DAY FIFTY-TWO
Heavenly father, I come before you now in awe of your goodness, your power, your endless patience, your loving kindness which leads us to repentance. We do repent for the times we as the church, as the body of Christ have not functioned as one body, but as a single member, apart from the body and apart from your example.
My prayer echoes your words in John 17:20-23, “I do not ask for these (the disciples) only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they may also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they be one, even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Lord, help us!
Holy Spirit, help us!
We need help to set aside preferences and petty arguments to become one in you, functioning together as ONE body. When just one part of the body does not function in unison with the other parts, the whole body suffers. But a whole body working together as one, with the power of the Spirit and a unified kingdom goal we become a powerful vessel for your message of love, peace, and restoration.
You tell us in Romans 12:9-10 how to be unified. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
We know the world is watching. Watching how we treat people we claim are our brothers and sisters. Sometimes, our actions toward each other do not declare your mercy and forgiveness, they do not extend grace. We dilute the all-surpassing power of your gospel message by trying to do it all by our own efforts instead of joining with the body.
Lead us, your Church, Holy Spirit! Renew, revitalize and refresh our zeal, our fervor and the fire of Your love for Your word, Your Presence and Your mission - for your simple, but powerful gospel message.
Make us ONE Lord. Make us one Body, advancing your kingdom and bringing light and hope into a dark and dreary world. In the mighty name of the One who saves, Jesus.
Thank You for calling me to CONTEND in prayer with You for Spiritual Renewal in EVERY heart, home, church and region. Pour out Your Spirit, Lord Jesus, I pray, awakening the lost to faith, readying Your church to join You in Your mission and sending workers into the fields ripe for harvest.
Amen