For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,
but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 14:17 NIV)
Lord God, I feel like I need to pray for your Church. I find myself judging people that I don’ think live up to your Kingdom principles – and then having to repent for that judgment, and, instead pray for them. So, how do you want me to pray for them?
Some places in my Church are so lacking in Word and Spirit I have had to take my hand of blessing from them. They might be gatherings of social and moral people who think they know me, but they do not.
Like the Church at Sardis? “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.” (Revelation 3:1-3 NIV).
Yes, Child. But keep reading that scripture.
“Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.” (Revelation 3:4-5 NIV). So, there are people even in spiritually “dead” churches who are alive?
Yes, my Child. Remember, you can only see the outward; I see the inward and the heart. Be careful in your judgements of local churches. Only I can see all and judge all.
Yes, Lord.
There are other churches who are genuinely seeking me. They are preaching, teaching, and living my Word and Spirit. They are doing their best to live in my flow of righteousness, peace, and joy. They are making disciples and teaching them how to share my Love, Peace, and Grace with the world. They are helping widows and orphans, doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with me. They see healings, signs, wonders, and miracles. None is perfect, but I love and am proud of all those that seek ME and my Kingdom first.
So, pray that your Kingdom would be the first priority in all these that call themselves “churches”?
Yes, Child. That is a good place to start.
AMEN. So be it.
God,
Give us hearts that are pure, minds focused on your Word and Spirit, and spiritual ears to hear your Holy Spirit that helps us pray for your Church. Pour out your Spirit on your people so we are full of faith, sharing the Good News with great joy to those around us. In this day and hour rise up your Church to stand firm on your foundation, and be Love and Light to the world, we ask in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6 AMP)
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9 NIV)
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God. (Micah 6:8 NIV)
Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. (Acts 2:22 NIV)