Praying Ephesians 4:11-16

πŸ””

 

I join with all who are praying *
to the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Opening Prayer 

From every sin, *
from the crafts and assaults of the Devil,

from heresy and pernicious doctrine, *
from envy and ill-will to the brethren,

from impurity of body and soul, *
from indifference in the service of God,

and from all evil spirits, *
deliver us, good Lord.

- Litany of the Holy Spirit

 

Observe a time of silence before the Lord
(1 – 5 minutes)

 

πŸ””

 

Scriptural Theme

Lord Jesus, build up your church until we all reach unity in the faith, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

 

Sing to the Lord a song of praise
(acapella, or accompanied by instruments / recorded music)

 

πŸ””

 

Praying Ephesians 4:11-16 (New International Version)

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. *
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

 

Response to the Scripture

You, Oh God, are reconciling all things to yourself in Christ Jesus.  Help us to walk in the ministry of reconciliation, bringing all things under your kingdom - to the glory of your Name.

 

Draw near to God’s throne of grace
with the thanksgivings, prayers, & intercessions that are on your heart

 

πŸ””

 

The Spirit and the Bride say *
β€œCome!”

Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly. *
Lord Jesus, build up your church until we all reach unity in the faith, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

 

Praise / prayer / silence / sing a new song

(follow the leading of the Holy Spirit)

 

πŸ””

 

Ending Prayer

Dear God, thank you for warm summer nights and candlelight and good food.  But thank you most of all for friends.  We appreciate the complicated and wonderful gifts you give us in each other.  And we appreciate the task you put down before us, of loving each other the best we can, even as you love us.  We pray in Christ's name, Amen.

- "The Preacher" from Because of Winn-Dixie

 

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

( Adapted by Christ the Reconciler from Season 7: Reconciliation Bridge Prayer – β€œEntering into the Unity of the Trinity” )