Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
Philippians 1:27-28, emphasis added
Paul was writing to a church he dearly loved, admonishing them to stand firm together – unified by the Spirit of God at work in them. A powerful message then … and still today. Not just to local church bodies but also the Church, the bride of Christ, collective. We need to be standing firm in one spirit, “striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” Fighting amongst ourselves brings no glory to Christ … in fact, He said we’d be known as His disciples as we love one another (John 13:35). Will you join me in praying for unity among the Body of Christ?
Lord, will you cause us to have one spirit, one mind, one heart? Create in us a longing for unity, for oneness in all things. Only You can rebuild the bridges that have separated us, restore the relationships that have been broken. We know it is for Your glory that we work side by side. Cause us, in all things, at all times, to pursue peace with one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
{You might be interested in my book, Prayers from the Pews, as a resource for praying for your church.}
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