Pray for Your Church
Rev. 3:1-6
In our journey along this circular mail route which became the places of seven churches we arrive at the city of Sardis. Full of wealth and position, arrogance and overconfidence, it seemed impregnable which made it an easy target for the enemy. That’s how Jesus pictures this church for us today and our assignment is pray and seek God for any traits that have slipped into our churches. When things look good on the outside it’s easy to get complacent and forget what our mission is: re-presenting Jesus Christ to the world.
His character trait for this church is the relationship of the Holy Spirit (the Sevenfold Spirit of God) and her leaders (the seven stars). Pastors, teachers, ministry leaders, and staff need prayer for a fullness of the Spirit to complete the missions He’s given us. From Jesus’ perspective there’s a spiritual deadness that’s put them to sleep and their hearts are not right before God, however, He doesn’t leave them there. What should they do?
It’s a familiar answer; wake up and repent. They need a spiritual revival in their hearts and minds and only the Holy Spirit can accomplish it. The Church is called the eklessia, in Greek it means that we are set apart from the world; we think differently, act differently, and talk differently. Only the Spirit of Christ can cause the spiritual fruit to grow again, distribute spiritual gifts, and bring about a heart that’s focused on salvation and justice in the world. It’s not about a beautiful facility or Sunday morning attendance, that’s a trap leading to complacency, it’s about your faith leading us to good works.
Jesus recognized the remnant of believers who were, in His eyes, walking with Him in holiness. I’m thinking the prayer warriors, those with servant’s hearts, and those who love their neighbor as much as they love themselves. Our Savior says that’s what His Nike people look like and reward is on the way.
Heavenly Father, I’m praying for the hearts and minds of my church leaders and our people to experience a spiritual revival and wake up from any complacency that’s led to what You see as deadness. Forgive us for any arrogance or overconfidence that’s caused us to forget the hurting world around us. Strengthen our small groups to care not only about ourselves, but about places of injustice finding ways to help the poor, the needy, husbandless women, or fatherless children. I ask You to wake up my church so that our title as Christians means something again, and give out the spiritual gifts we need. Stir up those who are the remnant to show us how to walk in righteousness, give good counsel, explore various ways to help others and walk in the victory You gained for us. Give us ears to hear what You’re saying to us, the power to listen, and understand what our next steps are fulfilling the mission You gave us. In Your Name I pray.
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