The Importance of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of GraceSample

Praying for Your Church and the Church

READ: Matthew 16:18; Philippians 1:9–11; Revelation 2:4

SOAP: Philippians 1:9–11

And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

Into the text

While it is important to pray fervently for our relationships, families, children, and friends, we must be daily praying for our local church and the Church. The Church is the representative of God to the world. The Holy Spirit works in and through the Church to reach people with the gospel. The Church is not individual people but one body, working together to make Christ known.

In Revelation 2:4, we find John’s letter to the church in Ephesus. The church in Ephesus had departed from their first love: Jesus Christ. In our prayers for the Church, we can pray for continued love and a deep relationship with Jesus. As His Church, we are to remain in Him, no matter the cost.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we find an example of what we can pray for our local churches. Paul prayed the church in Philippi would grow in their knowledge and discernment so they could follow Christ. He prayed for their righteousness to abound so they would be able to share Jesus Christ with the world until He returns.

Christ is the head of the Church, and because of this, the Church is not in danger of being defeated by the enemy. Yet, we must remain fervent in prayer. The war has been won through Christ’s victory, but we continue to pray for the Church through every battle. As we prepare for His return, may we, as the Church, continue to be sincere and blameless until He comes.

Prayer

Jesus, I lift up Your Church today. Allow Your bride to continually be a witness to the world of Your love and power. I pray for my local church to be a light in our community. Make us more like You and keep us from falling away. Guard our hearts and minds as we seek to be sanctified as a body and made more like You. Amen.