A Prayer About Church

When I gather with my brothers and sisters in Christ

DEAR SAVIOR,

You told Peter and the other disciples that you would build your church, the assembled gathering of those who have trusted you as Savior, and that all of hell’s powers will not be able to stop it. I love your church—universal and local. As a collection of human beings, we are fallible and sinful, yet you have called us together and given us the challenge and opportunity to represent you on earth and to spread your word. Since we are your body, the world should see you in us, and I pray that they do. Thank you for my brothers and sisters in the faith; we are one, regardless of the specific churches we attend. And thank you for my local body of believers, where we can worship, learn, and serve together and challenge and encourage one another. Through the years my fellow believers have provided so much comfort and direction for me. Please strengthen and empower our pastor and other church leaders. Empower me to make your church your home, being true to the Word and glorifying you in all we do.

God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. Ephesians 1:22-23