Scripture
Titus 2:14
Jesus gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Colossians 1:9-10
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Ephesians 1:15-23
For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Reflection
The church is a precious thing to God; a people for His own possession. The local church is, therefore, so much more than a gathering place for Christians. We are the people of God who represent Him to the watching world. Thus, we should always be asking: How can we worship Jesus more purely? How can we reflect His love more deeply? How can we fulfill His great purposes more passionately?
Prayer
Pray for all churches.
Pray for those who lead the church to be filled with the truth and grace of Jesus. Pray for the witness of every church to reflect a loving gospel witness in their community. Pray for the churches facing persecution, that God will sustain them and deliver them.
Pray for your church.
Pray for your pastors and elders, that they will serve well as overseers of the church God has called them to lead. Pray for your fellow members, that you will all be unified together in truth, love, and purpose. Pray for yourself, that you will serve sacrificially to ensure that you are a great blessing to your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Pray for churches in Madison and Ridgeland.
Pray that we will be united together in fulfilling the Great Commission in the greater Jackson area. Pray that we will respond with urgency to the 70% of our neighbors who are disengaged from the local church. Pray that Harvest Church will be a blessing to this community for generations to come.
