As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 4:10–11
Father,
What good news that each believer has received the gift of the Holy Spirit and has been gifted by him for your Kingdom purposes! What a blessing that we have each been sovereignly placed in our specific local church for partnership. You have truly blessed Christ’s Bride with every spiritual blessing.
As we gather tomorrow may the ones who speak (pastors, elders, preachers, teachers) speak as those who are speaking God’s Word. May they be faithful to properly handle the Word of Truth and to equip the saints for the work of ministry. May they be faithful to announce the Good News of Christ and call those listening to return to God through faith in him.
Most of your people will not teach the Word in the gathering tomorrow, Father, but we will all be responsible to receive it and respond in faith and joyful obedience. Enable us to do so.
For each of your children who have been gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve, may we be faithful to serve in your strength and not our own. May our service be in the gathering, but may it not be limited to the time we assemble. May we be looking for ways to serve the body throughout the week.
May every occasion to speak and serve be done in such a way that in everything you may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
To the Lord Jesus Christ belong glory and dominion forever and ever.
Amen
Consider these passages also: Ephesians 4:7-16; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-13
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