The Source

There are so many different churches and denominations and variations of the denominations that it’s pretty much impossible to keep track of them all. And the fact, however sad it may be, is that unity is not generally the first word that comes to mind when you think of them all together. In fact, it might often be the opposite – discord.

The problem is that so many churches have turned to wrong sources to find their identity. They’re turned to pastor’s agendas and niche issues to be the driving force of their mission. Often times God and Jesus taking second chair to whatever issue they have chosen to champion. Not that there aren’t important issues the church needs to be behind. There most definitely are. But they’re not the main thing.

They called on God for unity and harmony in the ranks.

²⁰ “I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their testimony, ²¹ that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me. (John 17:20-21)

The only way to ensure that we are are the right track in our church or any church is to make sure that our source for everything. This prayer wasn’t just a prayer of the early church, it was Jesus’ prayer for us – the church.

Jesus prays for us that we will all be one. Just as Jesus is in the Father and the Father is in Jesus, he prays that we will be in them (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) in the same way. And when we are, there we will find unity and harmony. It is impossible to be divided when we are in them. It is only when we start to get outside of them that we find discord.

Pray for us all to be In the Father, In the Son and In the Holy Spirit in the same way that they are unified.

The Three for Morning, Afternoon and Evening.

“Now for Next” Prayer

What do we need to do now as a church to be ready for what God has for us next.

“What’s My Role” Prayer

Pray for God to show us the role we will play individually in accomplishing that mission.

The Conclusion

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.