Welcome to Day 18 of 21 Days of Prayer + Fasting 2024. To learn more or purchase a book, visit FoursquarePrayer.org.
Today’s Scripture
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
—Romans 12:3-8 (NKJV)
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
—Romans 12:9-16 (NKJV)
Additional Scripture
Reflect on the Word
God loves diversity, yet He calls us to be one. There is no such thing as private Christianity. As Jesus’ body, if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it. We should share one another’s burdens in other to help lighten them. Likewise, if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. Believers need to be able to empathize with others, to join in their struggles as if they themselves were experiencing them. They should suffer with others, offering kindness, concern, compassion and a shoulder to cry on when needed.
Prayer + Contemplation
- Let us be kind to one another with brotherly love and honor. Pray and ask who you need to offer extra kindness to this week. Write their name down, and ask God to show you how to bring them supernatural kindness.
- Pray for God to remove selfish behavior from the body of Christ.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to perfect us in our oneness with Jesus.
Family moment: The body of Christ
Read Romans 12:3-8. The body of Christ is an amazing part of God’s plan to bless the world. What gift has God given you that you might use to bring unity to your community? Write down one or two things each family member can do this week, and make a plan to bless others. End the time by speaking a blessing over everyone in your family: “Now we are the body of Christ, and each of us is a part of it! Holy Spirit, please give us power to serve others with the gifts we’ve been given.”
