Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for being a triune God that shows us how we can each be a different part of the church, yet still work together. (1 Corinthians 12:27) So often we fail at this task, picking and criticizing each other over trivial and meaningless matters. Please Lord, help us to remember Ephesians 4:32 which says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Why is this so hard to do?
Paul struggled with this in Romans 7:15 which says, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” This exactly explains the dilemma! We want to further your kingdom, and yet we fight against it. When we see someone who doesn’t share our opinions, we often tear them apart. Please send the Holy Spirit to guide us in our thoughts and actions.
Jesus tells us in Mark 3:25 that “if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” This makes me weep when I look at all the conflict that Christians have with one another. Each time we fight with each other, we are ripping your kingdom apart. Please help us to acknowledge our own sin and stop this behavior. Give us both wisdom and compassion.
You are a gracious God, and we are so thankful for the message in Romans 8:1 which says, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” What good news! Even when we mess up, you are there to forgive. Help us not to be set in our evil ways, but assist us in recognizing our sin and casting it away.
Lord, only you can cleanse us, purify us, and make us righteous. You have the power of transformation of both minds and souls. We need you to carry this out in us. Please make us kind and considerate people that only argue with other Christians in truly necessary circumstances. There is a big difference between arguing about church music and about a person misusing church finances. Help us to be discerning and to save our arguments for the important stuff!
We ask that just as Paul asked the Thessalonica church to encourage each other and build each other up, we ask that you encourage each one of us in this. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Without you and the Holy Spirit, this task is impossible. Guide us. Protect us. Help us to thrive.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions
Consider the following reflection questions:
- After reading the prayer, take a moment to reflect on your own experiences within the church community. Have you ever found yourself involved in conflicts over trivial matters? How might the message of Ephesians 4:32 influence your interactions with fellow believers?
- Consider the words from Romans 7:15, “For I do not understand my own actions.” Can you relate to Paul’s struggle described in this verse? In what ways do you find it challenging to align your actions with your desires to further God’s kingdom?
- Reflect on the metaphor of a divided house in Mark 3:25. How does the imagery of a divided house relate to conflicts and divisions within the Christian community? How might acknowledging personal sin contribute to unity among believers?
- Think about the gratitude expressed in the prayer for the message in Romans 8:1, “there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” How does the assurance of God’s forgiveness impact your approach to dealing with personal shortcomings?
- Consider the prayer’s plea for God’s transformative power in minds and souls. In what areas of your life do you seek transformation and purification? How can discernment help prioritize important matters in interactions with other Christians?
- Reflect on 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “therefore encourage one another and build one another up.” How can you actively contribute to building up and encouraging fellow believers within your church community? What role can the Holy Spirit play in fostering a supportive environment?
- Craft a personal prayer inspired by the themes of this prayer. If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template. Express your own desires for growth, unity, and discernment within the context of your Christian community.
Consider sharing your insights and experiences in the comments below!
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English Standard Version (ESV): Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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