For the Dechurched
Patient Father,
Sundays are sacred. As churches hold services and pastors preach sermons, you set the table to serve your people a rich spiritual feast. But for various reasons, many believers who used to attend church no longer view it as an essential part of their Christian walk. For some, those reasons are rooted in painful memories and experiences; for others, they are merely excuses. Often these individuals see no danger in their disconnect from regular worship.
Since you know what is in their hearts, Father, put fellow believers around them who know their struggles, who are willing to listen, and who desire to help. Use them to provide encouragement where needed or admonition when necessary. Also, help congregations and pastors be willing to own up to their wrongs and seek reconciliation with members they may have pushed away.
Rekindle in the hearts of distant believers a longing to return to your house for worship, and when they do, see that they are well fed by your Word. Guide them in reestablishing a healthy worship life and build them up in their faith.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.