Day 9 - Pray for the Life and Ministry of Our Congregation

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

The life of the church is lived out in local congregations. While the church around the world has a spiritual unity, the practical unity of the church is local. We, along with many other congregations, develop our own unique church life, worship, and ministry. We get to know one another, find opportunities for common ministry, and serve one another and the community with our energies. It is a wonderful thing to be part of the life of a local congregation.

There are many facets to the life of a congregation. It must be managed effectively. Worship must take priority. The facilities always need attention. Finances must be managed honestly and conservatively. Classes must be taught with knowledgeable teachers. Outreach must be done in the name of Christ. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in the effective management of a local congregation.

Today pray for the life of our congregation. Pray for our pastors, elders, and deacons. Pray for those who teach, whether at an adult, youth, or children’s level. Ask God to give them wisdom and insight to be able to convey the beauty and truth of the gospel of Christ. Pray and thank God for the many faithful servants who contribute in some way to the life of the congregation. Paul reminded us in I Corinthians that the parts of the body that are most visible are not the most important. It is the unseen parts that are necessary. No person in the life of the local church is unimportant. Everyone has a needed part to play.

The world longs to see the kingdom of heaven exhibited in a visible way. This is one of the roles of the church, to make known in its life together the kingdom of God. When we love one another, serve faithfully and humbly, and do our part, we serve this purpose and build up the church. The church is built up by the exercise of spiritual gifts. Whenever we use ours, the church prospers. Pray for the life and ministry of our congregation.