One of the things that I do daily is pray for the church. Not just the one I go to, but for God’s church in this world.
In particular, I pray for God’s church in Japan (where I live), and God’s church in the States (where I am a citizen).
Perhaps that’s why Paul’s prayer for the church in Rome really stood out to me today.
Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice. (Romans 15:5-6)
In chapters 14-15, Paul admonishes the church to strive for unity, and then wraps up his admonishment with that prayer.
In many ways, it echoes our Lord’s prayer for the church.
I pray not only for these (disciples), but also for those who believe in me through their word.
May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you.
May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me.
I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one.
I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23)
As I look in the world today, there is a lot of division in the church. We see division inside individual churches, and division between churches.
But Paul’s prayer and Jesus’ prayer was that we would be one. That we would glorify God with one mind and one voice.
Only then will we see this dying world be saved.
So let us welcome each other in love as Christ did with us. (7)
Let us build each other up, looking out for each other’s good. (2)
Let us instruct each other in God’s word. (14)
Let us strive together in prayer. (30)
And let us live in harmony with one another, glorifying God with one mind and one voice. (5-6)
That was Paul’s and Jesus’ prayer for the church in this dying world. Let’s make it ours as well.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 