“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20–21
Today’s Thought
Our missions team is on its way to Costa Rica. Doing the work of the Lord. –
Ten days ago, we began this journey with a simple prayer:
“Lord, prepare our hearts.”
Since then, we’ve prayed for stronger faith, greater unity, open doors, boldness, protection, changed lives, renewed strength, and lasting fruit. Together, as a church family, we’ve asked God to do what only He can do. Today, we end where every journey of faith should end:
Giving God all the glory.
It is human nature to celebrate people. We thank the leaders who are sacrificing their time. We applaud students who will step out in faith. We recognize those who gave financially. We appreciate the volunteers who prayed faithfully.
And we should.
The Bible teaches us to honor those who labor faithfully in the work of the Lord. But after we have thanked every servant… After every testimony has been shared… After every picture has been shown…After every story has been told…Our hearts should all arrive at the same conclusion:
“Look what God has done.”
Every life that will be changed belongs to Him. Every safe mile that will be traveled is becuase of His protection. Every Gospel conversation is His opportunity. Every open door is His provision. Every salvation is His miracle. Every decision that will be made at camp is His work. Every encouraging conversation is empowered by His Spirit. Every answered prayer is evidence of His faithfulness.Paul reminds us in Ephesians that God is able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
What an incredible promise.
Think back over the last ten days. Perhaps you’ve been praying for one specific missionary. One particular student. One camp counselor. One family in Costa Rica. One friend who needs Christ. One opportunity for God to work. Can you imagine what God may have been doing behind the scenes while His church was praying together? Perhaps someone will come to Christ because a church family faithfully prayed. Perhaps a student will surrender to God’s call into ministry. Perhaps someone will discover forgiveness they never believed was possible. Perhaps a child will hear about Jesus for the very first time.
One day in Heaven, we may discover that God answered prayers we have already forgotten praying.
Prayer has a way of accomplishing far more than we can see. But today’s celebration isn’t just about these two teams. It’s about the God who remains faithful generation after generation.
As we conclude this prayer journey, may our final prayer become our daily prayer:
“Lord, whatever You choose to do through us, may You receive all the glory.”
There is only one name worthy of praise.
Jesus Christ.
Pray for Our Costa Rica Team
Today, thank God for…
- Every opportunity He will provide to serve.
- Every conversation He orchestrates.
- Every person who will hear the Gospel.
- Every act of kindness that reflects Christ.
- Every team member who faithfully serves.
- His protection, provision, and faithfulness throughout the trip.
- The fruit that will continue growing long after the team has returned home.
Then pray that God would continue using each team member as a missionary right here in our own community.
Pray for Our Camp Team
Today, thank God for…
- Every student whose life will be impacted.
- Every decision that will be made for Christ.
- Every leader who faithfully invests in students.
- Every message that will be preached from God’s Word.
- Every friendship strengthened through faith.
- Every opportunity to worship together.
- His protection and provision throughout the week.
- The work He will continue doing in the months ahead.
Pray that students will remain faithful to the commitments they make and that our church will encourage them as they continue growing in Christ.
Today’s Challenge
Take a few moments to write down three specific ways you’ve seen God answer prayer during these past ten days. Then share at least one of those answers with someone else this week. Your testimony may become the encouragement someone else needs to trust God more deeply.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
What a privilege it has been to come before You together as a church family over these past ten days. Thank You for hearing every prayer. Thank You for preparing hearts before anyone ever left. Thank You for strengthening faith. Thank You for creating unity among our teams. Thank You for opening doors that only You could open. Thank You for giving boldness. Thank You for protecting every traveler and watching over every step even before the teams leave. Thank You for renewing strength when weariness arises. Thank You for every life You will change through the power of the Gospel. And thank You that Your work is not finished. You alone are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. And may Friends Baptist Church never lose its passion for Your mission. Teach us to be a praying church. A Gospel-centered church. A sending church. A church that faithfully leads people to See the Way, Know the Truth, and Live the Life. Until the day You call us home, help us remain faithful. We ask all these things in the mighty and matchless name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Reflect & Respond
Looking back over these ten days, what has God taught you about prayer, missions, or your own walk with Christ?
Write down one spiritual lesson you don’t want to forget and one practical step you will take to continue living on mission this week.
Family Discussion
Ask together:
“What is one thing God has taught our family during these ten days of prayer?”
Take turns sharing what stood out most, then thank God together for His faithfulness.
Finish by praying for one another, asking God to help your family continue living on mission—not just on special occasions, but every day.
Children’s Prayer Prompt
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for hearing our prayers. Thank You for taking care of our friends in Costa Rica and at camp. Thank You for helping people learn about You. As our teams leave, please keep them safe. Thank You for always being with us. We love You!
Amen.
Memory Verse
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think… Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20–21
A Final Encouragement
As this prayer challenge comes to a close, remember that God’s mission does not. Some are called to cross oceans. Others are called to cross the street. Some preach from a platform. Others minister quietly through acts of kindness. Some plant seeds. Others water.
But God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).
Thank you for praying faithfully over these past ten days. Your prayers have been part of something eternal. May we continue to seek the Lord with the same passion tomorrow as we did on Day 1, trusting that He is still able to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.”
One Church. Two Teams. One Mission. All for the Glory of God.