Prayer is mentioned often in the Bible. Faithful men and women used prayer to convey to God their heartfelt thanks, petitions and concerns. In Philippians 4:6 the Apostle Paul instructs, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” and in I Thessalonians 5:17, we are told to “pray without ceasing.” Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in Matthew 6.

This initiative is creating and placing a Bible Book Box at your Ecclesia, or in your community. (You may be familiar with the concept of a Little Free Library, which is a trademarked name, but the same concept.) The box has been piloted with children’s books, although each ecclesia may select their own books as desired.

This initiative invites ecclesias to walk through the neighborhoods surrounding their hall, offer a short silent prayer for each household, and leave a signed door hanger to let residents know they were remembered in prayer.

Our Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ have instructed us to care for one another and be mindful of others’ needs. This Rise Up and Build Initiative is designed to encourage your ecclesia to look beyond the walls of your meeting place and serve the practical and spiritual needs of disciples, and potential disciples, who have not been blessed with the advantages we share.