A Prayer About The Temple Of The Holy Spirit

When I recognize God’s holy presence in all believers

HOLY SPIRIT,

Every person I meet bears the image of the Creator. You value all of them, so I should treat them with respect and honor. And every person who has trusted Christ as Savior is your child, my brother or sister in the faith. You live in each of us individually and corporately—we are your temple. I read harsh words in 1 and 2 Corinthians about what happens to those who would destroy this place. I admit that I have come close, with feelings of animosity toward certain Christian family members. I haven’t acted on those feelings, but I have been mentally composing nasty letters and cutting comments. Forgive me, Lord. I love the church, but loving individual members is often quite difficult. So please work on my attitude, emotions, and mind, I pray. I am quick to forgive myself when I do what others don’t appreciate—I have excuses at the ready. So why don’t I give others the same benefit of the doubt? Help me glorify you by loving them, as all together we are your temple.

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17