Praying for Unity

The Unity of the Lord’s Church

Praying for Unity

John 17:20-23 (ESV)
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
Starting Prayer
Dear Lord, as I delve into Your Word today, I humbly seek Your guidance and understanding. Grant me insight into the importance of unity within Your church, that I may grow in wisdom and faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Background
John 17 contains Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, offered to the Father on behalf of His disciples just before His crucifixion. In these verses, Jesus prays not only for His immediate disciples but also for all believers who would come to faith through their testimony. He earnestly petitions for unity among believers, echoing the profound unity between Himself and the Father. This prayer emphasizes the essential role of unity within the body of Christ and its impact on the world's perception of Him.
Be Encouraged
Jesus' prayer for unity underscores the significance of harmony and oneness among believers. Just as the unity between the Father and the Son is foundational to the nature of God, so too should unity characterize His church. When the body of Christ is unified, it reflects God's glory and manifests His love to the world, drawing others to faith. Therefore, let us prioritize reconciliation, humility, and love in our interactions with fellow believers, seeking to preserve the bond of peace within the body of Christ.
Furthermore, unity among believers fosters effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission. As Jesus prayed, unity among believers leads to the world recognizing God's love and His redemptive work through Christ. When we stand together in unity, we become powerful witnesses of God's transforming grace, compelling others to believe in Him. Let us, therefore, strive for unity of the church of Christ, knowing that it glorifies God and advances His kingdom.
Additional Verses
- Ephesians 4:3 (ESV) - "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
- Romans 15:5-6 (ESV) - "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Invitation
I invite you to join me in prayer for unity within the body of Christ. Let us seek reconciliation, love, and humility, knowing that our unity reflects God's glory and draws others to faith. If you are in a denomination, Christ's prayer is not for unity in diversity of religious beliefs, but unity in faith, doctrine and practice, based on the Bible. Why not denounce denominationalism and embrace the simple Christianity that life in Christ brings? I invite you to visit a church of Christ nearest to you and experience simple Christianity. May we be diligent in preserving the bond of peace and proclaiming the message of Christ's love to the world.
Concluding Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being part of Your church. Help us to heed Jesus' prayer for unity, striving to maintain harmony and oneness among believers. May our unity be a testimony to Your love and draw others to faith in Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen.
May the Lord bless your day.

Theodore J. Quist
Evangelist
Church of Christ
Abokobi - Accra
Ghana

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