The service started at 3 in the afternoon; in the first after a change in timing from 11 A.M. Pastor Tuanglang addressed the congregation and read out words from Luke 22:39,40,45,46 and 1 Corinthians 12:12, to follow with an invocation prayer.
Session – I: Praise and Exaltation, Thanksgiving, and Supplication
Pastor Tuanglang led the first session of the service and highlighted the prayer points, which were, giving thanks to the Lord for spiritual wellness, worldly uplift, provision of decent occupation and education and a place of worship in Delhi, for pecuniary blessings, and for the very divine providence upon the church, upon every family, and upon each and every individual, and, to specially pray for the Pastors, their families, and other office workers of the church.
The congregation arose to the hymn‘He leadeth me’ and the mass prayer followed. After the prayers, the Pastor went on to explain the need and reason for the prayer service that was to be observed that day.
The scripture says that Jesus went out as usual to Gethsemane. This is significant in that it was usual for Jesus to go there and pray to the Father for guidance. This is the need of the hour for us - to turn to the Lord and make it a usual thing to do so, because this is what the secret behind our success will be. When Jesus found the disciples asleep exhausted from sorrow, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” This teaches us that prayer is the answer to our sorrows and difficulties.
The Pastor continued, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” In the same way, every organ of the church, be it the Elders Committee, the Dorcas, the Missions, the Youth, the Children and the general masses, has but one thing to do – serving the Lord. And in doing this, every member in every organ needs as much help in prayer as he or she can get.
The Worship Team led the congregation in the hymn “Khoveel a ka leen sungin.” The day’s offerings were collected and offered to the Lord in prayer by Deacon T Gou Khangin.
Session – II: Prayer for TBSUC and TBMC
The session was led by the Chairman Deacon Damsomthang. After a brief clarification on the history of EBCC Delhi, he announced that the church would celebrate Silver Jubilee next year. The Deacon then read out Acts 6:1-7 and brought out that all that Peter and the other disciples desired to do was to spread the word of God, and that that ministry was not neglected in any way. The greatest work of the church is catching lost souls with the word of God. The Deacon earnestly requested prayers for members of the TBSUC and the TBMC. The hymn “Jesu’ kiangah ka bit ding” was sung and mass prayer ensued.
Session – III: Prayer for TBDF and TBYF
Pastor Biakson opened the session with an analogy: one giant tree that falls destroys many a smaller tree below it. The church is a giant tree, and its leaders need to be prayed for; for their physical well-being as well as their spiritual wellness. The Pastor called out the names of each member of the TBDF and TBYF, the hymn “What a friend we have in Jesus” was sung, and the session ended with a mass prayer.
Session – IV: Prayer for TBCD and Worship Team
The session was led by Deacon Thiankhanmuan. The Deacon turned to Lamentations 3:40 and urged upon those gathered to re-examine their old ways and turn to the Lord. The names of members of TBCD and Worship Team were called out for the mass prayer that followed.
Session – V: Prayer for Prayer Cell Convenors
Pastor Tuanglang took a brief moment to explain the importance of Prayer Cells, before Deacon Tuanmuanthang read out the names of the thirty Prayer Cell units and their respective Convenors. The word of God was read out from Acts 4:23,24 and the hymn “Jesu kiang gen ning” sung before mass prayer was observed.
Session – VI: Prayer for Media Team and Other Individuals
The session led by Deacon Chinsum aimed to pray for and highlight the part being played by the Media Team which is comprised of a team of Content Writers, Photographers, Videographers, and Technicians/Administrators, and other individuals whose responsibilities lie with Khristian Thukizakna, Grace Bible College Donation, Bible Society of India, and Prayer Network.
Pastor Tuanglang took to the pulpit to perform the bi-monthly Pastoral prayer for the masses. With the end of his prayer, the service came to a close.
