1 Corinthians 12:24-27 (NIVUK) But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Afternoon prayers
As we gathered with some of our children to pray within the theme of the week, we were invited to pray for people who were suffering in any way to be made well; we prayed that we can share in the rejoicing of those who are joyful.
We summarised our focus in prayer as
"If one part is honoured ...". We recalled the Apostle Paul's teaching that there are none who are "more equal than others", but some recieve honour - not for themselves, but so that the whole Body of Christ is honoured - we all share the honour of those who are the focus of honour, becasue the honour belongs to Jesus, not the individual member of the Body.
"If one part suffers ..."
We anointed one another as "an outer sign of inner grace" - praying for one another to be made whole and receiving God's restoration and blessing, so that we can be a blessing to others.
We anointed a piece of paper! - as a way of praying for healing, restoration and release from suffering for those who we love but were not present. We also prayed that, through and despite suffering, each of us will discover more o fthe love and presence of Jesus.
Praying for the persecuted church. As well as watching a short video to prompt prayers, we paired up to pray for individual countries where Christians suffer persecution for their faith and freedom of expression.
Afternoon prayers
As we gathered with some of our children to pray within the theme of the week, we were invited to pray for people who were suffering in any way to be made well; we prayed that we can share in the rejoicing of those who are joyful.
We summarised our focus in prayer as
- Praying for people to know Jesus
- Praying for people who need Jesus to make them well
- Praying or people who Jesus
"If one part is honoured ...". We recalled the Apostle Paul's teaching that there are none who are "more equal than others", but some recieve honour - not for themselves, but so that the whole Body of Christ is honoured - we all share the honour of those who are the focus of honour, becasue the honour belongs to Jesus, not the individual member of the Body.
"If one part suffers ..."
We anointed one another as "an outer sign of inner grace" - praying for one another to be made whole and receiving God's restoration and blessing, so that we can be a blessing to others.
We anointed a piece of paper! - as a way of praying for healing, restoration and release from suffering for those who we love but were not present. We also prayed that, through and despite suffering, each of us will discover more o fthe love and presence of Jesus.
Praying for the persecuted church. As well as watching a short video to prompt prayers, we paired up to pray for individual countries where Christians suffer persecution for their faith and freedom of expression.