Scripture Reading
Ephesians 2:19
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
Reflection
Paul writes to Gentiles who had been outsiders to the covenant of Israel — far off, foreign, excluded. And now: fellow citizens, household members. The church is not a club of like-minded people but a reconciled family of former strangers. Wherever you came from, whatever distance you felt before, you have been brought near.
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You that we are celebrating this church anniversary. We thank You that we are all One in Christ, and we pray that as members of Your body, Your Holy Spirit would knit us together in the bonds of unity and love.
Lord, You have promised that You are the One that would build Your Church and we ask that You would continue to equip each of us, both individually and corporately with the talents and gifts that may be used to Your praise and glory for the edification of the rest of the saints of God.
Protect us from the wiles of the enemy who seeks to destroy and cause divisions among Your body. Help us to be sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable and gentle one towards each other. Let us not be motivated by selfishness but in humility may we seek to regard the needs and necessities of others before our own.
Give wisdom to the elders and deacons and give wisdom to those that teach and a teachable spirit to those that listen. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all this day and for ever. In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.
Lord, You have promised that You are the One that would build Your Church and we ask that You would continue to equip each of us, both individually and corporately with the talents and gifts that may be used to Your praise and glory for the edification of the rest of the saints of God.
Protect us from the wiles of the enemy who seeks to destroy and cause divisions among Your body. Help us to be sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable and gentle one towards each other. Let us not be motivated by selfishness but in humility may we seek to regard the needs and necessities of others before our own.
Give wisdom to the elders and deacons and give wisdom to those that teach and a teachable spirit to those that listen. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all this day and for ever. In Jesus' name we pray,
Amen.
Amen.