A Prayer For You Today

Dear Friends,

On the 150th anniversary of All Souls Church, located in central London, John Stott concluded his sermon with a dream of what the church could be under God. The first time I read it, I turned into a prayer. I apologize for it has been too long since I prayed this over WCC.

Over the next few weeks, I will send these prayers out theme by theme. The first prayer will follow this past Sunday's sermon on the opening verses of Acts chapter 6.

A prayer for you today

Father, I pray that this local church, and all churches that belong to Christ, is a serving church dash that has seen Christ as a servant and has heard his call to be a servant, too.

A church You keep delivering from self-interest turned inside out and giving itself selflessly to the service of others.

A church whose members obey Christ's commands to live in the world and permeate secular society; a church that is the salt of the earth and the light of the world, whose people share the good news of Jesus simply naturally and enthusiastically with their friends, and a church diligently serving its own body, community, and colleagues at work families and single people, older folks, and little children.

Finally, Father, please give us the grace to help us be alert to the changing needs of society, sensitive and flexible enough to keep adapting its program to serve more usefully. Please give us a global vision to the praise of your glory. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

May God bless you. You are so dear to Him.

Pastor Joe