[Please join me in praying for Christ’s Church on Sundays this year.]
We give you thanks that we have been made messengers of the wonderful news of Jesus Christ by the gift of empowering grace that works through us so that we can boldly preach this wonderful message to all, sharing with them the unfading, inexhaustible riches of Christ, which are beyond comprehension. Today we ask you to kindle the passionate fire to enlighten every person in every part of your Church to this divine mystery. We know that your perfectly wise plan was destined from eternal ages and fulfilled completely in our Lord Jesus Christ, so that now we have boldness through him, and free access as kings before the Father because of our complete confidence in Christ’s faithfulness. God, help your Church remain strong and not be discouraged or ashamed by the sufferings, trials, or struggles of this world. Help us boldly move forward, empowered and guided by Holy Spirit, to be Salt Light in a world that desperately needs to hear Good News and Hope.
We kneel humbly in awe before you, the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, the perfect Father of every father and child. And we pray that you would unveil within us, your Church, the unlimited riches of your glory and favor until supernatural strength floods our innermost being with your divine might and explosive power. Release the life of Christ from deep inside us, so the resting place of your love will become the very source and root of our lives. Empower us to discover how deeply intimate and far-reaching is your love! How enduring and inclusive it is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding—this extravagant love pours into us until we are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!
May we never doubt your mighty power to work in us and accomplish all this. You will achieve infinitely more than our greatest request, our most unbelievable dream, and exceed our wildest imagination! You will outdo them all, for your miraculous power constantly energizes your Church. Now we offer up to you, God, all the glorious praise that rises from every church in every generation through Jesus Christ—and all that will yet be manifest through time and eternity. Amen!
(adapted from Ephesians 3 TPT)