Tuesday August 22, 2023

Today is Tuesday, August 22 and we are studying what the Bible says about community.

In the morning I seek quiet moments of solitude and holy silence. I center my whole being on the God who loves me. My soul hungers and thirsts for the sweet presence and blessed companionship of the Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, my soul longs for you. Fill the emptiness of my lonely heart, embrace me in your goodness, take my hand and guide my steps on this pilgrim journey. Amen.

In the morning I praise God with the ancient words of Psalm 133, a Psalm of Ascent.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing,even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1-3

Pause and Pray

In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul encourages us to walk worthy of the life to which we have been called as believers in Christ (Ephesians 4:1). Paul teaches that we walk in community, we do not walk alone. We walk with other believers. Together, like pilgrims on a long journey, we progress toward holiness among a vast number of companions. We belong to a community of believers who are there to support and encourage one another. We need each other to mature in the faith. Paul tells us how to walk together.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:2-6, 11-13

Journeying together as a community of believers gives the Body of Christ stability and strength. I need other Christians if I am to mature in the faith. I can become my true self only in relationship with other Christ-followers. John Wesley called that “social holiness.” We need other Christians in order to reach the destination of the Christian life. We are to “watch over one another in love” (Wesley), grow strong in Christ and learn to walk like Christ.

Ask: Am I walking the Christian journey alone or with fellow believers? How might I better engage with my church community to help me grow in faith?

Pause and Pray

God, thank you for the blessings of Christian community. Forgive me for the times I have not appreciated or neglected my relationships with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me learn to be humble, gentle and patient – bearing with others in love. Let me be someone who maintains unity and brings peace. Show me how to serve my church and build it up faithfully. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:2-6, 11-13

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Today God is speaking to me about my relationships with other Christians. I recall those who have inspired my faith in the past and I give God thanks for them. I name those who are my current friends in the faith and I give God thanks for them. I ask God to bring new friends into my life and bless me with relationships in the future. As I ruminate on today’s scripture, I consider what God might want to reveal about my current relationship with my church family. Perhaps there is a greater need for me to patiently bear with someone in love. Maybe there is a need for me to more fully utilize my gifts in service. Perhaps I am to work for unity in the church or build up my church for Jesus.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, come and shine your life on my Christian community. I invite the Holy Spirit to show me those with whom I am to travel this pilgrim road. Bless these relationships and teach me how to love my brothers and sisters, faithfully serve them, work against divisions and foster peace. Amen.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10

I leave this time of prayer blessed by my Christian community. Alongside them, I go to love others and serve the world in Jesus’ name.

Amen