The sermon on Sunday, November 4, encouraged us to ?do everything without complaining, ? (Philippians 2:14). Easier said than done, right? Much of the complaining we do comes from differences in personality, background, and measures of faith. We ?re not all at the same level of spiritual maturity; so we experience friction. As we strive be unified in faith and knowledge of Jesus and to be mature (Ephesians 4:13), we need to bridge that gap among us.
While studying Scripture is the most obvious thing we can do on our own, it ?s very likely that overcoming these issues that seem to separate us most dramatically will require divine intervention. In other words, we need to pray for each other. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:18, 19: ?Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. ?
First Paul tells us to pray ?on all occasions with all kinds of prayers. ? Paul restates it simply in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: ?Pray continually. ? If there ?s something bugging you, pray about it whenever and however you can.
Second, Paul tells us to ?be alert ? and always pray for each other. We need to pay attention to the hurts and needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ and then pray for each other. If you don ?t know about the specific needs within our church, come to the Wednesday afternoon prayer meeting from 1:15 to 2:15 in Mark ?s office. Everyone is welcome.
Last, Paul asks for prayer for himself as he ministers. We ?re all ministering in different ways among different people. Since we all have different measures of faith and understanding of Scriptures, perhaps the most effective way to spread the Gospel is to pray that God will give each of us the right words in any and all circumstances. I know I need the help.