Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 12:4

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

1 Corinthians 12:27

Prayer Points

What is one of your strengths? Thank God for it and pray that you will have opportunities to use it to serve others.

What is one of your weaknesses? Trust God with this and look for ways that will enable others serve.

Pray for meaningful co- operation within your church and likewise between churches in your area. Unity across the body of Christ is something which enables non-believers to see the truth that Jesus came from God. (John 17:21) Pray that this will happen.

     DAY 37 : CO-OPERATING

There was once a man who had seven sons. The first was strong as an ox; the second was fast and could outrun all the others; the third was quiet, preferring to read and study; the fourth was skilled with his hands; the fifth was easy-going; the sixth was tender-hearted and compassionate; and the seventh son loved to sing, but he was crippled in one leg.

The father loved each one, admiring their strengths and abilities. Together they would make a strong community. Soon, as is the case in parables, the time came for him to go on a long journey. He told his sons to work together: the strength of one helping the weakness of the other.

However, on his return, he found that each son had simply drawn close to others like himself. The strong son lived in a well-fortified town with others who were strong. The swift son had formed a hunting group. The third son had found others of an academic bent and was spending his time debating and learning. And so it went on.

The father was concerned how his seventh son had survived because his brothers had left him. However the seventh son knew he was weak, but also knew he could sing. He sought out others and together they built a loving community where the strength of one helped the weakness of another. The only way to join was an admission of need and a willingness to help.

The truth this story illustrates is that across congregations and churches it is co-operation, not perfection that achieves the effective functioning of the body.

Pray

*    Pray for your ‘big issue’

*    Pray for your ‘three friends’

*    Pray for a new wave of revival.