concerning the future of the church.

Day 17 (July 17)

Scripture: Romans 15:5-6

Prayer Theme: Harmony

Prayer Guide: Pray that the church will glorify God with one heart and voice.

Day 18 (July 18)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:2-3

Prayer Theme: Protecting Unity

Prayer Guide: Ask God to guard the church from gossip, factions, and unnecessary conflict.

Day 19 (July 19)

Scripture: Psalm 133:1

Prayer Theme: The Blessing of Unity

Prayer Guide: Thank God for the blessing of brothers and sisters dwelling together in unity.

Day 20 (July 20)

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10

Prayer Theme: Shared Purpose

Prayer Guide: Pray that our church will focus on Christ and His mission rather than individual preferences.

WEEK FOUR (July 21-27): PRAYING FOR THE SEARCH COMMITTEE

Day 21 (July 21)

Scripture: Acts 6:3

Prayer Theme: Choosing Godly Leaders

Prayer Guide: Pray that those elected to serve on the Search Committee will be spiritually mature and sensitive to God's leadership.

Day 22 (July 22)

Scripture: Proverbs 11:14

Prayer Theme: Wise Counsel

Prayer Guide: Ask God to surround committee members with wisdom and sound counsel.

Day 23 (July 23)

Scripture: James 3:17

Prayer Theme: Heavenly Wisdom

Prayer Guide: Pray that every committee member will seek God's wisdom above human wisdom.

Day 24 (July 24)

Scripture: Nehemiah 2:18

Prayer Theme: Courage for the Task

Prayer Guide: Ask God to strengthen those who will accept the responsibility of serving.

Day 25 (July 25)

Scripture: Psalm 32:8

Prayer Theme: God's Guidance

Prayer Guide: Pray that God will direct every meeting, interview, conversation, and decision.

Day 26 (July 26)

Scripture: Colossians 1:9

Prayer Theme: Spiritual Discernment

Prayer Guide: Ask God to help committee members recognize His leading clearly.

Day 27 (July 27)

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Prayer Theme: Endurance

Prayer Guide: Pray that committee members will remain faithful, patient, and encouraged throughout the process.

WEEK FIVE (July 28-August 3): PRAYING FOR THE FUTURE PASTOR

Day 28 (July 28)

Scripture: Jeremiah 3:15

Prayer Theme: God's Chosen Shepherd

Prayer Guide: Thank God that He already knows who will serve as the church's next pastor.

Day 29 (July 29)

Scripture: Acts 20:28

Prayer Theme: A Shepherd's Heart

Prayer Guide: Pray that God is shaping the future pastor to love Christ and care deeply for His people.

Day 30 (July 30)

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Prayer Theme: Godly Character

Prayer Guide: Pray for the spiritual character and integrity of the future pastor.

Day 31 (July 31)

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Prayer Theme: Faithful Preaching

Prayer Guide: Ask God to raise up a pastor committed to faithfully proclaiming God's Word.

Day 32 (August 1)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-12

Prayer Theme: Equipping the Church

Prayer Guide: Pray that the future pastor will help believers grow and serve effectively.

Day 33 (August 2)

Scripture: Joshua 1:9

Prayer Theme: Courage and Faith

Prayer Guide: Ask God to encourage the pastor and family who may be considering God's call.

Day 34 (August 3)

Scripture: Philippians 1:6

Prayer Theme: God's Preparation

Prayer Guide: Thank God that He is already at work preparing both pastor and church for the future.

WEEK SIX (August 4-9): THE FUTURE OF OUR CHURCH

Day 35 (August 4)

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Prayer Theme: Renewed Mission

Prayer Guide: Pray that our church will remain committed to making disciples regardless of who serves as pastor.

Day 36 (August 5)

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Prayer Theme: Evangelistic Passion

Prayer Guide: Ask God to renew our passion for sharing the gospel locally and globally.

Day 37 (August 6)

Scripture: Colossians 1:18

Prayer Theme: Christ as Head of the Church

Prayer Guide: Pray that Christ will remain the center of everything we do.

Day 38 (August 7)

Scripture: Psalm 127:1

Prayer Theme: Depending on God

Prayer Guide: Ask God to remind us that lasting ministry success comes only through Him.

Day 39 (August 8)

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21

Prayer Theme: Expecting Great Things

Prayer Guide: Pray with faith and anticipation that God will accomplish more than we can imagine.

Day 40 (August 9)

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Prayer Theme: Looking to Jesus

Prayer Guide: As this season of prayer concludes, commit the entire search process to the Lord. Pray that the church will keep its eyes fixed on Jesus, trust His timing, and faithfully follow His leadership wherever He leads.

Closing Prayer

"Father, we acknowledge that this church belongs to You. Jesus Christ is its Lord and Head. As we begin this important journey, grant us wisdom, unity, humility, patience, and faith. Prepare the members who will serve on the Pastor Search Committee. Prepare the pastor whom You are calling. Prepare our congregation to receive Your will with joy and obedience. May everything that is done bring glory to Jesus Christ and advance Your kingdom. In His name we pray, Amen."