Episode 95: Romans 12:4-8

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Today’s verse is Romans 12:4-8

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with yourfaith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Let’s pray together.

Jesus, I have two thoughts to bring before You today. The first is that I need reminding of who I am in Your kingdom. I can be so focused on my own individual faith, that I forget I belong to a corporate body. I am a fellow believer with all my brothers and sisters. We are one body, working together to accomplish Your good works. And I want to do my part. I don’t want to be selfish or withdrawn or prideful. Rather, I want to work in harmony, understanding that what I do affects those around me, and I cannot expect to be Your child and not be part of the body of Christ.

The second thought I have is that too often I do not seek out the power of Your Holy Spirit and the amazing gifts He bestows on all believers. These are gifts that manifest naturally and supernaturally, but they all come from You. I cannot pretend that any goodness in me comes from myself for all that I am was created by You. I also cannot hide from the path and the tools You have laid down for me. If I do that, I wallow and diminish and cannot contribute to Your glory. I want to make sure that I seek out what You have given me, Holy Spirit, and learn to use it with Your wisdom, desiring above all, to further Your kingdom and Your will.

So, LORD, today I pray that You build up the church. I pray that all believers, all those saved by Christ Jesus, are working together in harmony. Dispel division and deception. I pray against any work of the devil that would try to inhibit the work of the ekklesia here on this earth. I ask, Jesus, that You work as our Head and help us to do the different things assigned to us, and may it also be cheerfully and with a desire to help those around us. May we be comfortable working together and recognizing the power and the knowledge and skill of our church communities. Help us to step into the gap in areas of community outreach, missions and evangelism, taking care of those around us, discipling and building up each other’s faith, organizing and helping wherever needed, intercession and warfare for each other and the world around us, and the continual praise and worship of our magnificent God and Father. Teach us how to be and may we build each other up in love, led by love of You and love of submitting to Your will, both for ourselves and as a whole. Help us to know Your truth and Your character and to move forward.

And, Spirit, pour out on us! We need You and Your refreshing presence full of comfort and wisdom. We need the gifts that are always generously being bestowed. We need them to do the warfare on this earth You have called us to do, to love You and each other, to build a community of faith, and to reach the lost. I pray we are not afraid of the power that You bestow upon us. We are Your hands and feet. Let us not be boastful of the freedom we receive from You. We are simply tools and instruments used by You. Let us not be indifferent to the need that surrounds us when we have the means to help. None of us have the privilege of hiding from the mission You have called us to. We are warriors in a battle and I pray You equip us to fight.

I pray that You help us in every way to learn about our gifts and to learn how to use them. I pray we are not children drinking milk, but spiritually mature adults, eating the meat that enlightens us and brings us closer to You. May we long for Your presence and Your power and Your purpose. Fall down on us in revival and bring the lost home. Fall down on us in wonders and miracles, revealing who You are and Your true might. Fall down on us in wisdom and knowledge, leading us and protecting us from the schemes of the enemy. Fall down on us in service and encouragement, helping us to bolster and comfort each other through all trouble. I pray especially, Spirit, You fall down on us in healing and wholeness. Too long has the enemy held the world in a spirit of infirmity and deception. Let our hearts and minds and bodies be healed, renewed to serve You, to know truth, and to walk as witnesses of Your glory and soldiers in the fight.

LORD, take charge and lead me today. And may Your Spirit ever fall fresh on me, showing me the way and imbuing me with Your light and power and truth.

I pray this in the powerful and healing and divinely loving name of God. Amen.