Acts 16: Marketplace Missionaries

21st Week After Pentecost

Scripture

Acts 16:13–15 (NIV)
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

Scripture Reflection
When Paul arrived in Philippi, he didn’t first look for a synagogue pulpit — he went to a riverside prayer meeting, engaging with working people where they gathered. Lydia, a businesswoman, responded to the gospel and became a key supporter of the mission. The early church was deeply connected to the marketplace, with many of its first leaders coming from everyday professions.

Today, God is still raising up “Lydias” — men and women of faith positioned in business, trades, and the marketplace. These believers can open doors for the gospel in places traditional ministry cannot easily reach. Marketplace missionaries carry the presence of Jesus into offices, schools, shops, hospitals, and construction sites. They become the living message of the Kingdom, demonstrating integrity, compassion, and bold witness.

Pray that God would awaken many more Lydias in New England, transforming the marketplace into a place of revival.

Praying it UP / IN / OUT

UP: Thank God that He works through ordinary people in ordinary places to advance His Kingdom.

IN: Ask God to shape you into a faithful witness wherever you work, study, or serve.

OUT: Intercede for business leaders, workers, and entrepreneurs across New England — that God would open their hearts like Lydia’s and use their influence for Kingdom purposes.

Closing Prayer

Lord of every sphere,

You rule over the sanctuary and the marketplace alike. Thank You for calling Your people to carry Your presence into every workplace, classroom, and public square.

Raise up many “Lydias” in our day — courageous believers with Kingdom vision, positioned in business and commerce to bless communities and open doors for the gospel.

Help us see our daily work as sacred, our vocations as mission fields, and our colleagues as people You long to reach.

Transform the marketplace into a place of prayer, worship, and revival. Let Your glory be made known through those who serve, sell, teach, build, and lead.

For the advance of Your Kingdom,

Amen